The Kingdom of God

from the pen of pastor Mike McInnis

 

                         THE KINGDOM OF GOD   

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then

    would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.                                                                                                                  John 18:36

    Most all misunderstandings of the gospel can be traced, at least in part, to a misunderstanding of the nature of the kingdom of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This is also the cause of the misapplication of many, if not most, of the prophetic scriptures found in the Old and the New Testaments, by well meaning but mistaken modern “prophets”.

   The LORD JESUS declared that HIS primary purpose in coming into the world was to “bear witness unto the truth.” (John 18:37)   In bearing witness to this truth HE declared that HE was indeed a KING, but one quite unlike any other king born of men.  HIS Kingdom was declared in the most unusual of circumstances as HE poured out HIS life’s blood on Calvary’s cross, signaling HIS utter conquest of death, which was then demonstrated by HIS resurrection from the dead, three days later, becoming the first fruits of them that sleep, and having its culmination and final manifestation when death itself is destroyed in the day of the resurrection of them that sleep in JESUS. (see I Cor.15:25,26; Rev.20:14)

    HIS kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom. (see Ps.145:13, Dan.4:3,34; 7:14,27; II Pet. 1:11)  This was that which was first declared in Genesis 3:15 when the LORD said, HE “shall bruise thy head” to the serpent.  It was declared throughout the Old Testament in all of the prophecies which pointed to the coming Messiah and the declaration of HIS gospel.  This is no temporary kingdom, but one which now begun shall endure forever. 

    HIS kingdom is a constant Kingdom.   There is no change in it, nor does HIS power wax or wane, for HE remains a KING forever, having been appointed to this station and declared to be such, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psa 2:6)  HE is not gaining more power nor engaged in further conquests, for HE is seated at the right hand of the FATHER.  HE is a very present MONARCH who ever lives to make intercession for HIS own.

    HIS kingdom is a mediatorial Kingdom.   It pleased the LORD to demonstrate the KINGLY authority of JESUS CHRIST in HIS redemption of sinners.   For it is HE who came into the world to save HIS own people which were given to HIM before the foundation of the world. (see Mat.1:21; Heb.9:12)   By HIS own declaration in HIS prayer in Gethsemane’s garden, HE said, “those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost.” (John17:12)   It is impossible to rightly understand the Kingdom of GOD if one is mistaken about the atoning work of JESUS CHRIST, for it is here that HIS kingdom’s glory shines most brightly.  To be confused as to those who are the objects of HIS redeeming work is to consider a kingdom without subjects.  To be confused as to the extent of HIS redeeming work is to emaciate the kingdom and make it of none effect, a mere shell of a kingdom.

    HE is both a REDEEMER of HIS elect and a DELIVERER of the same.   HIS work in their behalf is both final and complete as Paul said, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 8:1)   HE said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

    HIS Kingdom is an invisible Kingdom.   The LORD told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.” (Luke 17:20) even though HE went on to tell them that HIS kingdom was in their very midst.   They had no eyes to see it, being blind.  The LORD said “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” (Mat 11:25-26) 

    Much error has been promulgated over time by those who insist on a carnal manifestation of the Kingdom of CHRIST, either in some future age or a view of it in the present time which can be observed by carnal men.   CHRIST fully rules and reigns in HIS kingdom at the present time accomplishing exactly what HE pleases though it be largely (if not completely) hidden from the view of carnal men.

    For instance the LORD is demonstrating HIS strength by manifesting the weakness of HIS saints to their own conscience.  This is contrary to the reason of men who are convinced that they should be able to observe HIS working which in reality is hidden from view.  Job’s supposed friends and comforters were of this mindset as they upbraided Job and were convinced that Job’s troubles could be traced to his disobedience as well as his blessing to his obedience.   The descendants of these physicians of no value continue to preach their conditionalism, which gives man control of his own blessing rather than the true KING.

    In every thing that is true, Satan has devised a counterfeit.   He has sowed tares among the wheat and sent out wolves in sheep’s clothing even as he “is transformed into an angel of light.” (2Cor 11:14)  Look well unto the indicators of this TRUE Kingdom.

    The money of HIS Kingdom is not the filthy lucre of this world.  There is no connection between the carnal money of this present world and the Kingdom of GOD.  The currency of CHRIST’s kingdom is love.   “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8)  “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1Pet 4:8)   The same Peter who wrote this was the one whom the LORD told how many times a man should forgive another who had wronged him.  (see Mat.18:21,22)  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (1John 3:14)

    The citizens of HIS Kingdom must be born into it.  There are no naturalized citizens of this Kingdom, nor can any man join himself to this Country by his own decision.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)  “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

    The law of HIS Kingdom is not written on tablets of stone but on the fleshy tables of the heart.  The law of Moses can do nothing but minister condemnation to those who are awakened to their inability to keep it.   Those who would press the law given on Sinai upon the sons of GOD, are ignorant of the true law of CHRIST’s kingdom and would seek to bind the free born sons of GOD with burdens that none can bear.  “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:2)  “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” (Gal 3:24-25)  “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1Cor 13:10)  “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” (Heb 4:9-10) 

      www.gracechapelobrien.net

 

          http://wayfarerblog.blogspot.com/

 

          http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freeandsovereigngrace/

 

         mam

Do you know too many things?

A. W. Tozer said; "One trouble with us today is that we know too many things."  As I read his quote (written in the 20th century) I thought about that scripture in Eccl 1:17-18 where Solomon wrote;

"And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.  For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increases knowledge increases sorrow."

Remember, in the context of Eccl 1 Solomon is writing about a wisdom that is "under the heaven". This knowledge, this wisdom, is not from above. Solomon found the pursuit of knowing things, the pursuit of wisdom "under the sun" (earthly wisdom) to be "vexation of spirit" (wind grabbing). He found it to be empty and he found that it produced sorrow.

Now I'm not discounting knowing all things or everything for that matter but what I believe Mr Tozer was getting at was our relationship to our Creator, our walk with God, our knowledge of Him. So, do you and I know too many things? Are our hearts and minds filled with empty knowledge? Are our minds cluttered, perhaps choking out the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

May we, "through God" be those who are "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ"! May we be found in the company of the apostle Paul who said towards the end of his life here on earth, "that I may know Him".

The Great Transfer

 From Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening for April 13.




“And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt- offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”                                                                                     - Lev_1:4


Our Lord’s being made “sin for us” is set forth here by the very significant transfer of sin to the bullock, which was made by the elders of the people. The laying of the hand was not a mere touch of contact, for in some other places of Scripture the original word has the meaning of leaning heavily, as in the expression, “thy wrath lieth hard upon me” (Ps._88:7). Surely this is the very essence and nature of faith, which doth not only bring us into contact with the great Substitute, but teaches us to lean upon him with all the burden of our guilt. Jehovah made to meet upon the head of the Substitute all the offenses of his covenant people, but each one of the chosen is brought personally to ratify this solemn covenant act, when by grace he is enabled by faith to lay his hand upon the head of the “Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.” Believer, do you remember that rapturous day when you first realized pardon through Jesus the sin-bearer? Can you not make glad confession, and join with the writer in saying, “My soul recalls her day of deliverance with delight. Laden with guilt and full of fears, I saw my Savior as my Substitute, and I laid my hand upon him; oh! how timidly at first, but courage grew and confidence was confirmed until I leaned my soul entirely upon him; and now it is my unceasing joy to know that my sins are no longer imputed to me, but laid on him, and like the debts of the wounded traveller, Jesus, like the good Samaritan, has said of all my future sinfulness, ‘Set that to my account.’“ Blessed discovery! Eternal solace of a grateful heart!

“My numerous sins transfered to him,
Shall never more be found,
Lost in his blood’s atoning stream,
Where every crime is drowned!”

a few thoughts from 1 Jn 3:23

 "And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment."

How simple and yet how profound is this scripture in 1 John. In Matthew 11 our Lord said my yoke is easy and my burden is light and in 1 John 5:3 the apostle John writes "His commandments are not grievous". That is His commandments are not heavy or burdensome. So here in our text John sums up the believer's life in one verse; believe Christ and love His people!

We are to spend the rest of our lives believing the One that God sent into the world to be the Savior of the world, we are to love Him supremely and give ourselves to Him wholly. That is what it means to "believe". But John does not stop there he goes on to say we are to demonstrate this belief in Jesus Christ by loving His people, by loving one another. 

The beauty in the command to 'love one another' can be seen in this, if we love others then we will treat them right. We will not lie to them, steal from them, or covet what they have. We will forgive as we have been forgiven, we will love our enemies and bless them that persecute us, we will rejoice with them that rejoice and weep with them that weep, in short, we will love our neighbor as ourselves.

This thought is contrary to the world's thinking where we are told  it's all about you (self esteem), even at the expense of others, but this thinking is not in God's kingdom. His kingdom has different principles and its foundation is His Son Jesus Christ. It's all about Him! He is the Head and the fountain, out of Him springs life, love and light. He is the vine and we are the branches, we are forever joined and vitally united to Him and therefore united to our Father in heaven through Him!

So believer go forth into the world, the Truth has set you free. Free to believe God's Son, free to trust Him in all things in this life. Free to cast all your care on Him. Free to call upon Him, to praise Him, to walk with Him and He with you. Free to love Him with all your being. But it doesn't stop there; believer you are free to love one another, free to bear one another's burden and call each other's name before the throne of grace. 

So "believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment."

Then the Soldiers

 I recently received and read a printed copy of a message titled "Then the Soldiers". Pastor Gene Breed of Grace Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA preached this message from John 19:23-24. It is a gripping message that causes you to search your heart, not only to search it, but search while you stand at the foot of the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. I recommend it to all for your soul's benefit.

Here are the opening few paragraphs:

The world has a saying, I don't know that it's true, but it's said that everyone will have 15 minutes of fame. God has a timetable! It's called, "the times before appointed" it is that time of everyone's life on this earth , that has ever been, are "before appointed". Habitations, (where they will live), have been set as bounds by God! You can't go outside those bounds, and no one can get to you inside those bounds except as God wills. These words, "Then the Soldiers", means that now it's their time. It's their 15 minutes! It's their time in the spotlight.

Here they are at the gateway to hell and the gateway to heaven at the foot of the cross. Standing there at the cross will either send you to hell, or heaven, depending on what you do with it, or what it does with you. If you make it some little trinket to hang on your tie; or something you hang on top of your church; or just some little token of religion, you will get in serious trouble. But if it is the epitome of your life,---

"Dying with Jesus through death reckoned mine,

Living with Jesus a new life divine.

Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,

Moment by moment O Lord, I am thine."

 If this is your life, "Always bearing about in the body, the dying of the Lord Jesus", then the foot of the cross will open to you the door of heaven. Do not kid yourself; every man, woman, boy, girl; every creature that has ever been in the history of this world; their eternal destination is determined by one person, that is Jesus Christ! The essence of His power is seen here at the cross.

I want you to prepare your minds and hearts. "Then the Soldiers"! Not before. We didn't see them in John 1. They won't be appearing in John 21! This is when they appeared. You have your time. Your time is now. Make sure that the time you are given by God to stand in the presence of a redeeming Savior, who died for the glory of God, is highly esteemed in your heart, and let nothing else come between you and Him and that Glory! Do not let anything come between you and the glory of Jesus Christ on His cross!


Go to this web address:     
http://www.truthtapes.com/ttl/sermons.aspx

- Click on the YEAR 2009.
- Scroll down the Date column to 11/8/09
- The message titled "Then the Soldiers".
- Click and listen.
It is 1 hr and 13 minutes long so set aside some time, you will not regret it.

Our own righteousness vs the righteousness of God

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 
                                                                                        Rom 10:3-4



Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:  Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
                                                                                                                                        Phil 3:4-11

The Fulfillment Of All Prophecy

from the pen of Mike McInnis, pastor of Grace Chapel in O'Brien, FL

THE FULFILLMENT OF ALL PROPHECY

 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.                                                                                                        Luke 24:27

   We live in an age which has no shortage of prophets and seers of one type or another all claiming to believe the Bible, and each one spouting out his own visions of the meanings of the various prophecies that are found in the scriptures.  Most of these latter day shamans have discovered that a well written book (or series of books) which can “explain” the mysteries hidden in the depths of obscure passages of scripture is a sure “cash cow”.  

   Those who are tossed about by every wind of doctrine are easily duped by these self proclaimed experts who conjure up complex charts on the rise and fall of this or that nation and chronicle the unfolding of cataclysmic events in a neat chronological presentation.   Whether they are identifying who is represented by the bear or lion or the significance of the the number of the hairs on the horses tails in the book of the Revelation, they claim to hold in their hands the ability to unlock heretofore hidden secrets.  All the while they are deciphering numbers and  displaying their understanding of kingdoms of carnivorous animals.

    I am no prophet or even the son of a prophet, so I claim no special “revelations” on the meanings of every scripture in the Revelation or the book of Daniel.  Yet I can declare without a doubt who it is who is personally the fulfillment of all prophecy.   HE is that same ONE who spoke to these dimwitted travelers on the Emmaus road.  HE is the ONE of whom the writer of Hebrews spoke saying, “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:1-3)

   JESUS CHRIST, the eternal SON of the living GOD, is that ONE who is the subject of every prophecy   All that the FATHER would reveal to us is set forth in CHRIST JESUS.  We look for no other and stand in amazement at some of the schemes and analysis of most of these who tell us that the purpose of the prophecies is to prepare us for coming events.  The only noteworthy event that I know of that is prophesied in the scriptures that is yet to occur is the return of the LORD to gather HIS sheep and the final judgment of all the living and the dead.

    Some can look at the book of the Revelation and become so embroiled in trying to figure out the metaphors and similies, that they seem to completely overlook the stated subject matter of the book which is in the first verse.  “The Revelation of Jesus Christ. (Rev 1:1) 

   The Jews considered that the promises of GOD to HIS people were centered in this carnal world, and that they being the fleshly offspring of Abraham, were the objects of those promises.  They had no clue that the promises were all made to JESUS CHRIST, and that those who are the objects of the benefits of HIS kingdom are those which were hidden in HIM before the foundation of the world.  “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Gal 3:16) 

   It is out of this notion of an earthly or carnal kingdom that most all the errors concerning the meanings of the prophecies of the scripture have arisen.   This is the main reason that the Jews rejected CHRIST as the MESSIAH, because they were convinced that when CHRIST came HE would set up an earthly kingdom of which they would be the benefactors.  The LORD plainly said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)  Whereas the Jews believed the LORD would establish a kingdom of flesh and blood when HE came the first time, the vast majority of present day prophets are looking for HIM to establish one, when HE returns.

   HE upbraided the Jews about this matter when they confronted HIM on this very issue; “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.(or in your midst”) (Luke 17:20-21)  I am totally baffled by those who think that HE could in some fashion be more of a KING at some future time than HE is at the present.  HE came into this world as a KING, walked among men as a KING, was crucified as a KING, buried as a KING, and arose and ascended as a KING.  HE does now presently rule over the kingdom which HE came to establish, which the scripture says “will have no end” and all of HIS creation shall fulfill HIS desire.  I cannot comprehend the meaning of reigning if that is not it.

   The only time that the wicked men of this world shall be submissive to HIM is when HE puts HIS foot upon their necks and they are forced to recognize HIM as KING of kings and LORD of lords.  HIS purpose for the creation of this world is as a stage upon which to display HIS own glory in the establishment of a kingdom which cannot be seen by natural eyes, but is manifested to those in whom HE delights to show mercy. The ultimate destruction of the wicked in the lake of fire is not a monument to HIS failure but to the certainty of HIS purpose.

   The LORD does things according to a particular order.  Paul said “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”. (1Cor 13:10)   CHRIST is the sole REVELATOR and REVELATION of all that GOD would show to men.  This is illustrated in HIS conversation with Philip, when Philip said, “Show us the FATHER”.  The LORD answered him, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9)

    If CHRIST has once established HIS kingdom, which is spiritual in nature and without any flaw and serves HIS purpose of gathering HIS people from the four corners of the earth, then what kingdom do we yet wait for?  Is this not the mystery which was hidden from the foundation of the world?  “Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”  (Rom 16:25-27)

          

Rejoice, the Lord is King;  Your God and King adore;

          Mortals, give thanks and sing,  And triumph ever more.

          Lift up the heart, lift up the voice; Rejoice aloud, ye saints, rejoice.

          

Rejoice, the Saviour reigns,    The God of truth and love;

          When he had purged our stains, He took his seat above;

          Lift up the heart, lift up the voice; Rejoice aloud, ye saints, rejoice.

          

His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o’er earth and heaven;

          The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus given;

          Lift up the heart, lift up the voice; Rejoice aloud, ye saints, rejoice. 

Gadsby’s #127

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again? Closing Remarks

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again?

By John Bunyan

Closing Remarks 

(As a reminder, this whole section on being born again was lifted out of the middle of Mr. Bunyan's first publication Some Gospel Truths Opened. This last paragraph is both the end of this section and it serves as an introduction to his next section but we will stop here.)


Well then, seeing this is a truth of so great concern, I beseech you, seek to be thoroughly rooted into it by faith. And that you may so be, examine your heart; yes, beg of God to help you to examine it, and to throw out all fancy that you take instead of faith; also throw away all your own wisdom; yes, your own righteousness also, and come to God in the name of the Son of Mary, which is the Son of God, and beg faith of Him, true faith, the faith of the operation of God; such a faith as He gives to His own elect, which will show you clearly of these things; so that you shall not deceive yourself with a fancy of them; and the advantages will be many.

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again? part 8 of 8

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again?

By John Bunyan

Examination 8

And in the last place, if you are a Christian, then you look for that very Jesus again, whom the Jews did crucify (John 19), whom God raised again, (1 Th 1:10).

I say, you look, you wait, you hasten after the coming of this Lord Jesus, which does deliver you from the wrath to come (2 Pet 3:10-12, He 9:26-28, 1 Th 1:10). Yes you know, that this very man shall so come in like manner, as His disciples did see Him go into heaven, which was a very man (Lu 24:39 & Lu 24:50-51). Yes in a cloud He went away from His disciples, and in the clouds He shall come again (Re 1:7) to judge all that are in their graves (Jn 5:28-29, Dan 12:2) and shall receive all that look for, and love His second coming, to Himself (He 9:27-28), and they shall be for ever with Him (1 Th 4:16-17).

But the wicked shall be cast into eternal damnation (Mat 25:46). These things I say, if you be a Christian indeed, you believe and own, and the faith of them does purify your heart (1 Jn 3:3) and wean you from this world, and the things of it. And if it is not from this principle; that is, if your obedience does not flow from this faith, which is the faith of God's elect, as I have proved at large, your obedience, your zeal, your self denial, your holiness, righteousness; yes all that you can do, is but sin in the sight of the great God of heaven and earth (He 11:6, Rom 14:23). For all true sanctification comes through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the operation of the Spirit of God (1 Cor 6:11), "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." And in (Song of So 1:3), "Thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee."

Scripture Summary

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Th 1:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 2 Pet 3:10-12

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
He 9:26-28

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Lu 24:39

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Lu 24:50-51

 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Rev 1:7

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Jn 5:28-29

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan 12:2

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. He 9:27-28

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.1 Th 4:16-17

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Mat 25:46

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.1 Jn 3:3

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. He 11:6

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Rom 14:23

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Co 6:11

Because of the savor of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Song of Sol 1:3

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again? part 7 of 8

But How Shall I Know That I Am Born Again?

By John Bunyan

Examination 7

Are you born again? Then you know that the doctrine of the Son of God, the Son of Mary, is a right doctrine, which is this; that the Son of God which was with His Father before the world was (Jn 1:1, Jn 17:5) came into the world in the fullness of time, and was made in the likeness of man (Phil 2:7). Being made of a woman or virgin, made under the law, to redeem that were under the law (Ga 4:4). And that was done in this way, what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh; that is, through our flesh; God sending His own Son in likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that is, condemned Him in the flesh for the sins of poor sinners. For this, compare Rom 8:3, 2 Cor 5:21, & Gal 3:13 and it will appear clearly to be the truth of God.

Also, that this Son of God, which is the true God, as well as the Son of Mary, did bear our sins in His own body on the tree (1 Pe 2:24), and, did spill His own blood, which is also the blood of God (Ac 20:28). That He died, and was laid in Joseph's sepulchre (Jn 19:38-42) and rose again the third day (Ac 10:40) that very Man (Lu 24:39-45) and ascended up into heaven in a cloud (Ac 1:9-11) and there ever lives to make intercession for us, that very Man (He 7:24-25, He. 8:3 He 10:12).

Scripture Support

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jn 1:1

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. Jn 17:5

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Phil 2:7

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. Gal. 4:4

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. Rom 8:3

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor 5:21

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree. Gal 3:3

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. 1 Pet 2:24

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:28

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.  And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.  Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.  There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. Jn 19:38-42

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly. Acts 10:40

 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.  And he took it, and did eat before them.  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Lu 24:39-45

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:9-11

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  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. He 7:24-25

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. He 8:3

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. He 10:12