by John Carpenter | Apr 24, 2024 | Devotional
“In the beginning was the Word – and the Word was with God – and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God.” “And the Word was made flesh – and dwelt among us – and we beheld His glory – the glory as of the only begotten of the Father – full of grace and Truth.” [Jn.1:1-2, 14]
“…whose names were not written — in the Book of the Life of the Lamb – slain — from the foundation of the world. (9) If any man have an ear – let him hear.” [Rev.13:8-9]
“And being fully persuaded – that what He had promised – He – was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23) Now – it ws not written for his sake alone – that it was imputed to him, (24) but for us also – to whom it was imputed – if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25) who – was delivered for our offences – and was raised again – for our Justification.” [Rom.4:21-25]
(Lit.) “Having been justified – therefore, – by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) by whom also – we have access by faith – into this grace wherein we stand – and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” [Rom.5:1-2]
“Therefore – we are buried with Him – by baptism into death: – that like as Christ was raised up from the dead – by the glory of the Father – even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death – we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection…” [Ro.6:4-5]
(17) “But God be thanked, – that ye were the servants of sin – but ye have obeyed from the heart – that form of doctrine – (lit.) unto which – ye were delivered! (18) Being then made free from sin – ye became – the servants of righteousness!” [Ro.6: 17-18]
(20) “For when ye were servants of sin – ye were – free from righteousness!” [Ro.6:20]
(22) “But now – being made free from sin – and become servants to God – ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end – everlasting life! (23) For the wages of sin is death – but the gift of God – is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Ro.6:22-23]
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a divine event that is to be celebrated by all the truly born from above sinner/children in this present passing away world! The above 8 contexts serve to draw a picture why this is true. First of all – He who is the Living Word of God was purposed from eternity – in His incarnation – to come into this world – to be the Savior and Substitute of all of His people. And, second, the names of each one of these – His saved ones – are written the “Book of the Life of the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World”.
The third context refers to what the Word of God says concerning Abraham – unto whom our Lord promised that through him — the example that He was going to make of him — He was going to bless all the families of the earth! He did not tell Abraham that all the persons of all the families – but, at least one of all the families — will be included among all the sinners who have been Saved by Grace! What an incredible promise! [see: Gen.12:3]. Only God Almighty, could possibly purpose and perform such a promise as this! Hence, the resurrection of Christ is very aptly alluded to – as well as all of His Seed – who are the children of the Kingdom of God [see: Mt.13:37-38].
This leads quite naturally into the fourth context. The final words of the third context having declared unto us that the Lord Jesus was raised again – specifically — for our Justification. This sets up nicely the literal wording of Rom.5:1-2 – which actually says: “Having been Justified – therefore – by faith we have Peace with God – through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Which naturally leads us into the wonderful truth of vs.2 – which describes our rejoicing — of the sovereign grace in which we stand!
In the fifth context we come into the sixth chapter of Romans. Whereupon we are rightly identified with Christ – our Sovereign Substitute and Savior – in His death and resurrection! What’s so special about the context of Rom.6:4-5 – is the truth that the Son of God – upon whom all the sins of all whom the Father had given unto Him to save – put Him into hell fire on the cross – and it was eternally covenanted that the glory of the Father would bring to factual reality – the resurrection of His Beloved Son – in whom He was well pleased! And, vs.5 of this fifth context (five being the Biblical number of Grace) declares of us – “If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death – we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” Praise His name!
The sixth context describes: That only God is to be thanked – the we whom He has chosen to save were bond slaves (servants) of our sin – but by grace we have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine (known to be the Word of the Truth of the Gospel) – lit. – unto which we were delivered!
This is the way the Word of God literally says it! And, this is how – by God’s grace – we are converted into becoming bondslaves of His righteousness over against being nothing but bondslaves to our sin. Again, praise the Lord!
The seventh context simply says the truth – “For when we were bondslaves of sin – we were free from righteousness.” Remember, without Christ – there is none righteous – no not one! [see: Ro.3:10].
Finally, the eighth context brings to completion the wonderful work of the Grace of God on our behalf when it declares from Rom.6:22-23 the truth of the matter that says: “But now – being made free from sin – and become bondslaves to God – ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end – ever-lasting life! For the wages of sin is death – but the free gift of God – is eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Praise the Savior!!
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 17, 2024 | Devotional
“And therefore will the Lord wait – that He may be gracious unto you – and therefore will He be exalted – that He may have mercy upon you! For the Lord is a God of Judgment. Blessed are all they that – Wait For Him!” [Is.30:18]
It should be noted that the literal context surrounding Isaiah’s Holy Spirit inspired guiding and writing of this great text — was the wanton idolatry that had overtaken the nation of Judah. If you recall, from chapter 6 of Isaiah – we see the divine call and the divine commission of him to be God’s prophet. The one whom He chose to declare – or bear testimony unto Israel – whatsoever God dictated for him to say to them. This account is found in Is.6:8-10: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send – and who will go for us?’ Then said I – here am I – send me!” (9) And He said, ‘Go and tell this people – hear ye indeed – but understand not – and see ye indeed – but perceive not. (10) And He said; – ‘Make the heart of this people fat – and make their ears heavy – and shut their eyes – lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart – and convert and be healed.”
Because the Lord revealed Himself and spoke unto Isaiah – he was more than willing to go unto a world of people that were not inclined to receive him – or even hear what he had to say about God unto them! Hence, as God’s prophet unto Israel and Judah – the Lord commanded Isaiah to declare unto them a prophetic Woe! (see Is.30:1 “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not from me – and that cover with a covering – but not of my Spirit – that they may add sin to sin:”) The pronouncement of this “Woe” from God – is a divine indication of most unfavorable judgment from God upon them. Judgment which Judah had witnessed as having been put upon the ten tribes of Israel for their having “…feared other gods – and walked in the statutes of the heathen – whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel…”. (see: 2Ki.17:7-12) And now Judah is following the same course of apostasy! Nevertheless, our Savior God is still faithful unto His true chosen sinner/children in this same fallen-in-sin world.
And this is not at all unlike our present day and time in the world around us! This is why we — unto whom the Holy Spirit has witnessed and assured unto us – that we are indeed one of His true children (see: Ro.8:16-17). We – must always be busy seeking the presence and the power of the only Savior that there is – even the Lord Jesus Christ – without whom – we — can do nothing (see Jn.15:5). This Truth is what the Lord God had commissioned Isaiah to communicate unto – both – the nation of the ten tribes (that called themselves Israel) and of the nation of Judah as well. God means what He says! Make no mistake about that! He does not tolerate idolatry and “He which hath begun a good work in you – will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”! (Phil.1:6)
This is why Is.30:18 is so relevant unto us – even today. It declares unto us the perfect timing of the Lord over us – in all of our personal adversities and afflictions (which this world seems to be full of). Is.30:19-21 substantiates this divine Truth. It is a comfort to realize the faithfulness of our Lord as is declared in the 19th verse: “For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem – thou shalt weep no more. He will be very gracious unto thee – at the voice of thy cry – when He shall hear it – He will answer thee.” Praise the Name of the Lord!
Let us never cease from prayerfully seeking our Lord God – who is absolutely sovereign over our whole existence — in our journey through this world. Amen.
by John Carpenter | Feb 19, 2024 | Devotional
“And therefore will the Lord wait – that He may be gracious unto you – and therefore will He be exalted – that He may have mercy upon you! For the Lord is a God of Judgment. Blessed are all they – that Wait For Him!” [Is.30:18]
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time – but at the end – it shall speak and not lie. Though it tarry; – WAIT for it – because it will surely come! It will not tarry!” [Hab.2:3]
These texts of holy scripture should communicate much encouragement to every true child of God’s eternal family in this present sinful world! Whenever the enabling Grace of Christ – the only Savior that there is – causes His saved ones in this world to earnestly and persistently seek Him for a much needed supplication – whether it be seemingly small or obviously great – He, Himself, also, will burden His child to earnestly pray for what they so desperately need! It is then – at this time – that He will communicate the bottom line message of both of these texts unto their Regenerated hearts and souls.
Take note of how the prophecy of Habakkuk begins – 1:2 “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violence – and thou wilt not save! (3) Why dost thou show me iniquity – and cause me to behold grievance?…” This (iniquity and violence) was the sad state and condition of things in and among the Nation of Judah! Therefore, the Lord – through the minor prophet – boldly declared unto Judah: “Behold ye among the heathen – and regard (or, diligently consider) – and wonder marvelously! For I will work a work in your days – (lit.) ye will not believe – though it be told you.” This verse, the apostle Paul – in his day and time – quoted unto the Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue in Antioch on the Sabbath. You can read about this from Acts 13:14-52. The reason why Paul quoted this same text unto the Jews of the first century — which was Holy Spirit inspired through Habakkuk (a contemporary of Jeremiah) in 626BC – is because the Jews of the first century AD had become equally as idolatrous as their predecessors! The only difference was that – their idols were not exactly the same. Nevertheless, idolatry is idolatry – no matter what generation it happens to be -– and God judges and condemns it! With the Lord God, it is a damnable sin to fear and to follow anyone or anything except Him and Him alone.
Isaiah, who preceded Habakkuk, accurately prophesied what was taking place in both Habakkuk’s and Paul’s time (and as well in our own time)! This is what made Habakkuk relevant to Paul – hence, he quotes Hab.1:5 in his message in Acts 13:41. All of the Bible is completely and contemporarily relevant unto all of us, at all times! The Spirit of God bears witness to our spirits that this is the Truth! Otherwise, why was Paul also inspired to write Ro.15:4-6> “For whatsoever things were written aforetime – were written for our learning – that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (6) that ye may with one mind and one mouth – glorify God – even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Therefore, when we read Is.30:18, we can rest assured that it is absolutely relevant to us even in our earnest praying and seeking the Lord God for the earnest supplication(s) of our hearts! Indeed, the context of Is.30:18 has much relevant considerations for us to wisely take note of – for our learning. For our learning to truly seek Him – and to wait for Him – to unfold His grace unto our hearts and our circumstances. Lord willing: we will address this in a future missive.— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 17, 2024 | Devotional
And He spake a parable unto them – that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (2) Saying: ‘There was in a city — a judge – that feared not God – neither regarded man. (3) And there was a widow in that city – and she came to him, saying: Avenge me of mine adversary! (4) And he would not for awhile, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God – nor regard man (5) yet because this widow troubleth me – I will avenge her – lest by her continual coming – she weary me.’ (6) And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith! (7) And shall not God avenge His own elect – which cry day and night unto Him – though He bear long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily! Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh – shall He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:1-8]
The Lord Jesus Christ – the eternal Son of God incarnate – is our eternal Savior. We have been eternally saved — according to the perfectly performed merits of His obedient righteousness; and the eternal efficacy of His sin-atoning shed blood; and the omnipotent power of His sovereign Grace! As being our great Savior – He was, is and always will be – in all things – our excellent example. Although He is much more than just our example – and always will be – we who are truly His chosen sinner/children – will – by His grace seek to pattern our lives after Him.
1st Peter 2:21-24 plainly says: “For even hereunto were ye called – because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. (22) Who did no sin – neither was guile found in His mouth. (23) Who, when He was reviled – reviled not again – when He suffered – He threatened not – but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. (24) Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree – that we – being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness – by whose stripes ye were healed! (25) For ye were as sheep going astray – but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
From Jn.13:15, Jesus says: “I have given you an example – that ye should do as I have done…” Jesus shows us by example how to walk according to His faith through this sinful, fallen and passing away world. He shows by example what it means to truly love – both – Him and one another. And, He demonstrates for us how to suffer patiently by committing ourselves to the sovereign care of our heavenly Father! He shows us that just by living in this world of trial and adversity – walking by His faith and believing in Him – we are, in fact, serving Him by being reflections of Him!
In the matter of prayer, for instance, our Lord is an absolutely exemplary example for us to imitate. From His Word, He tells us to “continue in prayer” [Col.4:2] and “pray without ceasing” [1Th.5:17], which surely means that He has willed for us to do just as He has done! As such, this Godly activity of prayer, along with many other disciplines, is a living example of a true close relationship with Christ!
And, when you think about it – if ever there was a man who might not have a need to pray – it would be the God/man! After all – He did no sin. He knew no sin. He had no sin. But, it was He who became sin for all those for whom He died! He had a Holy Soul! The lusts of the flesh that in this world always wage war against all the fallen-in-sin souls of God’s chosen sinner/children – absolutely could not even come close to subduing the Holy Soul of our Savior! That ever constant daily battle was bravely fought by Him — and through His faith in the Word of His heavenly Father – He was overwhelmingly victorious over sin! And, through Him – so are we!
by John Carpenter | Dec 5, 2023 | Devotional
(5) “Wherefore – when He cometh into the world – saith He: ‘Sacrifice and offering – thou wouldest not – but a Body hast thou prepared me! (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin – thou hast not had pleasure.’ (7) Then said I: ‘Lo, I come (in the volume of The Book – it is written of Me) to do thy will, O God.’
(8) Above when He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin – thou wouldest not – neither hadst pleasure therein – which are offered by the Law.’ (9) Then said He: ‘Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.’
He taketh away the first – that He may establish the second! (10) By the which will – we are sancti-fied through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ – once for all.” [He.10:5-10]
Whenever in this fallen-in-sin world – we chosen sinner/children of God are asked – “What is the one thing for which we are the most thankful unto God?” The answer to this question is purely and simply found in this exceedingly grand scriptural context! For this is an explicit explanation of why the gospel of the glory, only, of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared from Rev.14:6 to be “the Everlasting Gospel”! Praise His Name! For the context of this passage descriptively declares that the eternal salvation of all the souls of all the Seed of the only sovereign Savior substitute that there ever was – is – or ever will be – made it His purpose — and decreed – to come into our fallen-in-sin world – garbed in the likeness of our sinful flesh (see: Ro.8:1-3) – explicitly — to be our “Kinsman Redeemer”! And He – as being the Living Word of God and, as well, the Eternal Son of God – is the One in whom God placed us! All who are truly His sinner/children He placed “in Him before the foundation of the world” (see: Eph.1:3-4). He chose us and placed us in Him – for Him – to be our one and only Savior and Mediator to reconcile us sinners with holy, holy, holy God (see: 1Ti.2:5). Hence, He came into the age of our world of sin and death to justly and eternally set us free from our bondage to our sin and to save our souls from certain eternal death! The Lord Jesus Christ – is our eternal approval and acceptance with God – all to His glory and for His glory!
This He did by the sacrifice of His Body – His Blood – and even His own eternal Soul! This is said clearly and accurately by God – through His Word – from Is.53:11-12 when He describes what really happened with Christ – for us – at the cross. He tells us: “He shall see the travail of His Soul – and shall be satisfied! By His knowledge (or, more lit. “by the knowledge of Him”) shall my Righteous Servant justify many – for He shall bear their iniquities. (12) Therefore will I divide Him a portion among the great – and He shall divide the spoil among the strong – because He poured out His Soul unto death! And, He was numbered with the transgressors. He bare the sins of many – and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Hence, is the Person of Christ and His eternally accomplished works — so aptly described from He.2:11-14: “For both He that sanctifieth – and they who are sanctified – are all of One! For which cause – He is not ashamed to call them brethren, (12) saying, I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren! In the midst of the Church – will I sing praise unto Thee! (13) I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold – I and the children which God hath given me. (14) Forasmuch then – as the children are partakers of flesh and blood – He also Himself – (lit.) in like manner – took part of the same – that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death – that is the devil.”
Therefore, dear ones, Christ Jesus truly is the Kinsman Redeemer! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending us your Eternal Son – to be — our Eternal Savior!
by John Carpenter | Nov 7, 2023 | Devotional
(12) “Giving thanks unto the Father – which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. (13) Who – delivered us from the power of darkness – and translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood – the forgiveness of sins.” [Col.1:12-14]
“For I know that my Redeemer liveth – and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth! (26) And after my skin worms destroy this body – yet in my flesh – shall I see God.” [Job 19:25]
Here’s something wonderful for us to be thankful for around the scheduled holiday (holy day) feast for this month. i.e. our redemption through the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The reality is – we should be celebrating this truth every day of every month that we are being led by His Holy Spirit through this whole age of “sin and death” right into the glory of His heavenly Presence!
The fact is – the Word of God explicitly declares – that Christ Jesus – the only true Redeemer – our only true Redeemer – according to Heb.9:11-12 – is, indeed, our Eternal Redeemer! These verses describe His eternal person – and His eternal work – in this way: “But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come – by a greater and more perfect tabernacle – not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building (or, more accurately, “not of this creation”) (12) neither by the blood of goats and calves (which are “Types” of “blood sacrifices”) – but by His own blood – He entered in – Once – into the holy place – having obtained Eternal Redemption!”
Indeed, this eternal redemption He did precisely “For Us”, which is a grand truth brought forward from verse 24, which says: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands (lit.) the figures of the true – but into heaven itself, now, to appear in the presence (and that is the “omnipresence”) of God – For Us!”
Praise the Lord! What a Wonderful Descriptive Declaration!
There is yet something else that is radiantly glorious about all of the grand eternal works of our Savior. Something that is there – and being brought out from Job 19:25-26. When Job – from the very midst of his trial of great suffering and adversity – declares: “For I know that my Redeemer liveth – and that He shall Stand (or lit.: “He shall Rise”) at the latter day – upon the earth (or lit., the dust) (26) And after my skin (worms) destroy this (body) – yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
Job with confidence and boldness declared that which God allowed to be included in all the testing and trial that Satan did unto him – down to a certain point! God let Job be tried with the loss of all his worldly possessions – with the loss of the living and loving presence of all of his children – with the loss of his physical health and comfort – with the loss of his loving consolation of his own wife – and, as well as with all the unfavorable judgment of those whom he thought were his true and faithful friends. But, God never let the devil have his most dearest possession – his eternal soul. Job – in and throughout all he had to endure in this, and through this, temporary world — never once doubted – the Absolute Sovereign Control of his Lord and Savior God!!
And besides that – the Hebrew word for “Redeemer” – is a word that is used throughout the Old Testament – 98 times! And this may be the very first time that it shows up in the holy inspired text of God’s Word! And, it explicitly describes our Redeemer as being our “Kinsman Redeemer”!
We will further explore this teaching of the Kinsman Redeemer in our next installment for December.
