by John Carpenter | Jul 26, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) 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 (or more lit. Faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness — instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The context of the first passage of scripture above — from Ac.17:30-31 – right up front – reveals the Source of Genuine True Repentance into Eternal Salvation. If, indeed, it truly exists in each of our lives, it is in an irresistible action that is generated – or, originated — completely by God – from within us – to come forth from us – as an obedient response to a Command from God that is directly given to us – on a personal and individual basis! The scriptures literally say that God Commands “all everywhere to repent”. But, to all of exactly – whom – does He command to repent? The answer to this question is given unto us in the Context of – unto “whom” Paul is here addressing – which is both Jews (like Paul, himself) and non-Jews — like the Greeks in Athens! In other words – God personally and individually commands all kinds of fallen and sinful men – everywhere – to Repent! It is God’s sovereign and personal prerogative – as to whom He individually and personally enjoins – to Repent of their sins and Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words – it is a Command of God – unto all – those of His choice! Which, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – will be fulfilled – that through them (lit.) “shall all the families of the earth be blessed”. Praise His Holy Name! [see: Gen.12:3 and 28:14]
Hence, do the scriptures here in Acts 17 go on to clarify that God’s Command to Repent of their sins – is to — all — unto whom — as vs.31 goes on to say – to all those – of all men – that He has given “Assurance” to. And, the word “Assurance” is the same new testament – Holy Spirit inspired word for: Faith. And, “God given “Faith” (which comes into fruition only by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God) is the Firm Foundation – that our “Hope is built on nothing less – than Jesus Blood and Righteousness”! Once again: Praise His All Glorious Name!
What Paul is declaring here in Acts 17 is the same Truth that he announced 2 years prior unto the Galatians! Paul wrote from Gal.2:16> “knowing – that a man is not justified (lit.) out of works of the law – but through the Faith of Jesus Christ”. This is a statement that is so important for us to understand! It’s a statement of Gospel Truth that the Apostle declares — concerns – not just him, but also the whole family of God – as he further explains! For he says: “also WE – into Christ Jesus – Believed – that WE might be justified by – the Faith of Jesus Christ – and not out of the works of the law – because – shall NOT be justified – out of works of law – any and all – flesh.”
We will continue to unfold the Word of the Truth of the Gospel – found – in these four contexts in regards to true and genuine Repentance. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jun 21, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) 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 (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them — Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ...(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The last several monthly devotionals have followed a common theme of what the Word declares descriptively – concerning our following the footprints of our Savior through this world – right into His heavenly presence. Now – we embark upon a subject that is not at all that far removed – from that same topic — in that we begin to examine a common characteristic that is very much a part of what the Word also describes as an obvious trait that indicates that we have truly been Holy Spirit Quickened – into truly following Jesus, who is without a doubt – our Sovereign Savior Substitute! Praise His Holy Name Forever!
Genuine Repentance is another unique and personal aspect of God’s genuine work of salvation – in every chosen sinner/child’s providence and experience – in this world. It, too, is not something that God expects the sinner – from themselves, to muster together and self-contrive, or manifest, or perform. If He waited for us to truly repent of our sins — in His plan to redeem us – then none of us would ever truly be saved by His grace. True Repentance – is also all done by Christ – or, True Repentance – does not truly exist – or, has not yet come to pass. So, what exactly is True and Genuine Repentance – and from what source does it spring into action – and why is it so important?!
“Repentance” is a marked characteristic of a True believer’s New Birth from above – by the Holy Spirit – and by the Word of God. [see: 1 Pe.1:23] Hence, Repentance draws attention to this True and Genuine characteristic of – the True Believer’s genuine experience, relationship and walk – with the Lord Jesus Christ through this evil world (or, through this world – of the Evil One). [see 2Co.4:4-6]
This is so important because – God Commands it! We will be going through the above four scriptural contexts – and we will attempt to unpack from them the pure Truth of exactly what True Repentance is – and how its character is continually being experienced in all who have been – genuinely spiritually awakened and quickened to follow – Christ Jesus – and Him alone! Amen. — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | May 20, 2025 | Devotional
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost – that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest became us – Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners – and made higher than the heavens…” [Heb.7:25-26]
“As ye have – therefore received – Christ Jesus the Lord – so walk ye in Him: (7) rooted and built up – in Him – and established – in the Faith – as ye have been taught – abounding therein – with Thanksgiving.” [Col.2:6+7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, but Christ liveth — in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
Throughout the above scriptures – we wish to emphasize the Person and Work of our Savior – that, literally directs the very steps of His truly regenerated believers through – this still yet sin filled life – in this sin filled world. In other words, all those who are filling the description of Rom.8:14> “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God – they are the sons of God.” These are the ones that are being led by the Holy Spirit –through this world filled with trouble, trial and sorrow right from their grave — here – and right into the glory – only – of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only – Sovereign Savior Substitute – that there ever was – is – or ever will be! Praise His Name! When you read the scriptures above – just focus on what is written in red – and behold the beautiful Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ in His truly saving us from all of our sins!
Let’s summarize exactly what each of these texts describes – provided to us who have been acted upon – by the Wonderful Grace of Jesus:
1) The Heb.7 text tells us that Jesus – by His grace, alone – saves us “to the uttermost” – from the uttermost depths of Hell – unto the glorious uttermost heights of – holy, holy, holy heaven! He does this by literally becoming our sin – and suffering the penalty (the unrestrained wrath of God) for all of it! The result of this is – us becoming His Righteousness! What a most wonderful trade – our sin for His Righteousness! It is in this Way (which Jesus only – is) that gains for us – eternal approval and access into His holy heavenly Presence – forever! [see: 2Cor.5:21]
2) The Col.2 text assures us that Christ Jesus (and Him alone) has eternally secured – both – our receiving and believing Him – and our successfully walking in (or, truly following) Him – throughout the rest of our earthly – and eternal – lives! It is all accomplished by Him — and for us — through His Wonderful Saving Grace. [see: Eph.2:8-10]
3) The Gal.2:20 text brings right into view – the Cross of Christ Jesus – as the very Center of Influence of God’s entire Eternal Salvation Scenario! And, this text exactly declares that the Person and Work of Christ – at Calvary – is the very gateway into a right now – right relationship – with Jesus as we follow Him – and His footsteps – through this sin-filled-world – right into His glorious and totally victorious – eternal and loving Presence! [And remember Who Jesus really is: “the Lamb of God” Rev.13:8]
4) Points one through three lead us right into the fourth and final text, Rom.6:3-4. This text also scripturally declares to us – by Divine Descriptive Demonstration – a true testimony of our being identified as a – true seed of the sovereign Savior and, therefore, a true believing member of the Household of God – and an heir of His heritage – the Promise of God and His Eternal Salvation! [see: Mt,13:24-30 and 36-43]
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Apr 22, 2025 | Devotional
[Heb.7:25-26]
[Col.2:6,7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I – but Christ liveth in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
We have now come to the last two contexts of holy scripture – as listed above – that further de-scribes the spiritual relationship between the Savior and His saved ones – even as they continue their own personal and individual journey of Grace — in and through this fallen-in-sin world. Gal.2:20 delivers to us — the apostle Paul’s description — and personal testimony — of that exact reality. And, even though – the circumstances concerning his personal testimony are diverse from ours – the wonderful outcome — of having been saved-by-grace — is exactly the same! Paul literally says: “I have been crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, – but Christ liveth in me and the life that I now live – in the flesh – in the faith – of the Son of God – who loved me and gave up Himself – for me!”
In this “Light” “of the Word of the Truth of the Gospel” [see Col.1:5] we must not forget, nor overlook the exact words – which our Lord God told Abram and Jacob – from Ge.12:2-3 and 28:13-15 – when He first — Covenantally Called them — and manifested Himself unto them!
This, too, substantiated and confirmed to them — the way that God’s own Word – relates and reg-ulates – the walk of Abraham and Jacob – throughout their whole lives in this world. Unto Abra-ham, from Ge.12:2-3 – God tells him “and I will make of thee – a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing (3) and I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse them that curseth thee, and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed!”
Now look at Ge.28:13-15 when God reveals and confirms unto Jacob — the same Covenantal Re-lationship that He has with him! The circumstances that encompasses this — is through his dream of a Ladder that connects both heaven and earth. The scripture says: “And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac! The land whereon thou liest – to thee will I give it – and to thy seed. (14) And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shalt spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south – and in thee — and in thy seed – shall all the families of the earth be blessed! (15) And behold – I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land – for I will not leave thee — until I have done — that which I have spoken to thee of!”
It is significant that we understand that neither Abraham nor Isaac and his son, Jacob were in actuality Jews…since all Jews came from Jacob’s son, Judah. But, what about Jacob’s other 11 sons – from 3 other women? And, Christ our Lord Jesus is to be considered a Jew because both Mary – His virgin mother – and Joseph – His earthly care-providing father – were also of the tribe of Judah. Even the first century Jews that hated the Lord Jesus – considered Him to be a bastard! Neither most of them – nor even those of the household of Mary and Joseph — became True Believers —until after Christ’s resurrection. Which is what we celebrate in this very month!
The meat of this message is truly glorious – and it is what we will be addressing in our next letter. From where we will attempt to conclude the scriptural answer to the question – How do we truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ – while we are still in these sin-producing bodies – where everything we think – say – and do – is, in reality, only always imperfect – sinful? The answer to this question will totally glorify our great Savior and God, the Lord Jesus. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 25, 2025 | Devotional
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost – that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest became us – Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners – and made higher than the heavens…” [Heb.7:25-26]
“As ye have – therefore received – Christ Jesus the Lord – so walk ye in Him: (7) rooted and built up – in Him – and established – in the Faith – as ye have been taught – abounding therein – with Thanksgiving.” [Col.2:6,7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, but Christ liveth in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
We are once again looking at the same scriptural references as last month’s devotional. And, have already from there focused upon the He.7:25-26 text – that pertains to our Eternal High Priest – the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest – because He alone is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners (all of us) and made to be Higher than the Heavens! We also noted that the pure Truth of what is scripturally stated as being the “Everlasting Gospel” in Rev.14:6-7 – necessarily must include “All” whom Triune God the Father has – “before the foundation of the world!” [see Eph.1:3-7] chosen and placed in Christ (our Eternal High Priest, Redeemer and Holy Substitute).
Now let’s examine how this relates to us – right now – where we presently are in this fallen-in-sin world. The Col.2:6 text first tells us: “As ye have therefore – Received – Christ Jesus the Lord”. A key word, here, is the word, “Received”. Hence the descriptive phrase here concerns – in the same manner — that we have Received Christ – Jesus – the Lord – we are likewise to —“walk” – through this world – (as it says) “in Him”. It is critical that we truly do understand what this means! God the Father having placed us in His incarnated Son – for Him to be our sin — and cause us to become His righteousness so as to save our souls by His great grace. He made us to be approved and accepted in Him! This means that everything that is being described – has been done – in Christ! He is our Vicarious Substitute! This is how we have “Received” Christ Jesus the Lord. The whole Great Triumvirate has a particular work of grace toward us – in order to eternally save our lost souls! The Father placed us in His Son – His Son has historically lived a Holy Righteous Life (for us) – and His Holy Spirit (of both the Father and the Son) has been sent by them to take up eternal residency in us – even while we are still here in this sinful and fallen-in-sin – worldly age. This where Ro.8:14 so appropriately says to us: “As many as are led – by the Spirit of God – they are the sons of God.” He leads us through this world – right out of it – and right into — the eternal blessed presence of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus! All glory to Him!
This brings us immediately to Col.2:7 – where it literally – and more fully explains: “having been rooted – and being built up – in Him – and being confirmed (or, being eternally established; made firm and sure — that we truly are) – in the faith (which is His Faith) [see Gal.2:16]. “Even (it goes on to say) as ye have been taught (by the Spirit’s teaching and preaching) abounding in it — with Thanksgiving!” All of these verbal participle phrases are performed through us – and for us — by God – and not us. They have been all completely worked out – “in Christ” – our Sovereign Savior Substitute! In whom we have been chosen and placed by God – “before the world began!” [2Ti.1:9] Praise His Holy Name! If it’s not all Christ – it’s definitely all wrong! The last phrase of Jn.15:5 is – and always will be – absolutely true! This is where our Lord Jesus tells us: “for without me – ye can do nothing!”
The center of influence of all the contexts of these particular scriptures – is what has been concluded from Gal.2:20 and Rom.6:3-4! We will examine these texts in next month’s Newsletter… which is actually a Prayer Letter. While we are still in this fallen world – in these frail mortal bodies – we need to continually be praying and seeking our Savior for our own protection and strength. We follow Him by walking in His Holy footprints all the way out of this age and right into glory
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 4, 2025 | Devotional
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost – that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest became us – Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners – and made higher than the heavens…” [Heb.7:25-26]
“As ye have therefore – received Christ Jesus the Lord – so walk ye in Him: (7) rooted and built up – in Him – and established – in the Faith – as ye have been taught – abounding therein with Thanksgiving.” [Col.2:6,7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, but Christ liveth in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
These texts describe quite well the relationship that our Savior, Christ Jesus, initiates and enters into with every one of His sinner-children whom He has come into this – our world of fallen humanity – to Save. And, this is without exception where every single individual one of His loved and saved-by-grace sinner/children are concerned! This is a vital part of the Everlasting Gospel that is being described from Rev.14:6-7: “And 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 (7) 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 fountain of waters!”
There is One word in our English language – that sums up the meaning of all of the miraculous performance — of the eternally saving work – of our Lord Jesus Christ – of whom it is also written that “He came into this world – to save sinners” [see 1Tim.1:15]. That One word is: Vicarious! Which word has been defined as meaning – One Person – taking the place of another person in something endured, suffered or performed. The benefits and advantages of the Representing Person – having been fully applied to the person(s) represented; Substitutional! This is exactly what Jesus – the Great Shepherd and Savior – has done for each one of His sinner-children – His Sheep! [See Jn.10:27-28] As the above — Heb.7:25-26 text — says of Jesus — This is the pure truth of the gospel message – in the immutable and the eternal – Word of God – Praise His Holy Name!
This is what the First passage from He.7:25-26 descriptively declares to us. It tells us that only He is able [Or, all powerful enough to save us – from the “gutter-most – to the uttermost”]. He is our Eternal High Priest and Substitute! We come unto Holy God – by Him – and by Him alone! He represents us before God – His God and Father – and our God and Father [see Jn.20:16-18]. In fact, everyone who has been saved by Him – has been chosen and placed in Him – from before the foundation of this world! [See Eph.1:3-5] This articulates God’s perfect plan for the eternal salvation of His entire family! And, the list of Divine descriptives in Heb.7:26 of our Lord Jesus Christ is exactly what we need to be — in order for us to be approved and accepted forever in God’s Holy presence. It says: “For such a High Priest – became us [or, conspicuously was suitable and proper for us to be] —
Holy [or, the impossibility to sin] Harmless [or, completely innocent of any sin] Undefiled [or, completely pure; unsoiled] Separate from sinners – and – made [or, was raised up with Him] higher than the heavens!” This is what We are by the love and grace of our Kinsman-Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. We will survey these same texts next month as well – and hopefully see further ramifications of this wonderful Truth! Amen. — John Carpenter
