Exulting in God’s Creative Power And Glory

Exulting in God’s Creative Power And Glory

ex·ult (ĭg-zŭlt’) To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant. Obsolete To leap upward, especially for joy. American Heritage Dictionary

Creation And Exultation

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom 1:18-21) KJV

The sin of mankind is the sin of not exulting in the Creator. The above text tells us that God’s glory, greatness, power, and worth are displayed in and to His creation. This is especially true for man. God’s making man was the crowning act of creation, and he was made for the purpose of honoring God. Man’s knowledge of God obligates him to exult in His Creator. The fact that man has turned his affections and trust elsewhere is why he is under condemnation. How sad it is that we are able to see the beauties and power of God on display, yet choose to rejoice in things of lesser beauty and worth!

Exulting In Thanksgiving

We live in an odd world today. We set aside on day out of the year to give thanks, and many people do not thank God even then. Others feel that there is no one for whom they should be thankful. The truth is that, among all of God’s creatures, man has the unique capacity to be thankful. Our text tells us that gratitude should be something we do by nature. Seeing that we receive our very breath from God should cause us to thank Him (See Matt 5:44,45;Acts 14;15-17;17:24-28). As we look around the world and behold the beauties of nature, and see God’s power on display, our enjoyment of these things should cause our hearts to overflow with songs of thanks to the Lord. It is only natural and right to thank the One who gives us joy. The Psalmist said, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Ps 100:1-5) KJV What a magnificent way to call a people to worship! Our thankfulness should be expressed with great joy and singing. We are to come into His presence reminding ourselves that He is our Creator and Provider. We are to come into His presence with thanksgiving and bless the very name of God. Why? Because this great and mighty Creator is good: He is ever compassionate and endures forever.

Rejoicing In God’s Creative Power

In one sense, it would seem that this is actually a redundancy. After all, we have seen that the beauties of nature point us to God and call upon us to be thankful to Him. What we must see now, however, is that the world in which we live displays the great power and the wisdom of God. For this wise power we must be grateful. As Jeremiah reflected on certain promises and prophecies that were given to him by God he expressed his joyful faith in God by saying, “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name, Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jer 32:17-19) KJV Jeremiah states that God is great in counsel and mighty in work. Why is this so? Because the God who created the worlds cannot be less than omnipotent. God does as He pleases (Ps 115:1-3;135:5,6). This great power that is used so benevolently should cause us to stand in awe of God. The truth that God’s limitless power is lovingly expressed to His people should cause us to love Him and rejoice in Him more and more. “ The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.” (Ps 28:7,8 ) KJV

Exulting In God’s Wisdom

“O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” (Ps 104:24-33) KJV

Have you ever considered the intelligence and wisdom that were involved in the creation of this world? Have you ever thought about the fact that the same intelligence and wisdom is involved in the sustaining of this world. Every creature has its habitat for which it is fitted. The creatures of this world have food to eat, and are dependent upon God to give them this food. The exceptions to the rule of creation being provided for proves the rule. We expect to have enough food and sustenance. Why? Because God is our benevolent Creator who has consistently provided for us since the world began. God has ordained that it be thus so that He will receive the glory for His great wisdom. As we view the beauty of a small flower, the perfectness of a newborn child, the majesty of the mountains, the raging power of the rivers, and even things that are invisible to the naked eye, we see on display the wise work of God. When we contemplate the supernatural wisdom that is on display all around us we cannot but rejoice that there is such a God with such abilities to work in such a manner as He does. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom 11:33-36) KJV

Exulting In The Creator By Willful Worship

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” (Ps 95:1-7) KJV

Our maker is the Supreme God. He is the God of all gods. There is truly none other than He. This great God, our Maker, speaks well of us: He calls us His people, and His sheep. He kindly and lovingly cares for us. All the while He cares for us and supplies our needs, He rules all of the world. Whether it is the deep places of the earth where human eyes have never seen, or if it is the majestic mountains with all their grandeur, God holds all of these in His hands. This simply means that they are under His care and control. In the midst of such apparent busy-ness, God thinks upon you and me. That is an amazing thought. It was a thought that drove the Psalmist to much praise and adoration (See Ps 8). While the great, exalted nature of God would be cause enough for us to worship Him, we worship Him also because He condescends to notice us and care for us. Let us therefore, bow down to Him. We should willfully kneel before Him acknowledging His glorious might, wisdom, and love. At the same time, we should sing glad praises to Him, making a joyful noise. Why? We should do so because the knowledge of such a God should enrapture our souls with great delight. Let us choose to worship God our Creator.

Exultation As Whole-Hearted Trust

Our exultation in the creative power of God will often express itself as whole-hearted trust. In fact, we cannot please God without this trust. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6) KJV It is absolutely essential that we trust God to bless those who seek Him. If we do not trust God in this manner we shall neither receive anything from God (James 1:5-8), nor will we please God. We certainly shall not be able to face life with courage and boldness. For this reason, we are exhorted “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:19) KJV

Exulting In God’s Benevolence

When God created the world He provided for our joy. In fact, all things that come our way in life are for our joy. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Tim 6:17) KJV Adam was given a perfect, and amazingly wonderful garden from which he could eat of the fruit of all the trees, including the tree of life. There was only one prohibition, but please notice that there was amazing permission before the single prohibition. “The Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen 2:15-17) KJV Just as Adam could have enjoyed God’s benevolence by trusting His benevolent offer (and the prohibition) and partaking of all that He offered, so we, too, can enjoy God through the gifts that He gives us for that purpose.

 

The End For Which God Created The World

The End For Which God Created The World

God’s Passion For His Glory

Just as surely as God is gloriously happy, He is passionate about showing His glory to others and being honored thereby. As He spoke with Moses, the LORD stated that His name would ever be remembered. “Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex 3:13-15) KJV God will ever be remembered and glorified as the great “I Am.” He alone exists by His own power and might. He has stated “as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” (Num 14:21) KJV God’s determination is that His great joy in Himself be known to all creatures. He has also told us “ I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa 42:8 ) KJV

Is it any wonder that God is passionate for His glory? His very nature is eternal and His glorious joy lasts forever. “His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.” (Ps 72:17-19) KJV The Psalmist is declaring that the glory of God will be recognized by men in all ages. Not only so, but the glorious name of God will endure forever and ever. This means that the fame of God will be broadcast, recognized, and enjoyed in all eternity. It is for this reason that God does all that He does. “Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” (Ps 111:1-4) KJV God works for the express purpose of being remembered. All that God does is for His glory and fame.

God’s Purpose In Creation

God’s creation of the world was also calculated to demonstrate His glories. “ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom 11:33-36) KJV The eternal self-sufficiency of God as well as His infinite wisdom and knowledge are displayed in His creation to the end that man will see His greatness. The cycles of the seasons demonstrate the goodness of God (See Acts 14:17). The fact that man is unable to search out all of the mysteries of the universe is a testimony to the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom 11:33-36). When we receive rain and sunshine from Heaven and are not sent a bill for it we are reminded that we cannot give God anything to make Him indebted to us (Matt 5:44,45 cp. Rom 11:35). God created all things for the pleasure of honoring His own name. “ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:10,11) KJV This pleasure in His name being honored is seen in the statement “ He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered…” (Ps 111:4) KJV Let us, as we wander through this world, never cease to remember that the beauty, order, and power that are on display in this world point us to the matchless beauty and glory of God.

God’s Purpose For Mankind

Man, being the crown of God’s creation, was created for a special purpose. That purpose is to glorify God in a way that all other creatures cannot. “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Gen 1:26-28 ) KJV Man, being made in the image of God, is to show forth the nature and character of God in an intelligent, personal manner. Man is the only creature who was made with personal intelligence. Man is bears the imprint of God upon his person. Man is uniquely able to interact with God and is thus uniquely able to represent God to the world by showing the personal, glorious attributes of God to the world. It is for this reason that we read of God saying, “

I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isa 43:7) KJV

Having created man to give Him glory, God righteously condemns all who do not give glory to Him. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom 1:18-21) KJV Why is man condemned for not giving glory to God? Man is not thankful for all of the good things that are given to him by this benevolent Creator. In fact, he does not even honor this Creator as God. Yet man knows that there is a glorious God; man knows that this glorious God is his Creator and is to be honored. It is for this reason God’s wrath is upon those who do not glorify Him. This, too, points to the fact that God created man to give Him glory.

God even works in men’s lives for the purpose of being glorified. “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” (Ps 30:11,12) KJV God works in the lives of men to give them joy that He might receive the praise and honor for His goodness toward men. The very reason that the Psalmist’s grief was replaced with great joy and gladness was so that he would sing praise to the Lord. Let us not forget that, while we live in a world that is cold, dark, and filled with trouble and grief, God is at work to glorify Himself by giving great joy to all who trust Him. That is why the child of God can say with assurance “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 ) KJV It is often difficult to trust in God and His wise plan for our lives. It is a matter of fact that human nature revolts against pain and suffering and often wonders how a good God can permit (and even send) these things. In the end, however, God is able (and will) use all of these things not just for His glory, but for the eternal joy of His people. That is His promise and His passion. He will not fail to do so. Paul spoke with confidence saying “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38,39) KJV We, too, can rejoice knowing that neither cancer, nor heart disease, nor death of a spouse, nor death of a child, nor any other catastrophic even shall be able to prevent our loving God from glorifying Himself by giving us His joy forever. With this confidence we can obey the command “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  (1 Thess 5:18 ) KJV

Application

What, then, is the duty of man in response to this truth? Charles H. Spurgeon’s Puritan Catechism speaks of man’s duty in this manner: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” [ (A PURITAN CATECHISM compiled by C.H. Spurgeon

AGES Software Albany, OR USA Version 1.0 © 1997) ( See here also.)] We have indeed seen that this is the purpose for which God has made us. How shall this then be lived? How do we act upon this truth? First of all, we must rid ourselves of human pride as much as is possible and rejoice in the LORD. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” (Jer 9:23,24) KJV We must always remember that all that we have is a gift to us from God. Our joy and rejoicing should not be in the gifts, but in the One who gave us the gifts. The gifts simply represent a small portion of His glorious greatness. His gifts are given to us that we might enjoy Him and trust in Him (See 1Tim 6:15-19). We should be grateful for the gifts given to us, but we should only rejoice in the fact that we know God. God is exalted when we rejoice in Him. In fact, prayer is given to us for our joy and God’s glory. Jesus said, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24) KJV We are to pray that we might rejoice. Jesus also told us “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) KJV Not only should we pray that we might rejoice in receiving that for which we prayed, but we also are to pray that we may receive that for which we asked to the end that God would be glorified. Thus, God is exalted when we rejoice in Him.

This of course brings us to another crucial issue: faith. If we are to please God we must have faith in Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6) KJV Faith gives glory to God (See Rom 4:20). Why is this so? Faith gives glory to God because it is trusting God’s wisdom, goodness, power, will to bless us, and His faithfulness to His Word. When we have faith it also means that we are not lifted up in ourselves and our abilities (See Hab 2:4). Faith does not exalt self, but it exalts God. It is no wonder, then, that God will not be pleased except we have faith in Him. Let us fully trust in the Lord that He is indeed the gloriously happy God who does all things well for those who trust Him.

Finally, we should praise God. “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps 29:1,2) KJV Praise is not something that is perfunctorily given. Praise that is done for sake of duty alone is hollow and hypocritical. We praise that which we enjoy. Thus it is that the Psalmist said “ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” (Ps 63:5,6) KJV True praise is born out of joy. When we enjoy something, or when we love someone, praise comes easily and naturally. It is common to say “Wasn’t that a beautiful sunrise? Or “Isn’t she a lovely baby?” We praise because we have joy in the object which we praise. Praise is, in a sense, the consummation of the joy we have in something, or someone. Joy is not complete unless we share it. Thus it is with praise to God. When we enjoy God we praise Him. It is not only a duty to praise, but true praise is also a delight.

There are many other ways in which we can give God glory. Let us seek to heed the admonition of the beloved apostle who said, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31) KJV

 

Of Cancer, God’s Glory, and Our Joy

How do you respond if a loved one learns that they have what is possibly terminal cancer?  That is what I’ve been considering today.

The truth is, one does not form a theology of pain, suffering, grief, and loss in ten minutes.  Normally it is not formed within twenty-four hours.

It is because I have studied the issue of the sovereign goodness and glory of God for a number of years that I have determined the following:

God works in men’s lives for the purpose of being glorified. “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” (Ps 30:11,12) KJV God works in the lives of men to give them joy that He might receive the praise and honor for His goodness toward men. The very reason that the Psalmist’s grief was replaced with great joy and gladness was so that he would sing praise to the Lord. Let us not forget that, while we live in a world that is cold, dark, and filled with trouble and grief, God is at work to glorify Himself by giving great joy to all who trust Him. That is why the child of God can say with assurance “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 ) KJV It is often difficult to trust in God and His wise plan for our lives. It is a matter of fact that human nature revolts against pain and suffering and often wonders how a good God can permit (and even send) these things. In the end, however, God is able (and will) use all of these things not just for His glory, but for the eternal joy of His people. That is His promise and His passion. He will not fail to do so. Paul spoke with confidence saying “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38,39) KJV We, too, can rejoice knowing that neither cancer, nor heart disease, nor death of a spouse, nor death of a child, nor any other catastrophic even shall be able to prevent our loving God from glorifying Himself by giving us His joy forever.  With this confidence we can obey the command “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  (1 Thess 5:18 ) KJV

I do not know what the future may hold for me and my family.  I do know that God is gloriously good, and that He is committed to glorifying Himself by causing us to rejoice in Him.

I must simply learn to appreciate God and find that joy that He has for me in all circumstances.

Just musing…

 

The Joy of God in Himself

The Joyful, Self-Sufficient Glory of God

God is happy being God. Does that shock you? Does it surprise you that God and joy can be spoken of in the same breath? Well, they can. In fact, God is the epitome of joy. “ Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Ps 16:11) KJV Heaven itself is a joy filled place. Why? Because God is joyful. Because of this truth, gospel preaching should be preaching that leads us to joy. Why? Because the gospel is good news of God’s glory (See 1Tim 1:11 which can be translated “the gospel of the glory of the blessed/happy God.”). The gospel tells us that God is happy and wants to share that joy with us. What greater news can there be? After all, to reword an old saying “If God ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” On the other hand, if God is happy, the whole world can be happy!

God’s Self-Sufficient Joy

Why is God happy? God is pleased being God. God is pleased because He alone is God and is ruler over all. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1Tim 6:16,16) KJV In all of the universe there is no god other than the God of the Holy Scriptures.

With the above truth in mind, let us examine first of all that God alone self-sufficient. When Moses inquired of the name of the God who was sending him to lead Israel out of Egypt God replied as follows: “ I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex 3:14,15) KJV God’s name and memorial (synonymous terms for God’s fame) are based upon the fact that He is the I AM. God exists by His own power. No one gives God breath, or life, or anything that He needs. Not only so, but He is alone in His self-sufficiency. There is no other god to compare to Him (See Deut 6:4;Jer 10:10-16). God glories in being JEHOVAH, the self-sufficient, all-sufficient God. “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa 42:8 ) KJV God has no lack, because He is by nature self-sufficient. Thus God is satisfied and happy being God.

God’s Sovereign Joy

God is happy because He is sovereign. That is, God rules over all and is happy being that ruler. As we read the Psalms we find that the Psalmist very often exults in God and His character. One characteristic of God in which the Psalmist rejoices is His sovereignty which sets Him apart from all else that is called god. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Ps 115:1-3) KJV God does what pleases Himself. Notice this, now: whatever God does is simply because He is pleased to do it. When it is done, God remains pleased. Contrast that with us humans. We are often kept from doing those things which please us. When we do those things which please us, we are often not pleased with the results. God is not so. “ I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Ps 135:5,6) KJV We read that God’s sovereignty is not hindered, neither is He prohibited from doing that which pleases Him. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa 46:-11) KJV There is nothing that can stop the sovereign exuberance of God.

Perfect Joy

God’s joy is a perfect joy that is undimmed by any circumstance or person. God’s joy cannot be diminished, because God is eternal in nature (See Ps 90:1,2;Isa 57:15). Being eternal, God is undiminished in every aspect of His being. This is why the Psalmist said, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” ( Ps 16:11) KJV In fact, the Scriptures speak of God as incorruptible and immortal; meaning that He cannot decay or become diminished in any manner. Thus it is that God is happy because He is perfect. Not only so, but whatever He does is perfect. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (De 32:4 ) KJV Thus it is the God is pleased in who He is and in all that He does.

Gospel And Joy

Why is it good news to us that God is gloriously happy? First of all, we could expect no joy for ourselves if God were not happy. At the same time, however, we’ve not rejoiced in the glorious joy of God. We are sinners. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23 ) KJV Not only have we sinned, but we’ve sinned in a specific way: we have not given God glory (See Rom 1:21). Neither have we loved God supremely as He commands us to do (See Matt 22:35-40). “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19,20) KJV This condemnation ends in eternal death as seen in Rev 20:11-15. The reason the joy of God is good news for us is that , in the midst of all of this sin and death, Jesus came as a man and made it possible for us to be reconciled to God. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2Cor 5:19) KJV We now have access back into the joy of God. In fact, as Jesus walked the earth, He stated that He had come and spoken to us that our joy might be a joy like His joy. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) KJV In the end, Jesus plans to take us into His joy forever. His prayer for us was, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) KJV Jesus desires us to forever be with Him in the place where there is fullness of joy. This is why He will declare to His own “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt 25:21) KJV

These things being true, come to the fountain of the water of life (Rev 21:6;22:17 ) and drink. Come to the bread of life and eat. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) KJV

 

The Filling With The Holy Spirit

The Filling With The Holy Spirit

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph 5:18 ) KJV

Be Filled With The Spirit

As we study the filling with the Holy Spirit it is essential that we recognize that the Scripture never commands us to seek the baptism with the Spirit of God. The command of this passage is to be filled with the Spirit. In fact, what we do notice as something that is the norm throughout the book of Acts is the fact that men were spoken of as being filled with the Spirit instead of experiencing the baptism with the Spirit as a sort of second blessing. It is especially important for us to notice that, for the New Testament Christian, the filling with the Spirit is subsequent to the baptism with the Spirit. “When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) Immediately upon being baptized with the Holy Ghost the early Christians were filled with the Spirit. From this time forward they are spoken of as being filled with the Spirit. When they were in need of God’s grace, the Scriptures tell us that they were blessed to be filled with the Spirit (See Acts 4:8-12,31;6:3,5;7:55 as examples.), not baptized anew with the Spirit.

We Are Called to Follow After Christ, Not to Seek A Second Blessing or Fresh Baptism With The Holy Ghost

Many who believe in the baptism with the Holy Spirit as a second blessing give a great emphasis to the Holy Spirit. While we certainly should not downplay the important work of the Spirit, we must understand that this is not the command of God for a Christian’s life. We are, rather, commanded to seek Christ. “ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col 3:1-3) KJV Not only so, but the Holy Ghost was sent for the express purpose of glorifying Christ. Jesus said, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:13,14) KJV The Spirit was sent to glorify Christ by guiding us into the truth of Christ Jesus our Lord. For this reason we should focus upon learning more of Jesus and seeking grace that we might honor Him with our lives. In so doing we shall find ourselves enjoying the work of the Spirit in our lives.

What Does It Mean to Be Filled With The Spirit?

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? That is what we must finally determine. After all, of what use is it to us to know that we must seek this blessing if we do not recognize it for what it is? First of all, our text gives us the key to understanding the filling with the Spirit. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph 5:18 ) KJV When one is drunken with wine they are controlled by the effects that the alcohol has on their system. In the same manner, one who is filled with the Spirit is under the control of the Spirit. (This analogy is also seen in Acts 2:13 where the Jews thought that the Spirit-filled Christians were drunken.) This means that we are willfully yielding to the influence and power of the Spirit of God as He works in our lives. At the same time, this means that we are not powerless pawns in the hands of one who is greater than we are. We are, rather, more in control than we were ever before. Why? Because the fruit of the Spirit is temperance. Thus, when one is filled with the Spirit they are able by His power to control their life, affections, attitudes, and actions.

When we are filled with the Spirit we will live in a spiritual manner. The Spirit testifies of Christ and will teach us the things of Christ (See John 16:12-15). By the aid of the infilling Spirit we can conquer sin and live godly lives. “ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Gal 5:16) KJV The Spirit-filled person is one who is constantly doing battle with sin and winning the victory over it. The one who is filled with the Spirit is trusting God to help him with his life. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20) KJV Finally, when we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will have the Christian attributes that show that we have been changed from merely fleshly people into spiritual people. That apostle Paul told the Galatians, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal 5:19-25) KJV When we are filled with the Spirit we will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit instead of conducting ourselves according to the ugly and sinful manner of the flesh.

How To Be Filled With The Spirit

How is one filled with the Spirit? First of all, we must realize that this is done by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6) KJV There is absolutely no way that we can honor God, or get anything from God without faith (See Rom 14:23;Jas 1:5-7). As was stated before, the one who is filled with the Spirit is trusting God to help him with his life. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20) KJV Let us also come to the Word of God that we might learn more of what the Spirit has to teach us about Christ (See John 16:12-15;2Pet 1:16-21). Having learned what God has to say to us about Christ, and meditating upon the glories of Christ will fulfill the purpose of the Spirit of God in our lives, which purpose is to make us like Jesus. Paul said, “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor 3:18 ) KJV Again, the one who is filled with the Spirit is one who has yielded to His power and influence in their hearts and lives. That means that we must submit to God’s will, power, and His Word as He uses the Spirit to communicate Himself to us through His Word.

In conclusion, let us seek to be filled with the Spirit of God that our lives would be transformed and we would grow to be more and more like Jesus.

 

Genesis And Marriage

As I said in an earlier post, a rejection of the doctrine of Creation as revealed to us in the book of Genesis is also the rejection of the foundation for morality.

If there is no Creator, who makes the rules? Why should there be any rules at all? Perhaps we should all do whatever feels best to us. Maybe anarchy is a good thing. Who knows, if there is no foundation for morality and no absolute on which to build.

Jesus did not feel this way. When confronted by the Pharisees about their version of no-fault divorce, He said “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt 19:4-6) KJV In other words, Jesus held three things to be important:

1. The authority of Scripture

2. The validity of the Creation account in Genesis 1 & 2

3. That special creation by God is the basis of morality.

After all….if we have a Creator we were made for a purpose.

If we were made for a purpose that purpose would be revealed to us.

If that purpose is revealed to us it will contain instructions for living; hence morality.

Just musing…

 

The Everlasting Gospel part 2

The Everlasting Gospel

I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

(Rev 14:6,7) KJV

How can the affection of fear along with giving glory and worshiping be good news to us?

First of all, it is because of the worth of God.  He is our Creator.  That means He is omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal.  His creation testifies to His glories.  This is not some arrogant person fishing for compliments.  This is the ONE who is worthy demanding His dues.

Fear is good news because God is merciful to those who fear Him. 
“As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” (Ps 103:11) KJV

Give glory…how is this good news?  Faith gives glory to God, not works. 
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (Rom 4:20) KJV Faith glorifies God by coming to Him for our fulfillment and satisfaction. 
“Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”  (John 6:35) KJV

Worship…..good news?  Yes.  Faith is worship.  It acknowledges the worth of our Creator/Judge and trusts Him to acquit us at the judgment.  Faith worships God by trusting His goodness, benevolence, power, and faithfulness.
“We are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”  (Phil 3:3) KJV

 

The Everlasting Gospel Part 1

The Everlasting Gospel

I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

(Rev 14:6,7) KJV

The elements of the everlasting gospel are these:

There is a God who has made the worlds.

This God is also judge.

You say, “There is good news in this?”

Yes! Emphatically, “YES!!!!”

“How?” You ask.

Consider Paul’s sermon to the Athenians on this subject:

“Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31) KJV

“Where is the good news in this?”
God raised the judge from the dead…………..this implies that the judge died.

“So? Everyone dies.”

The judge was raised from the dead. That means that death (the result of sin) had no hold over him (See Rom 6:9,10). He was victor over sin and death. He was sinless, yet He died. Why? As a substitute for sinners (See 2Cor 5:21).

The good news is not simply that we shall be judged, but that the one who is judge bore our judgment for us.

Yes, we must change our mind about our faulty worship and worship the One Who gave His all for us and was raised from the dead to acquit us at the judgment (Rom 4:24,25).

Just musing………..and worshiping…

 

More on The Second Blessing Theology

A Consideration of Two Texts That Seem to Support The Doctrine of The Second Blessing

See part one here.

The following passages seem to support the doctrine of the second blessing. The question we must ask is, “Do they indeed support the doctrine of the second blessing?” The first thing we must note is the fact that it has already been determined from the Scriptures that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is not a second blessing. At the same time, we must do justice to hard texts that seem to point in the other direction. They cannot be dismissed. Let us now examine these two texts.

Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (KJV) As we study this passage we must first understand the context. The disciples had stayed in Jerusalem until persecution caused many of them to flee to other places. As they fled, they preached. As they preached, people were converted. In Samaria folks believed on Jesus. Let us not forget that the Samaritans and Jews were not friendly to one another. We must also recall that the Jewish people had a very strong spirit of nationalism, and especially was it strong in relation to their religious views. The Scriptures show us evidence that it was difficult for the early church to accept that there were those who were not of Jewish descent who could be saved. It is no wonder that, when the church at Jerusalem heard of converts at Samaria, they sent some down to look into the matter. When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, they prayed for the new converts and laid their hands upon them. When this was done, the Samaritan believers received the gift of the Spirit.

Why did this happen in this manner, and what did it signify? First of all, this happening demonstrated to the Samaritans their acceptance into the body of Christ. They were received as true Christians by the apostles who were chosen by Christ to be His witnesses. There should be no doubt that this caused them much comfort. Not only so, but this action demonstrated that the apostles and the Jerusalem church were willing to share the honor of the gifts of the Spirit with the Samaritans. The laying on of hands signified their willingness to share with the Samaritans the blessings that they had enjoyed because of Jesus (compare Num 27:18-23). This happening was not something that was normal. In other words, we need not expect the coming of the Spirit to happen in this manner as a matter of course. These events happened in this manner because God was working through this to emphasize the unity that is in the body of Christ. This unity was taught by Paul when he said, “ As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:12,13) KJV

Acts 19:1-7 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. (KJV) What happened here? First of all, we must see that these disciples were ignorant of the Holy Ghost. How could that be? If there baptized with John’s baptism, or unto John’s baptism, they should have heard of the Holy Spirit. John preached and told men that they should believe on Jesus, who would baptize them with the Holy Ghost (Matt 3:11,12). The preaching of John was calculated to lead men to faith in Jesus. It is obvious that these people had not heard the gospel message correctly. Because of this, they did not receive Jesus as their savior. They were not true disciples of Christ. Having heard the truth, they evidently embraced it, as they were baptized into Christ. After that, Paul laid hands on them and they received the Spirit. This happening can easily be explained by the fact that the laying on of hands and the receiving of the Spirit happened for the purpose of giving these people the assurance that they needed that their faith was indeed genuine and was honored by God.

While these may not be what some would call “water tight” explanations, we can at least say that they are as plausible as any other we know of. These explanations also seem to fit well with the facts that we know. What we must realize is that passages such as these do not change the fact that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is not a second blessing, but occurs when one is converted. The occasional obscure passage must never be used to negate that which is plain and easily understood.

 

The Baptism With The Holy Ghost A Second Blessing Or Not?

Is The Baptism With The Holy Spirit A Second Blessing?

(Note that much of this material has been imported from the author’s article on The Baptism With The Holy Spirit.)

The issue that is before us is an issue that is of great importance to the Christian Church today. For approximately one hundred years there has been a movement that seems to major on emphasizing the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of saints. Many (possibly most) of those who are involved in this movement believe “in the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.” (See http://www.churchofgod.org/about/declaration_of_faith.cfm) In other words, the belief is that one is baptized with the Holy Spirit after they are saved. The question that we must ask the Scriptures is whether or not this doctrine is true.

The Seal of The Spirit

“After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Eph 1:13,14 ) KJV

What is the sealing of the Spirit? Often we think of the seal in the terms of a seal on a jar, or on an envelope. We think of it in terms of security. The context speaks to us of security. We must, however, take Biblical terms and use them in the manner for which they are intended and not go halfway with them. The seal is the Spirit. There is security provided by the Spirit being our seal. The Spirit seals us until Christ comes to redeem our vile bodies and make them like His glorious body (See Php 3:20,21; 1Pet 1:3-9; Rom 8:23). The seal is something that is enduring, however, it is not a seal of the jar lid sort. The seal is a sign of authenticity. It bespeaks of the genuine nature of that which is sealed. For instance, if I were to buy a car, I would receive a bill of sale. The bill of sale needs to be notarized before I can register the car in my name. When I get the bill of sale notarized, it is stamped with the “Great Seal of The State of _____________.” The seal is placed on the bill of sale to authenticate that it is a document that is genuine and not a forgery. In Jesus’ day, the seal was usually made in wax by impressing it with a signet ring. That ring had a particular motif that was unique to the authority who owned it. Thus, when a seal was set on the tomb of Jesus, it was declared off limits by the authorities. The seal declared that the order to not open the tomb was an official government order. When a child of God believes the gospel and is saved, he is sealed with the Spirit which God promised in the Old Testament. Remember, Paul stated that the seal was with the Holy Spirit of promise. The Spirit within us testifies to the authenticity of our faith.

What did the Old Testament Scriptures promise us concerning the Spirit of God? We must learn this to know what the sealing with the Spirit of promise is and what it means to us. Let us look at some of the places where we can read of God’s promise of the Holy Spirit. (For a more extensive treatment of this promise see the authors article “The Baptism With The Spirit.“) Below are several passages that present to us the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Isa 44:1-8 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. (KJV)

In this passage, we have a promise of the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the people of Israel. The promise from God is a promise that in that day He will deliver and bless His people, and the people would take the name of the LORD unto them. That is, they would declare Him to be their God and their spiritual husband. (Compare this with Acts 2:38 and the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is nothing more than a call for them to identify themselves with the Christ who had poured out the Spirit in fulfillment of the above prophecy. What a marked contrast between this simple truth and the heresy of “One-ness” professors!) John was telling the people that the promised redeemer was coming to save Israel. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is a fulfillment of God’s promise.

Ezek 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV) Ezek 36:25-26 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (KJV)

Note that once again we have before us a promise of God giving His Spirit. This promise is to the end that men would be changed to ones who would love and worship God instead of idols.

Zech 12:9-10 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)

Here, too, we have a promise of God pouring out His Spirit upon His people at the time of the end. At this time they shall be delivered, restored, and saved.

After many years of expecting God to send His blessing and John declaring that the blessing was at hand, Jesus stated that the blessing of the outpouring of the Spirit was near. Jesus stated before He ascended to Heaven, Acts 1:4 wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (KJV) Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV) Jesus let His disciples know that God was soon to fulfill the promise that He had given them so many years before. Finally, on the day of Pentecost, it came. Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

Acts 2:16-21 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV) The Holy Spirit fell upon the people and they were baptized in the Spirit. As the saints began to praise God, some observers mocked and stated that the saints were drunken. Peter’s defense was two-fold: it was too early in the morning to be drunken, and this was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise that God had given. The PROMISE had arrived!

The wonderful thing about this blessing is the fact that it is a universal promise. The promise is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord. This statement is a quote of Joel 2:28. Peter mentioned that the outpouring of the Spirit was in fulfillment of the promise in Joel 2. He also told those men to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. This is especially interesting to note when you contrast the present day misrepresentation of Acts 2:38 which people use to teach baptism in Jesus’ name in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins. One thing is certain, Acts 2:38 does not contradict the plain statement “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When Peter said, Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV) he was simply stating that men must receive Jesus as the Christ and embrace Him as the true King of Israel. Not only so, but one of the things that is characteristic of those upon whom the Spirit is come is the fact that they identify themselves with the Lord who poured out His Spirit (See Isa 44:5). If this is characteristic of those who have received the promise, is it any wonder that Peter would tell the Jews who rejected Christ that they must repent, accept Jesus as their Messiah, and identify themselves with Christ to be saved? Salvation is not through the identifying, but those who deny the Lord are denied of Him (See Matt 10:32,33). No one need think himself to be forgiven of sin if he will not confess Jesus as the Christ and as his savior. This is simply another part of Scripture being fulfilled which says, Isa 44:3-5 I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. (KJV)

Seeing that the Holy Spirit of promise is the seal (sign of the genuine nature) of our redemption, and that the promise of the Spirit is to everyone who believes Jesus, we must ask ourselves one more question. That question is this: when does the believer receive the seal of the Spirit? Is it received simultaneously with regeneration, or is it sometime subsequent to the new birth? The text that states to us that the Spirit is the seal of our redemption sets the time of the sealing, too. Eph 1:13 after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (KJV) The apostle Paul asked the question of the Galatians, Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (KJV) Paul reminded the Galatians that their receiving of the Spirit and blessing came through faith, not works of the law. He also told them that the reason Jesus died was that we could receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise o