John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The primary purpose of God’s Gift is to restore the original image of God in man, so that there may be harmony between The Creator and His children. To forgive us without restoring us makes no sense, for it will be something good without a meaningful purpose. Thus, the nature of the Gift, and what God accomplishes thereby should be understood by all.
But before we can truly appreciate the meaning, and the all-encompassing nature of the Gift, there are a few erroneous beliefs which must be laid to rest permanently, for some of the things we may have come to believe over the years, keep many of us from embracing Christ in His fullness.
In our day, Christianity is vastly different from when the Christian church was first founded, and because of this it has become quite popular, and appealing to the many millions who have embraced it. Pride, politics, and secular evolutionary theories have now been interwoven with it, and a multitude of good works, and disobedience, together with emotionally charged praise, has ruined the fabric of Christianity.
Praise of men has supplanted praise of Christ, and man’s own goodness is now viewed as having some merit. Again, a flurry of church activities has been viewed as a meritorious replacement of a personal relationship with Christ and therefore, millions have taken the husk without the kernel. Therefore, the following is a shortlist of some of the theories, and views to be permanently buried.
[1] Involving oneself in a lot of church activities does not make one a Christian. This includes being able to recite our memory verses, giving out tracts, doing Bible studies, and attending pathfinders, as well as feeding the poor on a regular basis. While all these activities are good, and are to be encouraged, they do not make one a Christian. Let’s read:
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Nicodemus used to give bible studies, in fact he had his doctorate in theology, and if he was teaching at one of our prominent universities such as Oakwood, Loma Linda or Andrews he would be correcting your exam papers, and he would frequently be called on to review, or critique those dissertations that are necessary for graduation with your doctorate.
Nicodemus would be called upon to explain those difficult passages in Hebrew, for he was well versed in the scriptures, and in the linguistic nuances that other scholars struggled with. However, with all of the titles attached to his name, and all of his good achievements, his deeds in the spiritual realm, lo and behold, Nicodemus wasn’t a Christian. let’s read:
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 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.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
[The Desire Of Ages pp 171] Nicodemus was a strict Pharisee and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence, and his liberality in sustaining the temple, and he felt secure of the favor of God. He felt that he needed no change, hence his surprise at the Savior's words. He was irritated by their close application to himself. He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel.
[2] Being nice does not necessarily translate into being Christlike, for there are many “Nice” people in this world who want nothing to do with Christ, and there are very nice, and mannerly Buddhists, who actually do a great amount of good. There is also such a thing as a nice atheist. Persons may have an excellent moral character, they may be courteous, and well mannered, but again, that’s no guarantee that they are Christians.
[3] Being baptized does not necessarily make one a Christian, because there are millions of Christians the world over, who have been baptized the biblical way, by immersion and who attend church regularly but who are not Christians. Millions of Christians do suffer from a disease called the wet-devil syndrome, which leads one to be baptized without the Spirit of God.
And as a result, the nominal acceptance of Christ does not lead to a renouncing of sin. Instead, the gift of God is used as a charade to cover the basest iniquity, and thus, the rite of baptism is not always an endorsement of The Holy Spirit, very much the same as circumcision was not a guarantee of one being a godly person. Let’s read:
Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But: (The word but is used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned. In other words, many were being baptized, confessing their sins “But”
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.
Most of the persons who put Christ to death were circumcised and attended church regularly. Many of them were quite diligent in returning a faithful tithe and offerings, and many had spent lavishly on the building of the temple, but they were not Christians because all of these good things do not necessarily equate to being a Christian.
[4] Being born into a Christian household is good, but it does not make one a Christian. The principles of God’s kingdom should be taught quite diligently, and the sacred truths of the Bible may be adhered to and had in reverence, but all those good things do not make one a Christian.
Being born to God-fearing parents is good but being born again by The Holy Ghost is something entirely different because the two experiences are mutually exclusive. In fact, the children of Christian parents are often subject to much greater internal struggles than the unbelieving, because the gravitational pull of fallen nature is pitted against what they have been taught and sets the stage for a severe mental conflict which is not an issue for the secular mind.
But it is always better to know the truth anyway, because it’s principles tend to goodness and life, and they contribute in a marked manner to great success. Great benefit will accrue to any person who subscribes to the eternal principles and laws, for they are good at their core. But espousing them does not make one a Christian, if the gift of God is excluded from the life. Let’s read:
Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
[5] Doing a lot of right things does not make one a Christian. In many cases prayers are offered for God to “help us” do right, but whilst we will always need help, it is not help we need so much, as a change of heart. In fact, God helps even those who may never believe on Jesus, and who may never have asked for any help because that’s just His nature, to help. God does not do us good because of, but in spite of. Let’s read:
Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.
John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents.
4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
[6] Stopping doing bad things does not make us love doing good things, for there’s an ongoing tug of war between good impulses and evil inclination. The pharisees of Christ’s day had adopted a theology that weighed right things against wrong things, and if right things outweighed the bad, then one was considered a child of God.
Thus, the severe internal struggles in the human mind between right and wrong needed to be shown by Paul from a Christian’s perspective. Let’s read:
Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
[7] A nominal belief in Jesus does not make one a Christian either, for the devils believe and tremble. Here in the United States, Christmas is celebrated by the overwhelming majority of people, and many go to extreme lengths and costs, to honor the birth of our Savior. And yet, for all of those efforts, and the expense associated with Christmas, not one person is made a Christian by it.
Loving The Lord and loving His people do not make one a Christian either. While association with God’s people is to be encouraged, it does not add to the gift. Keeping the commandments is good, and it will result in good to those who are thus exercised, but again, the mere keeping of all the commandments does not make one a Christian either.
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Therefore, having addressed some of the prominent erroneous views pertaining to the Gift of God to us in Jesus, let’s go into the Bible study. Basically, there are two types of Christianity in existence today, one that is performance driven, the other which is Spirit driven.
The performance driven kind of Christianity accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it also brings personal good works to the table, and places them alongside the Gift of God in Christ, to make up for perceived insufficiencies. This type holds on to good works as conclusive evidence of one’s Christianity, and often becomes quite frustrated and bewildered if for any reason, slip ups occur.
Satan can then use our several faults, and failures to discourage us, for he poses the question, “If you are really a Christian, how can you do such and such things?” If when we do good things we are disposed to feel worthy, and if mistakes are made we tend to feel unworthy, then our Christianity is designated as the performance based brand, and will be subjected to very severe temptations and discouragement if, and when we sin.
The Spirit-driven brand of Christianity also accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it brings nothing to the table to compliment the gift of God. Even after The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in the heart, and good works inevitably follow, this Christianity is not deceived into believing that it has become worthy in any way, over the years.
It avoids keeping track records of how many good deeds were performed, and how many souls have been baptized by its ministry, as evidence of the Spirit working in them. Self is forgotten of, and the closer it comes to Christ, the more unworthy it sees itself. Let’s read:
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
In fact, if over a period of many years, one comes to think of him/herself as being more worthy, because of a long track-record of good deeds, then such a person has essentially begun to lose sight of the Gift of God. Good deeds and baptism are important, and charitable works are a must.
But if they in any way begin to supplant the unique efficacy of God’s Gift to us, if they are looked upon as warranting us any favors from God, or eternal life, something needs to be urgently addressed in the life. What God has given to us through Christ cannot be added to, it cannot be improved, and it cannot be enhanced by any contribution mortals may make, no matter how good or sincere those efforts may be.
The gift of God to us is a stand-alone gift without any attachments or input from the human agent. Nothing can be added or subtracted, for it must be either received or rejected. God had decided on His own, when none of us were even born, to save us through Christ. Thus, when we accept The Gift via our freedom of choice, a supernatural work takes place on two very important fronts:
[1] Christ takes up residence in our hearts through faith, by the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit who then empowers us to grow, to live, and to do all that a Christian should do. He also empowers us to live victoriously over every curved ball the enemy may hurl at us.
[2] The gift of God in Christ Jesus, replaces our own righteousness with the merits of Christ, so that our lives are hid with Christ in God. What this means, in the most literal sense, is that even though we live victoriously over every sin through the power of The Spirit, yet we are ever mindful that it is Christ’s life, and His righteousness alone that will ever save us.
Christ’s death, Christ’s life and His righteousness are the focus of the born-again Christian, and by looking to Jesus Christ we will be changed from one stage of development to the next. Thus, our own failures, or shortcomings should not discourage us even though we continue to seek to obey God, because, at the end of the day, it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:
2nd 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.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (by law-keeping) then Christ is dead in vain.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Which leads us to the determining factor in whether a person is a Christian or not. As was stated before, the keeping of all the commandments is good, and good charitable deeds are a must, together with all of the virtues mentioned throughout the scriptures.
However, it’s of critical importance that the Spirit of God reign in our hearts, for it’s only when this is the case that anyone, whether preacher, clergy or laity, is considered a Christian, in God’s estimation. Let’s read:
Romans 8:13 Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
This statement raises the prospect of a very serious problem in the Christian churches of today, because in too many instances, members have to prodded, persuaded, encouraged, applauded, brow-beaten, or guilt-tripped into doing right things. Many have to be pleaded with just to share the gospel, while others have to be shamed into taking church duties.
This condition of things points to a fundamental and pervasive problem in the Christian churches:
The Spirit Of God is Absent from many hearts.
When the Spirit of God has taken up residence in the heart, all of the good and right things will follow because His work is to restore God’s image in man. His residence in the heart therefore leads persons to baptism, to good works, to visit the sick, to feed the poor, to distribute tracks, to preach the good news, to take church responsibilities, to be faithful in tithes and offerings, and to live victoriously over every known sin.
Being a Christian therefore, is not so much about doing, as it is about being, and therefore if our own condition is as described previously, we will need to ask God daily for a fresh in-filling of His Spirit so that spontaneous works of Christ’s righteousness will be the natural outflow from a heart in which the Spirit of God dwells. This will not happen by chance, for God does not bypass our choice to force The Gift on anyone, so, we will have to ask for it. Let’s read:
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Therefore, our appeal to us today is not to start doing good or right things, it’s not an appeal to be baptized, or to join in the various schedules and activities of the church; neither is it an appeal to stop sinning; it’s and appeal for us to ask the Spirit of God to take up permanent residence in our heart and then all of the other essentials will follow.
God Bless!