Do you wish to be BLESSED? (part 2)

In our last article we discovered that it is impossible to move God to mercy. However, God does choose to have mercy on some. We also noted that those whom He has chosen to show mercy will receive mercy through the means appointed (i.e. Salvation is through the means of faith).

But are all shown the same amount of mercy?

The answer is "no." It is true that God shows mercy to all! The rain falls on the just and the unjust. However, this should NOT be understood that everyone receives the same amount of mercy. A clear example of this can be seen in the narrative of Jacob and Esau. In this account it is spoken that God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Now, at the very least, all should be able to agree God is showing a greater love for Jacob than Esau. It is also clear, that because of this love for him, He intends to bless Jacob more than Esau. Once more, the text is also clear that it is based on nothing either of the two had done.

So then, If I have been shown the mercy and grace of God to believe unto salvation, then what?
This is an important question, and this brings us to our next passage,

"Blessed is he whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD." Psalm 119:1

This passage claims that there is a blessing on those who live in such a way that is blameless. It also uses the imagery of ones way of life (i.e. "way" and "walk"). And in what way is the person walking that he is found blameless. Well, that is answered in the next portion of the verse, "who walk in the Law of the LORD." That is to say living in a way that is blameless is the same as "walking in the Law of the LORD." And secondly, that person is to be considered "BLESSED".

Now this is something! Is this not what we are pursuing? To be blessed by God? And here it clearly states that to be blessed by the LORD all we have to do is walk blamelessly before Him.

But there lies the PROBLEM!

We can NOT walk before the LORD blamelessly. In fact, it is impossible. So now what?!?!

Three things need to be said in this! First, if you are burdened by the fact that you do NOT walk blamelessly before the LORD, know this, that is the mercy of the LORD. In other words, you are on the right track! This is why?

If you have truly been saved by God then you have been "born again" or "regenerated". In other words, if you have been saved you have been given a new heart that LOVES the LORD! You have also been given a Spirit within that causes you and burdens you to obey Him. The Bible states over and over again to love the LORD is to obey Him. You can NOT say you LOVE Him and care not to obey His laws. Such a scenario does not exist! This is why, the Law of the LORD that He has given reveals who He (God) is. It reveals the majesty and the GLORY of Himself. It displays His heart! To care NOT for the Law of the LORD is to NOT care about the LORD.

Second, IF you are have been saved then you are no longer blessed or cursed by what you have done or do! Rather, the Bible proclaims that all who are "in Christ" are rewarded on the account of His blamelessness / righteousness! In other words, everyone (who is saved) is now seen before the Law of the LORD blameless! Therefore, all who are "in Christ" are "blessed."

Thirdly, this does not mean the Law is useless to the Christian. In fact, it is quite the opposite! The Law is essential to the Christian for two purposes. One, it continues to act as a reminder of the need for a Savior and the inability of the person. Second, it acts as a pointer to the Christian to know God! Which as stated earlier is the absolute desire of every true believer. For every Christian has been given a heart that adores Him.

So then, although the Christian knows he will fall short of keeping the law, his desire to know and obey God's Law only grows. This is one of the blessings that comes with being saved and it can not be separated from salvation! For indeed, it is a part of salvation, that is, sanctification. This is the process that happens to every believer, in which, he/she becomes more and more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ!

My friends, if you are not being sanctified by God, then you are not being saved by God. If your LOVE is not growing for the LORD then be very afraid. For God is not at work in you both to will and do His good pleasure.

But hear this!
If God is bringing about a greater LOVE for Him, REJOICE! For the work He has begun in you, though seemingly small and so far from where you desire to be, will be completed! For it does not depend upon you and what you do, but rather, it is based upon the righteousness of Christ! AMEN!

Do you wish to be BLESSED? (part 1)

Do you wish to be blessed?

The world seems to offer so many means of becoming blessed. Even churches seem to have the magic steps to being blessed. But more often than not, the seeker is turned away disappointed.

The Bible does speak of God blessing individuals throughout history. But how can one move God to bless him/her?

Here lies the dilemma, the God of all creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel cannot be moved to do something for you, as though he owed anyone anything.

Is there no hope?

Perhaps.

The Bible speaks clearly that He is merciful to whomever He desires to be merciful(Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:18). What's even more scary is that God also hardens some(Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:18).

So the truth is you are hopeless. You really can NOT do anything, only God can. You are TRULY at the mercy of God.

So then, cry out to Him. Beg Him! Plead with Him to be merciful. For this is the first sign of His grace. That is, if you are burdened by this, it is the grace of God.

However, if you could care less as you read this, be very afraid. For God has turned you over to your own sinful desires. The LORD has hardened you. The mercy of the LORD is far from you!

But if God has been merciful to you by burdening your heart for more mercy, do not delay, while the Spirit is working. For tomorrow is to late. Repent from your sin! Believe in the only hope, the mercy of God.

You may say, "my sin is too great!"

The LORD knows of your sin. And He is indeed JUST! He can not nor will not neglect sin. But the Father has provided a sacrifice. His only begotten Son, Jesus the Messiah.

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world.

God the Father poured out His wrath on His Son for those whom the Son came to save. Then Jesus, after paying the full penalty for sin, breathed His last and died.

This is not the end, though!

Three days later, He arose and ascended into heaven where His Father is seated. Jesus Christ is now active in pleading for His Father to render to Him all that He came to save. The Father withholds none from His Son, but gives to His Son all that He came to save.

Jesus Christ indeed will receive the full amount of what He has purchased on the cross. He will not be disappointed with His reward!

Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to convict those who are His of their sins and bring them to a faith that ends in SALVATION.

Indeed, Ephesians 1:3 states that those whom Christ purchased on the cross will receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places"

You desire to be blessed?

Cry out to the LORD!

For He delights in those who wait on "His steadfast love." Psalms 147: 13b