Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Be in Christ… is a New Creature – Part 1

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2Corinthians 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. 

‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.’ Therefore, in view of the fact that we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins.

‘In Christ’ – the so-called doctrine of interpenetration, that is, persons entering physical into each other, is false. The Bible does speak of the Corinthians and Philippians being in Paul’s heart (2Cor. 7:3; Php. 1:7); God being in Christ (2Cor. 5:19); Christ being in God (John 14:20); God and Christ being in each other (John 14:10-11); men being in both the Father and the Son (1Jn. 2:24); men being in Christ (2Cor. 5:17); men and the Spirit being in each other (Rom. 8:9); Christ being in men (Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10); man and Christ being in each other (John 14:20); all creation being in God (Acts 17:28); and satan entering into men (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). However, these passages refer to being in union with, being consecrated to the same end – one in mind, purpose, and life. They do not teach the physical entrance of one being into another.

‘In Christ, he is a new creature’ – ten personal gospel blessings are noted: It brings one into Christ (5:17). One is a new creature (5:17). Old things are passed away (5:17). [Greek: archaios, old, ancient, original]. Such things are no more in one. All things are new (5:17). Life is just the opposite of the old life. All things are of God (5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). One is reconciled to God (5:18; Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21). He has a part in the ministry of reconciliation (5:18-20; 1:18-24). He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (5:19; Mark 16:15-20). He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (5:20; Pro. 13:17). He is the righteousness of God in Christ (5:21; Rom. 3:21-31; 8:4). To be continued…

Be Sober

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2Corinthians 5:11-16 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 

‘Terror’ [Greek: phobos] translated fear 39 times and terror (Rom. 13:3; 1Pet. 3:14). In view of this Paul persuade people to turn to God. They did not preach themselves neither were they “beside themselves” as some said. He said that if they were beside themselves for God and sober, it was for their [the saints of Corinth) good.

‘Sober’ [Greek: sophroneo] be of sound mind (Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35; Rom. 12:3; Tit. 2:6; 1Pet. 4:7) as to not fall to sudden destruction. Four conditions are given to escape the sudden destruction of 1Thessalonians 5:6-11: [1] Not sleep [Greek: katheudo] to repose one’s self in sleep. Used of the sleeping, indifferent, careless, and unfaithful virgins (Mt. 25:5); of the sleeping disciples who could not watch with Christ one hour (Mt. 26:45); and of indifferent and backsliding men (Eph. 5:14; 1Th. 5:6,7,8). The warning here is that we do not go back into sin.  [2] Watch. Be always alert and live godly in Christ; do not permit yourself to be overthrown by temptation (Mt. 24:42-51). [3] Be sober [Greek: nepho] to drink no intoxicants; live soberly and righteously (Tit. 2:11-12). Translated be sober (1Th. 5:6, 8; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8) and watch (2Tim. 4:5; 1Pet. 4:7). It was counted a disgrace even among the heathen to be drunk in the day, hence the admonition to live as children of light and of the day (1Th. 5:5-8). [4] Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet — the hope of salvation (1Th. 5:8; Eph. 6:10-18). We are not only to be sober and watch but we are called to fight the fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life (1Tim. 6:12; 1Cor. 9:24-27).

‘Constrains’ [Greek: sunecho] also translated “press” (Acts 18:5) and “throng” (Luke 8:45). Here it means to urge people to accept the gospel.

‘That if one died for all, then were all dead.’ Paul concludes that since Christ died for all, then all were dead and all should live unto Him who died and rose again for them (5:14-15). ‘Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.’ We trust no man’s flesh. We do not even recognize Christ after the flesh.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

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2Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

‘Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.’ In view of the fact we leave the body at physical death and go with the Lord, let us labour to be accepted by Him whether we live in the body or die and be absent from the body to be with the Lord (5:8-9). ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.’ The 4th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where, after the resurrection of the saints, we shall be judged for the things done in the body whether they are good or bad (Rom. 2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12). Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16; 14:1-23); Conduct to others (Matt. 18:1-35; Rom. 14:1-23). Carnal traits (Col. 3:1-25; Rom. 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23). Words (Matt. 12:32-37; Rom. 14:1-23). Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33; Rom. 12:1-21; 14:1-23). Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom. 2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25). Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (1Cor. 12:1-31; Rom. 12:1-21; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33).

A Building of God

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2Corinthians 5:1-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that has wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also has given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 

‘Tabernacle’ [Greek: skenos] tent (5:4). This refers to our body which is compared to a tent in which we dwell.

‘Dissolved’ [Greek: kataluo] dissolve; throw down (Matt. 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6); overthrow (Acts 5:39); destroy (Matt. 5:17; 26:61; 27:40; Mark 14:58; 15:29; Acts 6:14; Rom. 14:20; Gal. 2:18); come to nought (Acts 5:38); lodge (Luke 9:12); and be guest (Luke 19:7). When the body dies and goes back to dust again (Gen. 3:19), we have a resurrected house to live in forever. This body must be dissolved before we can get the other body. It is mortal and we, in our present house (5:5) in which we groan, are burdened, greatly desiring the immortal body (5:2-5).

‘Building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ This building is our future and eternal immortal house which we get after this body is dissolved (5:1-5; 15:35-54).

‘But clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.’ This refers to putting on immortality, as explained in 1Corinthians 15:35-54. It will take place at the rapture (1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:21).

‘Earnest of the Spirit’ God has given us the earnest or the firstfruit of the Spirit as a guarantee that we will be resurrected and put on immortality.

‘While we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. While we live in the body we are in our temporary home and absent from the eternal home with the Lord.

‘To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.’ To die and be absent from the body means we go to heaven to be with the Lord (Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23; Jas. 2:26; Rev. 6:9-11). This is proof that the inner man does not go to the grave at death, but to heaven, if one is righteous. If one is wicked he goes to hell awaiting the resurrection of his body (Luke 16:19-31, Rev. 20:11-15).

Look Not

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2Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

‘Cause we faint not’ – for the sake of winning souls to glorify God (4:15), we suffer all things without fainting. The outward man is slowly dying through trials and sufferings, but the inward man is being renewed daily.

‘Outward man’ – found only here and refers to the body.

‘Perish’ [Greek: diaphtheiro] corrupted; destroyed (Luke 12:33; 1Tim. 6:5; Rev. 8:9; 11:18).

‘Inward man’ refers to the soul and spirit – the real person in the body (5:8; Jas. 2:26; Heb. 4:12; 12:23; 1Thess. 5:23; Rev. 6:9).

‘Renewed’ [Greek: anakainoo] meaning the whole course of life now flows in a different direction (5:17-18). Be renewed in the attitude of your mind by renouncing its vanity (Eph. 4:17), its darkness and blindness (Eph. 4:18) and learning of Christ (Eph. 4:20-21).

‘Light affliction’ [Greek: elaphros] – from Matthew 11:30 we see it described as a light burden (Ps. 55:22).

‘For a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ Such is considered momentary lightness compared with the eternal weight of glory one receives for suffering (Rom. 8:17-18).

‘Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’ We do not strive for things we see, for they are not worthy of the pursuit of an immortal soul. The things not seen are the eternal and important things of life. This current world system will pass away, but the man who does not conform to it will abide forever. This is all summarized in the pride of life as described in James 4:16 and 1John 2:15-17 and the following characteristics: Self-righteousness (Job 32:1); one’s positions in life (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9); power (Lev. 26:19); riches (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5); beauty (Ezek. 28:11,17); strength to war (2Chr. 26:16), and constant boasting of one’s self; glorying in sexual activity; pleasures; and all the vanity of life (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16).

Abundant Grace

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2Corinthians 4:11-15 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

‘Mortal flesh’ [Greek: thnetos] mortal, human (4:11; 5:4; 1Cor. 15:53-54; Rom. 6:12; 8:11).

‘Death work in us, but life in you’ – we live a dying life that you might live. Our readiness to die for Christ makes you want to live for Him.

‘I believed, and therefore have I spoken’ – quoted from Psalm 116:10 where David made this statement in his sufferings that was great, but he was delivered by God (Ps. 116:1-8).

‘Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. This happens at the rapture also called the first resurrection (1Cor. 15; 1Thess. 4:13-18).

‘For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.’ All our sufferings we count as nothing if we [Paul and the other apostles] can win you and others to Christ, see the abounding grace save many souls and cause them to give more praise to the glory of God. ‘Abundant grace’ Four secrets of continued grace: Live and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:516-26; Rom. 8:1-13; Col. 3:5-10). Be patient in hope (Gal. 5:5; Rom. 8:24; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:19). Continue in Christ (Gal. 5:6; John 15:1-8; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 3:14). Continue in faith (Gal. 5:6; Col. 1:23). This is part of being a true Christian – continued obedience while taking God at His Word in all Scripture; not cherry-picking only on teachings of His greatness, grace and goodness, to justify living in continuous sin – faith without works [obedience] are dead (Jas. 1:23, 25; Rom. 2:13). Man is commanded to do one thing; then God will do two things (Ps. 55:22; 1Pet. 5:7-8). All promises are conditional. Christians tend to emphasize the promises and ignore their conditions. Then they murmur and complain when the promises aren’t fulfilled. There is more to Christianity than its benefits.

This Treasure

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2Corinthians 4:7-10 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 

‘This treasure’ is the light of the knowledge (4:6) of the gospel that God has shined into our hearts to give us life.

‘Earthen vessels’ [Greek: ostrakinos] here and in 2Timothy 2:20. Often in the East treasures are hidden in earthen vessels to protect them from moisture (cp. Jer. 32:14). Here it refers to the power of the Holy Spirit through the light of the gospel in our bodies. The emphasis is on the contrast between a frail vessel of earth and the priceless treasure of power that dwells in it.

‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.’ Four pairs of expressions of sufferings: Hard pressed, but not suffocated. Puzzled, but not utterly baffled. Pursued, but not caught or outrun. Struck down, but not out of the fight.

The first two refer to wrestling; the third to a race; and the fourth to a boxing match (4:8-9).

‘Bearing about in the body’ [Greek: periphero] to carry about with one; to whirl (4:10; Mark 6:55; Eph. 4:14; Heb. 13:9; Jude 1:12). I am under a sentence of death for Jesus and am likely to die at any time for His cause (4:11). There is also an allusion to the marks of battle already fought for Christ (Gal. 6:17).

‘Dying’ [Greek: nekrosis] making dead; a dead condition (4:10; Rom. 4:19). The idea is that of being in a state of crucifixion for Jesus (Gal. 2:20) so that the resurrection life of Jesus might be made manifest or visible in our body and so that the miracles we do might prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ (4:10-12).

Christ Jesus the Lord

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2Corinthians 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

‘Hid’ [Greek: kalupto] to cover or veil (Matt. 8:24; 10:26; Luke 8:16; 23:30; 1Pet. 4:8) and hide (4:3; Jas. 5:20). The gospel is hidden from some people because they have willfully closed their eyes to it, as in 2Corinthians 3:13-16 and Matthew 13:14-16. If the heart of any man who hears the gospel is veiled it is definite that he is lost and fully under the power of sin and satan. Those who refuse to hear the gospel are proper subjects for satan’s work to increase the darkness and hardness of heart (4:3-4).

‘god of this world’ satan is currently the god of this world (Joh. 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 3:9; 5:18).

‘Lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.’ They are responsible (3:13-16; Matt. 13:14).

‘Glorious gospel’ – Gospel of the glory (cp. 1Tim. 1:11).

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image. That God has a body, a spirit body, like angels and other spirit beings is clear from Scripture. He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of man except His body is of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones (Job 13:8; Heb. 1:3). He has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Php. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9). He has physical parts such as back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), loins (Ezek. 1:26-28; 8:1-4), and other physical parts. He has bodily presence (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-22) and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons (Gen. 3:8; 11:5; 18:1-5, 22, 33; 19:24; 32:24-32; 35:13; Zech. 14:5; Dan. 7:9-14; Tit. 2:13). He has a voice (Ps. 29:1-11; Rev. 10:3-4); breath (Gen. 2:7); and countenance (Ps. 11:7). He wears clothes (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); eats (Gen. 18:1-8; Ex. 24:11); rests (Gen. 2:1-4; Heb. 4:4); dwells in a mansion and in a city located on in Heaven (John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-27); sits on a throne (Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-5; 22:3-6); walks (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-8, 22, 33); rides (Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 104:3; Ezek. 1:1-28); and engages in other activities.

‘Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness’ – a reference to Genesis 1:3. The light of the gospel shining into our darkened hearts is like the bursting forth of the sun in the darkness of Genesis 1:2. ‘Face of Jesus Christ’ – in the personal presence of Jesus Christ.

We Have Received Mercy

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2Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 

‘This ministry’ – this ministry of: Triumph in Christ in every place (2:14). Life unto life in the saved (2:16). Death unto the unsaved. Preaching the pure gospel (2:17). Making people epistles of Christ (3:3). The divine ability of the New Testament (3:6). Giving life. The Holy Spirit (3:8, 3:17-18). Righteousness (3:9). Excellent glory (3:10-11). Liberty and freedom (3:17). The transformation from glory to glory (3:18).

‘Ministry’ [Greek: diakonia] service rendered by a diakonos, a servant.

‘We faint not’ – Six duties in view of mercy and ministry: To faint not (4:1). To renounce the shameful secret things. Not walking in craftiness (4:2). Not handling the Word of God deceitfully. Manifesting the truth to all people. Maintaining a clear conscience before God and man.

‘Faint’ [Greek: ekkakeo] to be faint-hearted (4:1, 16; Luke 18:1; Gal. 6:9; Eph. 3:13).

‘Hidden things of dishonesty’ – Literally, the secret things of shame; the things that wicked people do and which they are ashamed to have known.

‘Dishonesty’ [Greek: aischune] translated “shame” elsewhere (Luke 14:9; Php. 3:19; Heb. 12:2; Jude 1:13; Rev. 3:18).

‘Craftiness’ [Greek: panourgia] to play the villain; act like a rogue; to do holy deeds in an unholy way. Translated “craftiness” (4:2; Luke 20:23; 1Cor. 3:19; Eph. 4:14); and “subtilty” (11:3). The false teachers at Corinth were clever, cunning, and capable of any thing harmful to a foe.

‘Deceitfully’ [Greek: doloo] to beguile, ensnare; to counterfeit; adulterate; disguise. ‘Manifestation’ [Greek: phanerosis] making visible. Used here and in 1Corinthians 12:7 where it speaks of the use of the spiritual gifts. These gifts are the means God has chosen to make visible the truth of the gospel. Paul confirmed and made visible his preaching by a demonstration of it in signs, wonders, different miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:11; Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Heb. 2:3-4).

Done Away in Christ

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2Corinthians 3:12-18 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

‘Abolished’ – being done away as in 2Corinthians 3:7, 11, 14 [Greek: katargeo] make of no effect (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4); come and bring to naught (1Cor. 1:28; 2:6); done away (1Cor. 13:10; 2Cor. 3:7, 11, 14); fail (1Cor. 13:8); cease (Gal. 6:11); vanish away (1Cor. 13:8); make void (Rom. 3:31); cumber (Luke 13:7); deliver (Rom. 7:6); loose (Rom. 7:2); put away (1Cor. 13:11); put down (1Cor. 15:24); destroy (Rom. 6:6; 1Cor. 6:13; 15:26; 2Thes. 2:8; Heb. 2:14); and abolish (2Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:15; 2Tim. 1:10).

It is clear from these passages that whatever is abolished is completely null and void. What is it here that is abolished? It is the law of commandments in decrees or the law of dogmatic commandments. The word for ordinances is dogma translated as “decree” (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7) and “ordinance” (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14). The law was made to expose sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19-25) and to keep the Jews a distinct people until Christ came. After that, it was no longer needed. This means by His death the law was abolished (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15).

‘Blinded: for until this day remained the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.’ By resting in the letter and shutting their eyes to the light, they became blind to the fact that the old covenant was abolished and done away with.

‘It shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2 Corinthians. ‘Turn to’ [Greek: epistrepho]. Translated “turn to, return, turn again and converted. When the heart shall turn to God this blindness will be taken away. Conversion is turning again to God, and if it is needful to turn to Him more than once, it can be done, as is clear in these passages.

‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty’ the freedom we have in Christ is that from sin, sickness and satan. It all starts in our spirits (thoughts) through His Spirit that will always remind us of His Word, as well as reprove us of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14). We do not receive liberty to stay in the bondage of sin as some proclaim, but to be free of all bondage (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3). ‘With open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.’ The law was veiled in types and shadows of good things to come (Heb. 10:1). The gospel has practically no ceremonies in comparison. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two outward rituals. The gospel is in such simplicity that there can be no confusion as to its terms and blessings.