Doctrine
The Divine Human Family – Part 3
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WE will continue at this time the study of Christian experience and how it is obtained. “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” 2Cor.5:21. R. V. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” 1Cor.1:30. R. V. “Therefore…
A Reconciled World
I have tried to make it clear that at the place which is called Calvary a work was done which set the human family-you and me-free from the penalty incurred by the sin of Adam; that Jesus of Nazareth assumed all the liabilities which were the result of that sin, and met them; and that no one ever has been or ever will be punished for that sin. I wish now to consider the cross as the way of reconciliation…
Declared Righteous & Made Holy – Part 3
The plan of redemption is amazing – it is not only reactive, but proactive. God not only removes my guilt for sins that I’ve already committed, but he also removes the corrupt dispositions and defective ideologies that have the potential to lead me to further guilt! Where is this process of cleansing described in the Bible? Look at these verses. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts,…
Declared Righteous & Made Holy – Part 2
In Part 1, I mentioned that the objective (legal) work of justification by faith is never independent of the subjective (transformative) work of God within the human heart, for it is only the contrite and humbled that can appreciate the great gift of righteousness received by faith alone. I will continue to expound on this in this second part and quote Scripture references that show how, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, you are not only declared righteous by faith…
Declared Righteous & Made Holy – Part 1
How does the legal work of justification by faith relate to holiness of heart and life? Terms such as “forensic justification” and “legal justification” used to confuse me, because they explained the doctrine of justification by faith as purely a legal (objective) act of God on behalf of the sinner, and I could not reconcile this with the transformative work of God within my heart, which I knew happened when I was first converted. As I understand it now, the…
Lessons to Remember
It was touted as the War to end all Wars…yet in the years since WW1 ended, millions of lives have been sacrificed in hundreds of wars fought all over the globe. It is as if humanity has never learnt the lessons that so many paid the ultimate price to teach us. Each year on the 25th of April in Australia and New Zealand, many take a moment’s silence to remember their sacrifices–men and women who died to protect the freedoms…
2017: New Year’s Message
After reading numerous opinion piece articles during the first two days following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, I decided to stop reading news on it for a while. I had come away so depressed! Not because I believed the future was bleak, but because that’s all that the mainline media establishments offered in their analysis. It wasn’t until I sat down in my lounge room in reflection, that I regained hope. I reminded myself that, no matter what happens, God…