by John Carpenter | Oct 16, 2024 | Devotional
“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!” [Gal.2:16]
(6) “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…” [Col.2:6-7]
(11) “In whom also – ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands – in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ – (12) Buried with Him – in baptism – wherein also – ye are risen with Him – through the Faith of the operation of God – who hath raised Him from the dead.” [Col.2:11-12]
What makes a person a true believer – in Jesus Christ? This is not a trick question by any means!
“Knowing” – the very first word of Gal.2:16 shown above – is a Holy Spirit inspired word that tells us a fact that is dogmatically known and understood. And, that fact which we all must absolutely agree with is the absolute truth that every human being – in this fallen-in-sin world – is not “justified” (or declared sinlessly righteous by Holy God) “by” (or more literally “out of”) “the works of the law.” No, not at all! All of us fallen-in-sin sinners – wherever we’re from – or wherever we are – are justified and declared by Holy God as being sinlessly righteous – by the only way that any sinner can be justified – and that’s “by” (or more literally “through”) “the Faith of Jesus Christ.” It’s His faith that we receive by grace from Him – that causes us to believe in Him. And then the apostle Paul goes on and declares more boldly – when he says – “even WE have believed (meaning himself and all the brethren which are with him in writing this letter unto them – they all – he says – have entered into being believers) in Jesus Christ.” And then he states dogmatically Why – he and they have entered into the company of true believers in Jesus Christ – it is in order that they “might be justified by (or “out of”) the Faith of Christ and not out of the works of the law; for out of the works of the law shall no flesh (i.e. no fallen-in-sin flesh – of which we all have) be justified”! {Note: By more accurately translating the prepositions – one truly helps to clarify the real message of Gal.2:16}.
This touches on a point that really needs to be emphasized. The Faith that saves – needs to be awakened and quickened and nurtured and strengthened by the Holy Spirit in us! Heb.12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher of our Faith – and that’s because – our Faith is His Faith – which, by His grace, He has given and awakened and quickened into Action inside Us! His Faith is – the Faith that God reckons, or imputes Christ’s righteousness unto us – so that His righteousness becomes – our righteousness. (just like He did unto Abraham; see Rom.4:3-5). 2Co.13:5 commands us to constantly be examining ourselves. How? By the Holy Spirit and the Word of God – in order to see whether or not – we are truly – in “the Faith”! We must be diligent to do just that!
Since we have embarked on this particular subject – there is so much more that is gloriously connected with understanding our truly believing in the Lord Jesus Christ – that we will be addressing more of what the above scriptural context has to deliver.
All of this – once again – underscores the fact that where our eternal salvation is concerned – If it’s not all (out of) Christ Jesus (His person and work entirely) – It’s all wrong! Praise His Name! — John Carpenter
“But without Faith it is impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God – must believe that He is – and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
By Faith Noah – being warned of God of things not seen as yet – moved with fear – prepared an Ark to the saving of his house – by the which he condemned the world – and became heir of the righteousness which is by Faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7
by John Carpenter | Sep 15, 2024 | Devotional
“And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not! Stand still – and see the salvation of the Lord – which He will show to you today! For the Egyptians whom ye have seen today – ye shall see them again – no more forever! (14) The Lord shall fight for you – and ye shall hold your peace” (Ex.14:13-14).
“When I cry unto thee – then shall mine enemies turn back – this I know – for God is for me!… In God have I put my trust. I will not fear what man can do unto me… For thou hast delivered my soul from death – wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling – that I may walk before God in the Light of the Living?” (Ps.56:9,11,13).
All of us who have been quickened and awakened by the Holy Spirit – and the pure Truth of the Word of God – in regards to the eternally redeeming person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ – have become aware of the reality – of the Spiritual Warfare – that has been and still is raging all around us – at all times. If this reality is not being revealed unto us – then it – most likely must be true that – our spiritual quickening and awakening – is still needing to be fulfilled.
When the apostle Paul had his life-changing experience with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) – little did he realize that his whole life in this world would immediately be changed! After the Lord Jesus came and got him – nothing was ever the same! All that he had learned through his education as a church-going Pharisee – by his own admission (see Phil.3:7-10) became of no value to his saving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Suddenly – the completed work of Christ (as his Kinsman Redeemer) was revealed unto him – and from that moment on – Jesus – became his “all and in all” (Col.3:11). From that moment on – the real spiritual battles that surrounded him on every side – became the focus of his whole world.
This is what is depicted throughout the whole Bible – for ALL of God’s eternally saved ones!
Note the context of the first scripture above from Ex.14:13. The children of Israel had been sur-viving in Egypt for 400 years! Their whole lives in this world was becoming a generational heritage of bond-slavery to the Egyptians! They cried out to God for their deliverance from their oppression until the burning flame of all their hopes had become barely glowing embers. And this was the very providence of Moses – whom God raised up and sent to them – to lead them to victory and freedom from their enemies.
Dear ones, this is a picture of all of God’s people in every generation of this sinful world! Yes! This is a picture of us in this world right NOW! Like the Israelites – with the impossible depths of the Red Sea in front of them – and destruction and death from their enemies right behind them – their whole world looked like a disaster to say the least. But God – will always come through for His true children! Praise His Wonderful Name! Let us call unto Him – who has been and still is OUR wonderful Savior! Read the whole context of both Ex.14 and Ps.56.
The same Savior that Moses called on to do – what only He could do – is whom we call on today! All glory to God! This is the grand realization that is gifted to us when we read and study the Word of God. He communicates to us this same meaning and message of His Salvation. Note how God caused Moses to tell them to stop looking behind them – and move forward (see Phil.3:14). He told them – not to fear – but to “stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord”. And, how great it will be when our Lord will tell us, “The enemies we see today, we will see them no more forever.” — John Carpenter
by the Editor | Aug 18, 2024 | Devotional
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. — Luke 19:1-10
Maybe some of you have heard the little song “Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man”. It is a fun little song to sing with a group of children. At Camp Del-Haven, we have sung this song many times throughout the years. This song does not adequately describe the change in Zacchaeus after the Lord Jesus met with him.
As we read in verse 2, Zacchaeus was a publican (a dirty rotten tax collector). In fact, it states that he was “chief “ among the tax collectors. During that time, the tax collectors would take taxes from the Jews and give it to the Romans. Tax collectors were known for collecting more than the required amount and they would keep the extra for themselves. Basically they would legally steal from the people.
Verse 2 also indicates that Zacchaeus was rich. So, he was good at stealing from the people. In John 10:27, we read, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” The Lord Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and saved him. Zacchaeus was made a “new creature”. He vowed to give half of his goods to the poor and pay back anyone that he had treated wrongly, plus interest.
This account of Zacchaeus in God’s Word clearly illustrates 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Can you see the change in Zacchaeus? Praise The Lord!
— written by Jeff Hall
by John Carpenter | Jun 20, 2024 | Devotional
Praise ye the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! (2) While I live — will I praise the Lord – I will sing praises unto my God — while I have my being. (3)Put not your trust in princes – nor in the son of man — in whom there is no help. (4) His breath goeth forth — he returneth to his earth (or, dust). In that very day his thoughts perish. (5) Happy (or, Blessed) is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help – whose hope is in the Lord his God! (6) Which made heaven – and earth – the sea – and all that therein is; which keepeth Truth for ever! (7) Which executeth judgment for the oppressed – which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners (of Satan, Sin and the World)! (8) The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind – the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down – the Lord loveth the righteous (9) the Lord preserveth the strangers — He relieveth the fatherless and widow – but the way of the wicked – He turneth upside down! (10) The Lord shall reign for ever – even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations! Praise ye the Lord!” [Ps.146]
This Psalm speaks to – and about – all the individuals who have trusted in the eternal person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ – as being their own personal Savior and God – even while they are still in this fallen world of sin, death and Satanic adversity. This is a Psalm of very great encouragement unto – especially – them!
If you are among the eternally saved – by the Lord – Rejoice! And shout, “Hallelujah!” That’s the Word that means: “Praise the Lord”! This Psalm begins and ends with this word.
If you’re not sure that you are – right now – another one that is among those who know that they are one of God’s saved ones – by the Lord Jesus Christ (see: 1Jn.5:11-13) then call out to Him (see: Rom.10:13-17) and beg Him to let you know that you – indeed – are one of His saved ones. Rom.8:16 – which is in God’s very Word, tells us that His Spirit bears witness – or communicates with our spirit – that we are – indeed — His saved-by-grace sinner/children! And, that means that we are “heirs of God and joint-heirs” with Christ (our eternal Savior). So, if you’re not sure you’re one of His – call out to Him – to let you know – and believe – and understand that you truly are!!
This Psalm describes the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ – and how He reigns over all the sinner/children that God the Father has given unto Him – to save! Put your trust in Him – and not in anyone or anything else. He will manifest Himself unto you in your present circumstances and He will rescue you from Satan – sin – this adverse world, et. al. And He will guide your steps all the way – from here – unto where you know that you really want to someday go – Heaven!
And, take note of what is underlined in verse 9> “The way of the wicked – He turneth upside down!” This is especially comforting when you consider and understand our present adverse reality of being under our present government! Even — it – is ultimately under the Lord’s sovereign control. Yes, in spite of these present trials – everything that is declared by God – about God – where we, His children, are concerned – will be realized! Praise His Name!
In short, this Psalm describes the Providence of God for all His saved-by-grace loved ones! [Providence is defined as being: Divine guidance, or care; God conceived power – maintaining and guiding human destiny]. We all have our own individual, personal and peculiar providence while we are living in this world. Yet all who are God’s – all who belong to Him – all who make up the people of His own peculiar possession (1Pe.2:9-10) – who are among all those whom He has planted in this world (see: Mat.13:24-43) – these will all experience the regenerating reality of living here — in a daily walk and relationship with the Lord Jesus that is filled with all the good things of Ps.146:5-9. Hallelujah! Amen. — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | May 22, 2024 | Devotional
(17) “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ – the Father of glory – may give you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation – in the Knowledge of Him: (18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened – that ye may know what is the Hope of His calling – and what (are) the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints; (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of His Power to us—ward – who Believe – according to the working of His Power – (20) which He wrought in Christ – when He raised Him from the dead – and set Him at His own right hand – in the heavenly places(!);(21) Far above all principality and power and might and dominion – and every name that is named, not only in this world – but also in that which is to come(!): (22) And hath put all things under His feet – and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church – (23) Which is His body – the fulness of Him – that filleth all in all!” [Eph.1:17-23]
This is the capstone text to what was presented last month titled as – “Celebrating Our Lord’s Resurrection”. The context of this very section of holy scripture is what the apostle Paul declares as being that which – he specifically prays for – where the Ephesian believers are concerned. Paul supplicates God – the Father of glory – to graciously give unto them – the Holy Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in (lit.) the “Full Knowledge” of the Lord Jesus Christ! (see: 1Ti.2:3-4) Who has quickened and opened the eyes of their spiritual understanding – enlightening them to know what is the Hope of His Holy calling into their eternal salvation! All of this constitutes – the riches of the glory of His inheritance of grace in all of His saints. Praise His Name! And this – he is inspired to declare – is the exceeding greatness of His Power unto all of us – who truly and genuinely – Savingly Believe in Him!
In fact, what is revealed here is also – the profound truth that – it is He who owns and bestows upon all His eternally saved ones – the Power to Repent and Believe on Christ! Repenting and Believing on our Lord Jesus Christ – is Not an exercise that we are capable of performing! No! That, too, all comes from God – alone! And, this wonderful text declares it to have all been completely worked out by God – for us – when – by the glory of God the Father – He raised up Christ Jesus from among the dead! (see: Ro.6:4) The same Omnipotent Power – that God the Father wrought upon His Son – our Substitute/Savior – when He gloriously raised Him up from being among the dead – and set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places – that same almighty Power – is what He blesses us with – in order to cause us to truly Believe in His Savior Son – so as to be Eternally Saved-by-His grace! All praise unto the wonderful Word of His Grace!
This is why the apostle Paul was inspired to write unto the Galatians – in Ga.2:16 – these words: “knowing that a man is not justified – (lit.) out of performing – the works of the law – but through the Faith of Jesus Christ – even we (the apostles) have believed into Jesus Christ – that we might be justified – out of the faith of Christ – and not out of the works of the law…”!
Hence – does Paul go on to inspiringly explain in no uncertain terms – what he says from vs.20:
“I have been crucified – with Christ – nevertheless I live (here again, is a reference to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus) yet not I – but Christ – liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh – I live (lit.) In the faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me!”
Gal.3:26 dogmatically declares: “For ye are all the children of God (lit.) through faith in Christ Jesus!” Let us praise and glorify Him…Forever!!
— John Carpenter
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
