The Mystery of Unity

There are several mysteries or secrets mentioned in the Scriptures, especially in Paul's epistles.
But the one that Paul mentions in Chapter 1 of his letter to the Ephesians is really hard to believe.

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

This is especially difficult to believe when we consider the current state of our world with its endless wars, destructive diseases and cruel acts of brutality that humans inflict on each other.
Even so, if the universe was initially created out of nothing, then finally bringing unity using the ingredients already in existence, no matter how tarnished, should no longer seem impossible to us bystanders.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
[Genesis 1 : 1  NIV]

God did this through his son, Jesus Christ.

There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. 
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.
[1 Corinthians 8 : 6  NLT]

So all creation was united under the headship of Christ, its Creator, as any creation (invention) is under the headship or control of its creator (inventor).

In our "secret plan" verses at the beginning of the post, we see that regardless of what we see or how we feel, this unity is going to be restored under the headship of Christ at the right time.
Everything at the end will be in the same condition as it was at the beginning - all creation in unity under the headship of the Creator - which is why Jesus came to earth as a human to start the re-creation process.
The Apostle John was given a glimpse of God's intention which he recorded here:

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” 
Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  ESV]

Let's also remember that this restoration cannot be thwarted by humanity's rebellion or ignorance.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  GNT]

Isn't that exciting?

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Believing Jesus was Successful is Cultish?

Today when I mentioned that "all will eventually be reconciled to God", it was suggested, by a very sincere, mature and generous Christian, that I was in a cult.
How about that?
I believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just a few.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. 
That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved.
[1 Timothy 2 : 5 - 6  GNT]

I believe that God is the Saviour of the world, all of it.

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

I believe that God will bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

I believe that God is sovereign and will complete his plan to save the world.

Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. 
I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—
    a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding.
I have said what I would do, and I will do it. 
[Isaiah 46 : 9 - 11  NLT]

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
[Psalm 115 : 3  NIV]

I believe God's will must prevail over anyone's will to the contrary.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  NIV]

If that qualifies me to belong to a cult, then I suggest that many more should join it.

Another curious comment was made, "This view takes the joy out of being a Christian".
Really? 
It might take the smugness out of being a Christian, but the joy?

I am thrilled, overjoyed, that I worship a God who can, and will, do all of the above.
And I serve a risen Lord who has enabled it to happen - and has included me in it.

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

God is OK with You

If I asked the average Christian if God was OK with them, I would usually get a positive answer.
If I then followed up with, "Why do you think so?", I would probably get something like, "Jesus paid for my sins and I have put my faith in Jesus".

That's an interesting answer, which is half correct and also half of the correct answer to a completely different question.
The half that is the correct answer to this question is "Jesus paid for my sins".

If I then asked a more general question, "Whose sins did Jesus pay for?" the answer would often be, "Christians, those who believe in him".

To many Christians, the Biblical answer to this question might be a complete surprise.
Look what the Bible says:

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

Clearly, "Jesus paid for my sins" was the correct answer, but not only for Christians, it was for everyone.
God is OK with all of us.

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NLT]

So what about the "I have put my faith in Jesus" part of the original answer?
Knowing and believing that Jesus paid for my sins and trusting that God no longer counts my sins against me is the answer to this question, 

"How can you have peace in this world and confidence for what is coming in the next?"

Having faith in Jesus and what he has done for me gives me both peace and hope, and assures me that God is OK with me, right now and forever.

Blessings, Barry
--------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au 

Trust in Our Sovereign God

In a previous post, Forgiveness, the Jesus Way, we quoted the following from Luke's gospel account:

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
[Luke 23 : 33 - 34  NIV]

Those who conspired to put Jesus on the cross and those who brutally beat him and murdered him were doing the work of Satan and those he motivated. 
Satan's determination to get rid of Jesus and to curtail the kingdom work of the Messiah was his aim, and it is likely he thought he had succeeded when Jesus died on the cross.

But no! God's plan was for Jesus to enter human death and destroy it from the inside for the benefit of all humanity.
The wicked plans and actions of Jesus' enemies were what God used to implement His plan of redeeming the human race.

... God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. 
[1 Timothy 2 : 3 -4  GNT]

Jesus himself said that by the means of the cross all people would eventually be drawn to him.

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
[And John added,] He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

Jesus knew the cross was a key component in the Father's plan to save the world.
And Satan and his minions played their role, even though they had no idea they were playing a designated part in a plan that was the opposite of theirs.

I am so often amazed, but should not be, to see how God gets done what He has previously decided to do, and uses whatever circumstances and people are available at the time.
He is truly sovereign.

People can make many different plans. But only the Lord’s plan will happen.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  ICB]

Or as the Living Bible puts it "Man proposes, but God disposes."

It is so comforting to know God is sovereign, God is in control, and He has plans for our eventual good, even when it is not always obvious to us. (It was certainly not obvious to the disciples who saw their Messiah crucified.)

That's why we have been encouraged to live by faith, by trust in our sovereign heavenly Father.

for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—
[2 Corinthians 5 : 7  AMP]

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

A Criminal in Paradise?

In the last post we discussed the forgiveness received by the Jews and Romans who tortured Jesus and put him on the cross.
There was no need for any repentance, baptism, religious affiliation or agreement to some statement of doctrine on their behalf. 
No! 
From the love of Jesus and the Father poured out mercy and forgiveness for those wayward, ignorant Jewish leaders and Romans soldiers.

But have you noticed another amazing expression of Jesus' love, mercy and grace while he was on the cross?
The criminal who recognised Jesus' kingship and asked to be remembered when Jesus would come into his kingdom was told that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that very day, before the kingdom had yet been established.

Nothing more than a simple request was needed to get Jesus' attention and promise - no baptism, no confession of faith, no acceptance of some creedal statement - nothing more than acknowledging Christ as the promised Messiah, the coming King.

Let's be playful here for a moment.
Suppose this criminal presents himself at the gate to Paradise and the angel meeting him asks, "What are you doing here? You're a criminal."
He might reply, "I was told to come here today."
"And who told you that?"
"The man on the cross next to me."

It seems that everything about the kingdom, even before the crucifixion, is about what Jesus wants.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last ...
[John 15 : 16  NIV]

Co-workers with Christ in his kingdom are chosen and equipped for kingdom leadership.

But what about the rest of humanity, those not chosen for kingdom leadership?
Their turn will come to enjoy that kingdom because Jesus promised:

When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.” (In saying this he indicated the kind of death he was going to suffer.)
[John 12 : 32  GNB]

And God's plan promised it:

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22  NIV]
So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 
[Romans 5 : 18  GNB]

The rest of humanity will be citizens in the kingdom, enjoying the glorious benefits of living in God's renewed world.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  NIV]

So how did this criminal get into Paradise?
Because Jesus said so; and because of a huge transformation making everything new:

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 51, 53  NIV]

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Forgiveness, the Jesus Way

Most of us have experienced the challenge of forgiving someone who has hurt us. These hurts range from misleading us, taking from us, misrepresenting us, to ruining our reputation or livelihood.

I am always challenged by the example of Jesus on the cross asking his Father to forgive those who put him there. 

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
[Luke 23 : 33 - 34  NIV]

Jesus was asking the Father to forgive those who put him on the cross - his accusers, his assailants and his murderers. 
How hard was that?
It could only have come from the deep, deep love Jesus had for them.

Because they sure hadn't done anything like what many churches teach for people to receive God's forgiveness today. 
They hadn't made a public confession of their faith, or been baptised, or affirmed the church's doctrinal statement, or followed any of the formulas many churches impose upon new converts.

And it happened even before Jesus had become the sin-offering for our sins on the cross!

Jesus was giving an unforgettable example of what he had already taught his followers.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
[Matthew 5 : 43 - 45a  NIV]

This event also gives us a clear insight into God's love - a love that forgives under all circumstances.
"Love is kind ... It keeps no record of wrongs ... Love never fails" are snippets from 1 Corinthians 13.

Jesus' prayer before he died on the cross demonstrated the forgiveness that flowed from his deep love for those who put him there - the Jews and the Romans (Gentiles).
Giving his life on the cross just a few minutes later demonstrated his deep love for all of humanity, all Jews and all Gentiles, and the forgiveness of sin for all of us that flowed from it.

There is a personal aspect to this for us who are followers of Christ.
When we choose mercy and forgiveness in our times of hurt we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus and his Father.

However, this is not easy - forgiveness is not easy. 
It is not pretending the hurt didn't happen. And it is not excusing wrongdoing.
It is a deliberate decision to exercise love by showing mercy, letting go of the right to respond in any "just" retaliatory way.

Wouldn't our families, our communities, our world, even our churches, be totally different if we forgave our "enemies" as Jesus forgave his?

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Are Believers or Unbelievers Saved?

The answer to this question depends on whether you follow the mainstream evangelical church (MEC) or the Bible.

The MEC teaches that a person is saved only if they believe the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as their Saviour (or some similar process). 
In other words, salvation follows personal belief - a person is not saved until they become a believer and act upon that belief.
Accordingly, salvation is exclusively for believers.

The first Bible verse I encountered that created doubt for me about the MEC position was written by Paul to his apprentice Timothy.

This is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

True, believers are special because they understand and appreciate God's truth and live in peace and positive hope about their future. 
Nevertheless, the Bible says that salvation is clearly for all people, believers and unbelievers.

Equally, when writing to believers in the Roman province of Asia, John tells them (speaking of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One):

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

The MEC agrees that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but then claims this sacrifice is just the starting point, saying that salvation is now only possible or available for all. 
To complete the salvation process, a person needs to become a believer thus taking advantage of salvation's availability.

Again, Jesus didn't wait for people to become believers to save them, he died for sinners, unbelievers.

When we were unable to help ourselves [still helpless/weak], at the right [or appointed] time, Christ died for us sinners [the ungodly/wicked].
[Romans 5 : 6 EXB]

Clearly, Jesus saved unbelievers, not believers as is usually thought and taught.
Indeed, Jesus Christ never saved (died for) a believer.
Believers came into existence only after Jesus had completed His salvation mission and they became aware of it.

So there is hope for everyone as we all start out as unbelievers.
Isn't that interesting? 
The only qualification needed for a person to be saved is to be an unbeliever. 

Subsequently, at some point of God's choosing, each person will be "called", given faith to believe the good news about what Jesus accomplished for mankind on the cross ...

For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 
But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22, 23  GNT]

and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit ...

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
[Romans 8 : 11 NLT]

and be equipped to become an active participant in God's kingdom.

For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.
[Philippians 2 : 13  ISV]

Believers, who have already been called, given faith and responsibilities in the kingdom, live in peace and in appreciation of their future hope.
For unbelievers, their time must come, for Jesus has promised ...

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.”
[John 12 : 32 GNT]

Blessings, Barry
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au