by John Carpenter | Aug 21, 2022 | Devotional
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth – the flesh profiteth nothing – the words that I speak unto you – are Spirit and are life!” [Jn.6:63]
“…God hath chosen…things which are not – to bring to nought things that are – that no flesh should glory in His presence. (30) But of Him – are ye in Christ Jesus – who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption: (31) that according as it is written – He that glorieth – let him glory in the Lord.” [1Cor.1:29b-31]
“I will cry unto God Most High – unto God – that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up! Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His Truth.” [Ps.57:2-3]
Not only does the pure truth of the gospel of the glory only of the Lord Jesus Christ include God’s Wisdom, Christ’s Righteousness and the Holy Spirit’s Sanctification – but it also includes all of our Eternal Redemption. And, this can only be done through the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ! Beloved, if it’s not all Christ (in whose body dwells all the fullness of the Godhead) it’s all wrong!
We can’t be redeemed by ourselves. The Word of God makes it clear – we need a “Kinsman Redeemer”. And, that person can only be our Lord Jesus!
It has been most accurately taught and brought into the Light of the Truth concerning the historical expression of Triune God’s Everlasting Love and Mercy for all His chosen sinner/children. Throughout the time of the Old Covenant — it was perfectly and prophetically demonstrated that there was an absolute necessity for a “Kinsman Redeemer” to be our only Savior from our sin. This truth and mandate was firmly laid down — in and throughout — the formally installed Mosaic sacrificial system. I quote: “The theological foundation for the expression of God’s chesed under the Old Covenant was the satisfaction of God’s perfect righteousness – through the elaborate system of animal sacrifices that taught Israel – that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sins”. Because that system of animal sacrifices could never take away sins (cf. Heb 10:4, “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins”), the inadequate OT system of animal sacrifices previewed the coming of the Lamb of God whose once for all sacrifice would take away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). This pictured future sacrifice of the Lamb of God became the foundation for the expression of God’s chesed in the OT.” “Chesed” is the Hebrew word for God’s eternally Love, Mercy and Grace! Read and heed what God’s Word declares:
He.9:11-15: “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, creation) (12) neither by the blood of goats and calves – but – by His own blood – He entered in once into the Holy Place – having obtained Eternal Redemption (for us). (13)For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean – Sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) how much more shall the blood of Christ – who through the Eternal Spirit – offered Himself without spot to God – purge your conscience from dead works – to serve the living God? (15) And for this cause – He is the (eternal) Mediator – of the New Testament (or, Covenant) that by means of death for the Redemption of the transgressions (lit.) under the First (or, the Old) Testament (or, Covenant) – they (lit.) who have been called might receive the promise of Eternal Inheritance.”
The Lord Jesus Christ is not just the Provider of these things, but He is the Performer of them.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jul 27, 2022 | Devotional
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth – the flesh profiteth nothing – the words that I speak unto you – are Spirit and are life!” [Jn.6:63]
“…God hath chosen…things which are not – to bring to nought things that are – that no flesh should glory in His presence. (30) But of Him – are ye in Christ Jesus – who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption: (31) that according as it is written – He that glorieth – let him glory in the Lord.” [1Cor.1:29b-31]
“I will cry unto God Most High – unto God – that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up! Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His Truth.” [Ps.57:2-3]
We are now ready to look at the rest of 1Co.1:30 in regards to Christ Jesus being “made unto us – righteousness and sanctification and redemption”. First of all – the three words, “But of Him” – who is this referring to? It is referring to God – the Three in One God! In fact, the God/man, Jesus Christ, is said from Col.2:9-10 to be full of the Godhead in His human body — and, “we are complete in Him”! Which, in essence, is declaring the same wonderful truth that is being brought forth in 1Co.1:30. So, by God’s doing are we in Christ Jesus who is made unto us everything else!
God’s perfect “Righteousness” – that makes us approved and accepted to be allowed into God’s holy, holy, holy presence is – in His perfect “Wisdom” – included. Christ is our “all and in all” (see: Col.3:11). This is the magnificent context that explicitly describes what this means. And, this is all brought to pass by Christ Jesus. “For He (God in His Three Persons) hath made Him (the God/man, the Lord Jesus Christ) to be sin for us – who knew no sin – that we (all His chosen lost sinner/children) might be made the Righteousness of God – in Him.” (2Co.5:21) This is how He becomes to us: “The Lord our Righteousness” (Jer.23:6).
Next, 1Co.1:30 tells us that Almighty God has made Christ Jesus unto us – our “Sanctification”. The scriptures tell us from 2Thes.2:13 that, “God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth.” And, remember Jesus tells us from Jn.15:16 that we — have not chosen Him – but He has chosen us – and ordained us that we should go and bring forth fruit – and that our fruit should remain — that whatsoever we shall ask of the Father in His Name – He may give it to us! We have been set apart in His Holiness! How great and wonderful is that! How does our Lord God do this for us? Jesus also prayed to the Father from Jn.17:17 “Sanctify them through thy Truth – thy Word is Truth”. And, “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – no man cometh unto the Father, but by” Christ. Then He says in Jn.17:19 “And for their sakes – I sanctify myself – that they also might be Sanctified through the Truth.” Hence, it is Christ’s Sanctification that is also our Sanctification! Why are we Sanctified? We are Sanctified – not because of our will, but because of God’s Will – 1Th.4:3> “For this is the Will of God – even your Sanctification…”. Every aspect of our eternal salvation – is not a religious work, method, or maneuver of some sort, it is entirely a Person. The Person and Work completely and entirely by the only Sovereign Savior Substitute that there ever – was – is – or ever will be – the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise His Holy Name! “For by One offering He hath perfected forever them that are Sanctified.” If it’s not all Christ – it’s all wrong!
Next time – we will look squarely at how our Savior is also entirely our eternal Redemption.
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jun 29, 2022 | Devotional
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth – the flesh profiteth nothing – the words that I speak unto you – are Spirit and are life!” [Jn.6:63]
“…God hath chosen…things which are not – to bring to nought things that are – that no flesh should glory in His presence. (30) But of Him – are ye in Christ Jesus – who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption: (31) that according as it is written – He that glorieth – let him glory in the Lord.” [1Cor.1:29b-31]
“I will cry unto God Most High – unto God – that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up! Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His Truth.” [Ps.57:2-3]
As we have already observed in regards to these three texts of Holy Scripture – they declare the absolute sovereign control and complete accomplishment of the Lord Jesus Christ as far as our eternal salvation is concerned! Our Lord truly is the “Lord of lords and the King of kings”! And, He is this unto all those that are with Him – whom He describes as all His “called and chosen and faithful” [Re.17:14]. It is these – and these alone – that are the living, regenerated spiritual children of Almighty God. These are the ones that spiritually walk through this carnal world — in and by the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ according to His accomplished personal work.
And, what exactly is His accomplished personal work?
This is exactly what the 1Cor.1:29b-31 text describes. It says (lit.) “out of” Him, the Spirit of God the Father, “are we in Christ Jesus”. This is precisely what Eph.1:3-4 tells us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ – (4) according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world…”. Hence, 1Co.1:30 goes on to tell us that having been placed in Christ, He being God: “is made unto us” all the wonderful benefits of the blessings of, “wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” . This makes up the sum total of our eternal salvation! Christ’s accomplished personal work on our behalf is all the performance and provision of all the requirements that that we personally need – in order to secure our eternal acceptance with the Triune God! Eph.1:6 says that all this is done “to the praise of the glory of His grace – wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved”.
Concerning “wisdom” Pr.9:10 tells us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. And, it goes on to add: “and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Pr.16:22 says that: “Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it”. This echoes that which Christ Jesus said from Jn.17:3: “And this is life eternal – that they might know thee the only true God – and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” Plus, Col.2:3, speaks of the hearts of all who are His receiving “the riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
So, you see, it’s really true: If it’s not all Christ – it’s all wrong!
We will look further at “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” next time!
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | May 20, 2022 | Devotional
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth – the flesh profiteth nothing – the words that I speak unto you – are Spirit and are life!” [Jn.6:63]
“…God hath chosen…things which are not – to bring to nought things that are – that no flesh should glory in His presence. (30) But of Him – are ye in Christ Jesus – who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption: (31) that according as it is written – He that glorieth – let him glory in the Lord.” [1Cor.1:29b-31]
“I will cry unto God Most High – unto God – that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up! Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His Truth.” [Ps.57:2-3]
These descriptive statements of holy scripture comprise one of the most explicit declarations of the absolute sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ that there is in all of the Bible! These three texts bring forth — from all of God’s elect unto eternal salvation – a most heartfelt – “Praise the Lord!”.
The first one is from the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself! And, from this text He makes it plain and clear that He – and He alone – is the God of true Spiritual Life which He can simply speak into existence! Think about it – “His words are Spirit and are Life!”
The second portion of scripture — from first Corinthians one — boldly declares that our Lord God Almighty has chosen — from the reality of this inglorious world of fallen human flesh – that through the holy glory of His Son, Christ Jesus – He has accomplished all the divine requirements for Eternal Salvation — for all of those whom He has chosen and placed in His eternal and only–begotten Son, Jesus Christ! It is He – and only He – that is our “Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption”! This sums it all up quite nicely! What else could any of us needy sinners possibly need. Col.3:11b declares: “Christ is all and in all”.
And then from Ps.57:2-3 we have the prophet David descriptively declaring that he will cry “…unto God Most High– unto God – that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up.” Which, ultimately would be that common enemy of the Lord God and all His children – that old devil-serpent Satan!
1Pe.5:8-9 without reservation declares: “Be sober – be vigilant – because your adversary the devil – as a roaring lion, walketh about – seeking whom he may devour: (9) whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” So, then, successful resistance of the devil-serpent Lion is performed through the steadfast performance of the faith of our Lord and Savior! Even – our being led by the Holy Spirit — in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ (see: Ro.8:14 and Gal.2:16)! “For we walk by faith – not by sight.” [2Cor.5:7] Remember, a close relationship and walk with the “Lion of Judah” is the best safekeeping we can have from a growling, bloodthirsty, devil-serpent Lion that seeks to devour us! We are no match for him — but he is no match for Christ, our God! We will look more into these wonderful scriptures and relish more of the wonderful treasures of the Word of God. Praise His Holy Name!
For Christ’s Glory Only! – John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 15, 2022 | Devotional
(2)“For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – hath made me free from – the law of sin and death.(3)For what the law could not do – in that it was weak through the flesh – God – sending His own Son – in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us – who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Ro.8:2-4]
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth – that shall he also reap! (8) For he that soweth to his flesh – shall of the flesh reap corruption – but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life Everlasting!” [Gal.6:7-8]
Due to that which the Lord Jesus has accomplished on our behalf through His atoning work as our eternal Surety and Substitute – let us now meditate on what impact the Word of God declares this wonderful work of Christ will have in our walking through this fallen-in-sin world. Once again, let’s go to the Word of God to get the explanation; after all, “Scripture does interpret Scripture”.
Ro.6:4 plainly describes: “Therefore, we are buried with Him (i.e. Christ Jesus) by baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father – we also should walk – in newness of Life!” What is this “newness of Life” talking about? It is talking about Regeneration! It is talking about having been born from above – by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God – whom Jesus, the eternal Son of God incarnate prayed to God the Father for Him to send unto us. Just as Jn.14:16-17 says: “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter (viz. the Holy Spirit) that He may abide with you forever; (17) the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth Him not – neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him – for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” This is the personal — true and genuine spiritual quickening experience that all the elect of God will have! The Holy Spirit of God bears personal witness with the spirit of His true children that they, indeed, are in and a part, of His Holy Family! [see: Ro.8:16-17; 1Jn.3:23-24 and 4:13] The “newness of Life” that is spoken of in Ro.6:4 is the same as what the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write about in 2Pe.1:3-4> “As His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness – through the (full-) knowledge of Him (Christ Jesus) that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) whereby (or, through whom) are given (or, have been bestowed) unto us exceeding great and precious promises – that by these ye might be partakers (or, sharers) of the Divine Nature (of Jesus Christ) having escaped the corruption (or, the spontaneous decay) that is in the world through lust.” This is the “exceeding greatness” of the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Walking in the “newness of Life” in Christ and being “partakers of the Divine Nature” of Christ is what it means in the Gal.6:7-8 text above when it describes “he that soweth to the Spirit – shall of the Spirit reap – Life Everlasting”. And, this is all actively accomplished for us — by and through the Lord Jesus Christ – because we are His “called and chosen and faithful”! [see: Rev.17:14] All of this teaching from the Word of God portrays for us the true believer’s active following of the Lord Jesus Christ – and not the Law! As Gal.2:16 says: “knowing that a man is Not justified by the works of the law – but by the Faith of Jesus Christ; even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the Faith of Christ – and Not by the works of the law – for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Praise His Wonderful Name!
-For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Feb 18, 2022 | Devotional
(2)“For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – hath made me free from – the law of sin and death.(3)For what the law could not do – in that it was weak through the flesh – God – sending His own Son – in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us – who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Ro.8:2-4]
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth – that shall he also reap! (8) For he that soweth to his flesh – shall of the flesh reap corruption – but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life Everlasting!” [Gal.6:7-8]
To pick up where we left off last month – we are looking at what the “Law of sin and death” refers to. Once again – let’s look at how scripture interprets scripture. The Holy Spirit from 2Cor.3:7-8 says: “But if the Ministration of death – written and engraven in stones was glorious – so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which (glory) was to be done away: (8) How shall not the Ministration of the Spirit – exceed in glory!”
So, therefore, from the Ro.8:2-4 text the Holy Spirit of the Holy Word of God contrasts the “Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” with that which He calls the “Law of sin and death”. And, from the 2Cor.3 text He is comparing the same two by calling the one “the Ministration of death” and the other “the Ministration of the Spirit”! These two different texts interpret and expand each other! Praise the Holy Spirit of the Holy Word of God!
It is obvious that the “Law of sin and death” refers to the “Holy, just and good Law of God” [see: Rom.7:12] that was delivered unto Moses on Mt. Sinai by God, Himself! Hence, does Gal.3:19 pose the question: “Wherefore then – the Law?” Or rather: For what purpose did our God give to us His Holy Law? Especially when we are plainly told from Ro.3:19: “Now we know (i.e. we know without a doubt) that what things soever the Law saith (or, whatsoever the Law literally means) it saith (or, it utters; or, it preaches; or, it declares) to them who are under the Law: (or, to them who have been born under, and in, the Law – which includes everybody in the history of fallen humanity) that every mouth may be stopped (or, that every language of every mouth of fallen-in-sin humanity may be silenced) and all the world may become guilty (or, condemned — by the curse of the Law) before God.”
This leads us right up to what is plainly put forth from Ro.3:20 which delivers God’s divine conclusion by saying: “Therefore, by the deeds of the Law – there shall no flesh be justified in His sight”. – Why?! – Because: “for by the Law is the (full) knowledge of sin.” So, you see, the scriptures from here declare the absolute weakness of the “Law of sin and death” to justify our fallen-in-sin flesh – or, to declare before Holy God – us, in our flesh, as being righteous in God’s sight. This is because by God’s Law we can only come to fully know and understand that we are hopeless and helpless sinners! We need God to be our Savior – from God – and ourselves – under “His Holy Just and Good Law”! In other words: We need the Lord Jesus Christ! He is the only Hope that we have of our ever being eternally saved! Praise His Holy Name!
The Lord willing – we shall continue to see how this plays out in our walk through this world.
