Is the date of Jesus`birth unknown? (part 2)

I recently read a short documentary from a well established religion with the caption stating that "The Bible is Silent on The Day of Christ Birth". They further stated that: " Had the Lord deemed this knowledge essential to our salvation, he would have spoken through His prophets and apostles that we might know all about the matter.'
"But the silence of the scriptures upon this point evidences to us that it is hidden from us for the wisest purposes" (EGWSROCHG 1.2).

Let me explain first and foremost that, there is nothing one can do to attain salvation. Salvation is God's free gift to man without man's input. Anything we do, is an expression of our faith demonstrated in love, gratitude and thanksgiving, but must be in spirit and in truth.

THE DAY OF CHRIST’S DEATH DIRECTS TO THE DAY OF HIS BIRTH

It is generally accepted according to the book of Luke that, “Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age.” And His ministry lasted for three and a half years .He died on the fourteenth day of the first month according to the Jewish sacred Calendar, which theoretically points to His birth date as the fifteenth day of the seventh month, exactly six months after the date of His death.
Jesus’ ministry began at the Feast of Tabernacles. It is written, “Now the Jews feast of Tabernacles was at hand. So His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea that Your disciples may see the works You are doing. For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world. For even His brothers did not believe Him” (John 7:2-5).
But Jesus said to them: "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come" (John 7; 6-8).

Now, about the middle of the Feast Jesus went up to the temple and taught. The Jews marveled at it, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when He has never studied? (John 7:14-15).

Therefore, Christ's three and a half years of ministry began with the Feast of Tabernacles, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and culminated with His death on the 14th day of the first month at the Passover.

The birth of John Baptist also points to the birth of Jesus Christ to the seventh month of the Jewish sacred calendar.

It was the official duty of Aaron and four of his sons, namely; Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar to offer sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded (1 Chronicles 6:49; 1 Chronicles 23:27-32).
Two of the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu died before Aaron their father, and had no children; therefore Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests. David divided the services of the temple between the sons of Eleazar who numbered sixteen, and the sons of Ithamar who numbered eight, giving a total of twenty four divisions.(1 Chronicles 24:1-4).
Dividing twenty four divisions to serve during a period of twelve months means that, each division would have to serve for a period of two (2) weeks: or more precisely two weeks, one day, and four hours, by dividing fifty two weeks in the year into twenty four divisions.
The scriptures state clearly that, Abijah from whom Zacharias the father of John Baptist descended was of the eighth division. Implying that the time Zacharias was visited by the angel it was during the fifteenth and sixteenth week of the Jewish sacred calendar, or the last two weeks of the fourth month of the year.
Now according to Luke’s gospel, “As soon as the days of his [Zacharias’] service were completed, that he departed to his own house’. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months saying, thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.”
Zacharias left the temple at the end of the fourth month mute, and unable to speak because he did not believe what the angel told him, went home to his wife at the beginning of the fifth month, now since it is clearly stated that, "after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived;" one can therefore conclude that Elizabeth was conceived during the fifth month of the year.
Now, nine months of normal pregnancy will lead us to the birth of John Baptist, to be during the first month of the following year. It is well documented in the scriptures that John Baptist was six months older than Jesus Christ (see Luke 1:26, 36).
Therefore if John Baptist was born during the first month of the year, it is therefore conclusive that Jesus Christ was born six months later, which leads us to the seventh month of the year according to the Jewish calendar, which begins its first month with the first new moon in spring, between the months of March – April, and the seventh month begins with the new moon between late September and early October.
The feast of Tabernacles therefore, celebrates the birth day of Jesus Christ and the Eighth Day of the feast commemorates His circumcision.
These times of ignorance God has overlooked and now commands all men everywhere to repent.

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With brotherly Love
Lucius Joseph.

Is the date of Christ's birth unknown!

According to the World Book encyclopedia, “No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, but most Christians observe Christmas on December 25th. On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services.”

The encyclopedia also states that, “The first mention of the celebration of Christmas occurred in AD 336 in an early Roman calendar which indicates December 25th as the day of observance. This celebration was probably influenced by pagan [unchristian] festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god, and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid December to celebrate the end of the harvest season”

But is the notion that no one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth true?

And should we make this an excuse to honor pagan gods, in the name of Jesus Christ?

One of the instructions the Lord gave the children of Israel when they left Egypt was this; “I am the Lord your God. According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall observe my judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 18:2-5).

We are reminded in the New Testament that, “God is Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and truth.” Therefore, is there any veracity in celebrating December 25th as the date of Christ’s birth?

If the saying that, “No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth” is true, then this must be a conspiracy to conceal His true identity, and to deny Him of His honor and reverence.

The gospel of John chapter seven verses twenty five to twenty seven tends to suggest something of this nature. Because on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles when Jesus spoke openly in the temple, knowing that they were plotting to kill Him: some of the people who heard Him spoke said, “Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? Yet we know where this Man comes from; and when the Christ appears, no one will know where He comes from.”

This seems to suggest that the notion, “When the Christ appears, no one will know where He [Christ] comes from” has gain acceptance and credibility through the world.

But according to the scriptures, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word of God who was made flesh, and dwelt among us was well known by the authorities, they affirmed this by saying, “Yet we know where this man comes from” and so the whole details of His date of birth was not a secret.

On the exact day on which Christ was born we are told that, “In the region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people; for to you is born this day [today] in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-12).

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”

As soon as the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ‘And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they [widely]made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child, and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them”(Luke 2:13-18).

So then, was the birth of Christ a secret?

How could such a remarkable day and event which was widely made known not be recorded in history: If it is not through a conspiracy to conceal it?

Now at the end of eight days, we are told that He was circumcised, and was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21).

Also, when the days of Mary’s purification was completed, which according to the law; thirty three [33] days for a male child, Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord [as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord].

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon and this man was just, and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32).

So again, I beg to ask the question, how could such a remarkable day, in the life of such a remarkable individual not be recorded in history!

Some people make excuses by saying that, the date of Christ’s birth is not that important, hence the reason why His date of birth is not known.

But the irony of truth is; if Jesus Christ was not born on the day on which He was born, we would not have had a Savior, and we would still be in our sins. And what further proof and pronouncement does one need other than that of the angel who said to the shepherds, “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord,” and that of the multitude of the heavenly host who praised God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST INAUGURATED HIM AS THE KING OF KINGS

The prophet Isaiah prophesying about the birth and reign of the Prince of peace wrote, “For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father, Prince of peace.” ‘Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over His kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

When the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus, they did not say “Where is he who is born to be the king of the Jews?” but rather, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him.” And when they came to the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold [to honor Him as a king], frankincense [to honor Him as God], and myrrh [to honor Him as man].Therefore Jesus Christ was a king from birth (Matthew 2:1-3, 110-12).

During His earthly trial before Pilate, Pilate called Him and asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?"

Then continued and said; “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom was of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.” 

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are you a King then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a King. For this cause I was born: and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:33-37).

Therefore, the logical question is, since Jesus Christ was born a king, and for this cause He was born and for this cause He came into the world, there is a Feast of the Lord called the Feast of Tabernacles, who is this feast honoring? And what is the rationale for observing this feast? Is it not to honor Jesus Christ as the King of kings? So how can one say that they do not know when Jesus Christ was born?

The date of Jesus' birth is so important that, in the future everyone will have to observe this feast  or face severe punishment. For it is written: “Every one that survives of all nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of Tabernacles. And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain upon them. And if the family of Egypt do not go up and present themselves, then upon them shall come the plague with which the Lord afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16-19). 

To be continued

With brotherly Love

Lucius Joseph.

The Church is charged for profaning the Lord´s Sabbaths

The body of Christ, the church is charged for profaning the Lord’s Holy Convocations. To understand the magnitude and profoundness of this charge, it is imperative that we examine the true definition of the words “Holy” and “Convocation.”

The word “Holy” according to the “World Book Dictionary” conveys the meaning to be something; “Given or belonging to God; set apart for God’s service; coming from God; sacred; dedicated or devoted to the service of God.” In short, anything holy originates from God, and is dedicated to him. In other words, only God has the prerogative to declare anything holy, and it is consecrated for his use.

Now the definition of the word convocation according to the “World Book Dictionary is, “A calling together; an assembling by a summons; a number of persons met in answer to a summons.”

Therefore since convocation is an assembling by a summons, it is logic to say that no one should be allowed to intrude into a convocation especially one which is holy in nature unless he/she has been duly summoned to attend.

Furthermore, the word summons according to the “World Book Dictionary is; “A formal order or notice to appear before a law court or judge, especially to answer a charge.” It is also, “An urgent call for the presence or attendance of a person;” Or, “An authoritative call to appear at a place named, or to attend to some public duty: Or a call to do something, especially to surrender.”

This again is ample proof that convocation is not an open forum, or public meeting for every Dick, Tom and Harry. It is a meeting by appointment only, and the call or summons to appear comes from a high authority.

Now since the convocation is not any ordinary convocation, but one which is holy, denotes that, those who are summoned to attend are required to be holy, that is, to be blameless and free from sin.

The irony of truth is, in order for anyone to have a holy convocation and have fellowship with one another, they all must be holy, because their fellowship is not only between themselves but also with the Father and His Son. 

For it is written; That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life ---the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us ---that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1John 1: 1-3).

And, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1John 1:5-10).

It is therefore necessary that all those who are summoned to attend the holy convocation, are to have their sins confessed, and their unrighteousness cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. The convocation according to King David is the congregation of saints. For thus he wrote; “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints” (Psalms 149: 1).

The sad state of affairs is that people are ignoring, and holding in contempt the only mechanism God has put in place for His people to appear before Him holy, and blameless, as ordained before the foundation of the world. They are ignoring the fact that; “It pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell: and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight” (Colossians 1: 19-22).

God before the foundation of the world initiated His plan by which man could present themselves to Him in the state that pleases Him. It is for this purpose the Lord instituted the New Covenant in His blood, for; “While they [the disciples] were  eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26: 26-28).

Bear in mind that this new covenant which entails that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, became effective only after the death of Jesus Christ, since it is clearly stated in scripture; “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead since it has no power at all while the testator lives” (Hebrews 9:16-17).

To understand the gravity of the charges which the church is charged with, let us once again examine the definition of profane. According to the "World Book Dictionary" to profane is to hold "with contempt or disregard for God or holy things: it is synonymous to being, "irreverent, blasphemous; it is to treat, put to wrong or unworthy use something which is holy.

Therefore, not attending a holy convocation when one is summoned to attend is profanity. Not carrying out the functions as one is duly instructed is profanity. Substituting other days for the days which are designated as holy convocations is also profanity.

To be continued.

The significance of renewing the mind

We have been duly instructed by the apostle Paul saying. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Let us take time to look and consider why it is so important to have our mind renewed so as to create a transformation in us: It is stated quite distinctly that; “For as a man thinks in his heart so is he”: And where our treasure is, there will out heart be also.” The reason why we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind it is because: (Proverbs 23:7; Luke 12:34).

a.       The mind we were all born with is carnal, enmity against God, not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can ever be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:6-8).

b.      But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

But what exactly does it means to be carnal? I do not think that most people know exactly what it means to be carnal: To be carnal is to have a mind that is focused on the worldly materialistic things and where there are envy, strife, and divisions. Therefore, the admonition is to; “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

The crux of the matter is, setting one’s mind on any temporary fleeting pleasure of this world is a sign of carnality, and so we have been admonished saying; “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world --- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life --- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

I am very much perplexed when I viewed a video someone sent me where a motivational speaker claiming to now possess 30 acres of land based on the principle which states; “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you: For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 11:9-10).

But my humble question is what exactly did the Lord promised us to receive when we ask, seek and knock! Is it the temporary mundane things of this world? What is promised to us by the Lord when we ask, seek and knocks?

Without any shadow of doubt this is what is promised to us by the Lord when we ask, seek and knock, for thus says the Lord, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11).

But what are the good things promised to us by the Father is it the materialistic things! It cannot be the temporary mundane things of this world because before the Lord told His disciples about the Father will give good things to those who ask Him, Jesus said to them; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Now the account in Luke makes it abundantly clear that the good things promised to those who ask, seek and knock is definitely not the temporary mundane things of this world. For thus says the Lord; “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13).

And later on Jesus said to His disciples “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:32-3).

Therefore, one can conclude that, the good things which Jesus promised the Father will give to those who ask, seek and knock are spiritual things, the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of God, Therefore, it is imperative that we have a complete renewal of the mind from carnal to spiritual in order to understand the things of God.

For this reason, believers have been duly warned saying; “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling’s of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain: From such withdraw yourself.`

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:3-8).

Truly, these times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now command all men everywhere to repent. The question is will you?

The third significant sign of true conversion

1.      A New creation

The third significant sign of conversion is that of becoming a new creation. We have been admonished in no uncertain terms saying; “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).

This new creation requires that; “We no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.’

“But we have not so learned Christ, if indeed we have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that we put off, concerning our former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and that we put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.’

We also are to, put away lying, "Let each one of us speak truth with our neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on our wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of our mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom we were sealed for the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from us, with all malice: And let us be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave us” (Ephesians 4:17-32).

The irony of truth is, “We were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, we therefore are to walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them: For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Ephesians 5:8-14).

So what can we say to these things! The conclusion is, conversion is real and literal, it is not simply a change from one belief to another or from lack of belief to having faith, but a literal conversion from loftiness and pride to humility, from serving idols to serving the One and only true God, from being slaves of sin to becoming slaves of righteousness, from having a natural/carnal mind to having a spiritual mind, from being citizens of the kingdom of darkness to becoming citizens of the kingdom of light, from having a spirit of fear, to having the Spirit of power, love and sound mind, and ultimately, from mortal/corruptible to immortal and incorruptible.

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31).

Copyright © 2018 by Lucius Joseph

All rights reserved.

How real and practical is conversion

Conversion is a term widely used in the religious circle, but I wonder how many people have taken the time to ponder on what actually takes place at conversion, and truly believe in the literal process that takes place at conversion.

Conversion as I have personally analyzed, is not simply a change from one belief to another, or from lack of belief to having faith, but literal conversions do take place and should be evident and manifested in the life of the one who has been converted.

For example Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

The conversion that takes place in this particular instance is one from a state of pride, arrogance, haughtiness, to one of humility, a state which is diametrically opposite to the previous state, and this pattern is consistent in every aspect of conversion. Pride is definitely not part and parcel of a converted being and the new environment to which he/she has been transferred, because pride promotes strife and the admonition given to us is, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore the admonition to all who have been converted is, “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:4-6, 1Peter 5:5).

Another process of conversion is that of turning to God from sin. Here again we see that it is a state that is diametrically opposite to the other, because sin and God does not co-exist, and so the admonition is; “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

To turn from sin to God, transgressors have to be taught the ways of God, and sinners shall be converted to God. This conversion is not merely a belief or having a sanctimonious sentimentalism: It is a literal conversion from having a natural carnal mind which is in enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God, and also because the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (Romans 8:7, 1Corinthians 2:14).

Therefore, to be able to turn from sin to God the mind has to be converted literally from being carnal and natural, to becoming spiritual and with having the spiritual mind the diametric opposite happens, which is, now having a mind that is in total harmony with God, and capable of being subject to the law of God, and capable of pleasing Him.

This conversion also brings about the conversion of how the individual lives and walks in his/her daily life, again a process that is quite literal as we have been admonished saying, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17).

The scripture also quite distinctly says, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:10).

Therefore, without being judgmental or pointing fingers, a truly converted individual, “no longer should live the rest of his/her time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles --- when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries: In regard to these, they think it strange that we do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of us” (1Peter 4:2-4).

Conversion is also a literal conversion from citizens of the kingdom of darkness into citizens of the kingdom of light, for we have been clearly instructed saying; “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).

This conversion leads automatically to another conversation or a re-direction of our loyalty and passion no longer to the things of the earth but to the heavenly things. For we have been admonished saying; “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth: For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-11).

A true believer in Jesus Christ should be able to examine him/herself as to whether he/she has been truly converted, for we have been admonished to, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

True conversion therefore will result and manifest itself in three distinctive ways;-

1.      Repentance

Despite the literal conversion that has taken place in a converted mind and the desire of the individual to follow the right path, the individual will nevertheless still fall short of the glory of God. For who can say, “I have no sin”, or, “I have not sinned”! Anyone who makes such a boasting deceives him/herself, and the truth is not in them. They have also make God out to be a liar, and the truth is not in them. And as the saying goes "He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone."

Therefore, repentance plays a key role in the life of a converted individual because, they will be conscious of their short comings, will quickly acknowledge them, not making them habitual, and repent of them. The apostle Paul gave us an insight on how we should go about repenting by stating: “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Corinthians 7:9-11).

 The first call of duty and sign of conversion to anyone who has been converted is that we should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance, and not making sin a habitual practice. The admonition therefore is, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1John 2:1-2).

2.      Transformation

The second important sign of conversion is that of transformation which comes as the result of not conforming ourselves to this world, and by constant renewal of the mind as we have been admonished by the apostle Paul saying; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” And, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (Romans 12:1-2, 2Timothy 2:15).

Practicality of living in the Spirit

To practically live the life which is in accordance to the Spirit, the following steps are of intrinsic importance.

a.       Obedience

As obedient children, we are not to conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance, but just as He who called us is holy, so we are to be holy in all that we do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy” (1Peter 1:14-16).

Having received the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus, we should no longer have a carnal mind which by nature is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be, but should have a spiritual mind that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

b.      The food for the Lord’s offering

Offering the Lord the food for His offerings at the appointed time as it is commanded saying; “See that you present to Me at the appointed time the food for My offerings, made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to Me.” It is by so doing, that we can now draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water (Numbers 28:2; Hebrews 10: 22).

It is by having faith in this offering that we are able to fulfill the will of God which was preordained even before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

c.       Urging others towards love and good deeds

For we have been admonished saying; “Consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, for we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. And are urged to; “Live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:1-3).

d.      Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. But let us encourage one another – and all the more as we see the Day approaching. For thus says the Lord who is the same yesterday, today, and forever; “These are the Lord’s appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for bringing offerings made to the Lord by fire...” (Hebrews 10:25; Leviticus 23:37).

Warning! “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who insulted the Spirit ofGrace? For we know Him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, “The Lord will judge His people, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:26-31).

It is the blood of the New Covenant that washes away our sins; it is the blood that makes us whole again when we have fallen; for our pardon, this is what we see, for our cleansing, this is all our plea, this is all our hope and peace, this is all our righteousness, for nothing else can atone for sins. This is the law of the spirit of life that makes us free from the law of sin and death, do not neglect so great a salvation, and do not receive the grace of God in vain.

To the Jews this is a stumbling block, to the Gentiles this is foolishness, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the power and the wisdom of God: For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

The Christian life

The Christian Life

With so many divergent views, and contrary opinions that are being circulated regarding the Christian life, many innocent, God-fearing people are in confusion and discombobulated not knowing who to believe. But somewhere we need to strike a balance, and rescue these innocent victims.
The Christian life is not that wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction and many are going through it, but it is a straight, narrow, and difficult way which stands between two extremes. It stands between the rough deadly and turbulent waters of legalism on one side, and the calm, placid, but highly toxic and deadly waters of liberalism on the other side.
The Lord’s instruction to us therefore is; “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7: 13-14).
The individual who desires to live the Christian life must be extremely vigilant and steadfast, so as to maintain his/her equilibrium and not stumble and fall in either extremes.
The reality is, there is not one single aspect of life that does not have or requires a set of living, practical principles which governs its growth and perpetuation. Every single aspect of life is governed by immutable laws without which it cannot exist. And the truth of the matter is, Ignorance of those laws is no excuse, if we know them and apply them, happy are we; on the other hand if we don’t know them and don’t apply them, we will have to pay the consequences.
This living principle is clear, for it is written; “And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:47-48).

These living principles are so impartial that one automatically reaps the benefits of obedience even when they are not knowledgeable of these existing laws, for it is written; “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:12-6).

The Christian life is no exception, there is a thin line between law and grace, and if one is ignorant of it, he/she is apt to stumble and fall in either legalism or liberalism. This thin line, the straight, narrow and difficult way can be understood by understanding Paul’s statement when he said; “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; for they being ignorant of the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believe” (Romans 10:2-4).
Notice, the apostle Paul did not say that Christ is the end of the law of righteousness, what he said is, Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, signifying that he did not do away with the law of righteousness, but did away with the law as the means of attaining righteousness.
The apostle Paul again addressed this issue by saying; “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” And in the same breath he says; “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
He asked again, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin (transgressing the laws of God) that grace may abound? Certainly not!  How shall we who have died to sin live any longer in it? He also said; “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet” (Romans 6:14-15; 1, 2, 7).
This law is found inscribed in the Lord’s everlasting covenant - the Ten Commandments. The thin line that exists between law and grace is simply this;  It is utter folly to think and believe that there is no law, it is utter folly also to believe that there is no sin, because technically, and logically, sin is not imputed when there is no law. So the crux of the matter is this, the law though it exists and is in force, because it is spiritual, and eternal, it however, cannot save man from sin, it cannot produce the righteousness of God, and so Christ became the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For it is only through His sacrifice man is redeemed and saved from sin.
Even having faith in Christ does not annul or make the law obsolete, because the apostle Paul again says; “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law” (Romans 3:31).
The conclusion of the matter is, to the legalists although we agree that the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good, when obeyed, it should not be under command, coercion or compulsion, but rather obeyed through faith and love, for it expresses our reverence, gratitude, and appreciation to the Lord. And whoever does and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
And to the liberals, it is ignorance and stupidity on your part to believe that our Loving God, our heavenly Father would allow every man to walk after the imagination of his/her own sinful heart, doing what seems right in their own eyes and not directing them in the way that they should go, so that all may be well with them. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.

The law of faith

1.      The law of faith

The law of faith is to believe in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which has made us free from the law of sin and death, it is to believe in the law which replaces the one which made nothing perfect; and has become a better hope, through which we draw near to God. It is the law which governs the Melchizedek priesthood. For it is written; “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law...And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.’

“For He testifies; “you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:12-19).

It is to have faith in the law of the Spirit which has made us free from the law of sin and death, because we are being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

The law of faith is to have faith in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, that has made us free from the law of sin and death, and it is to have faith in the law which states; “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” “For according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22).

The law of faith is to have faith in the act of righteousness, by which the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us (which is to present the worshiper holy, perfect, and irreproachable in God’s sight), who do not live according to the sinful nature (the law of sin and death), but according to the Spirit. This act of righteousness is the offering of the cup of the New Covenant of Christ’s blood, as the atonement for our sins.

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross, is the once and for all sacrifice He made for the redemption of all humanity. But the cup of the New Covenant which He took and gave thanks, and gave to His disciples saying, “Drink from it, all of you; ‘For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” is the atonement for our sins, it is the law of the Spirit of life that makes us free from the law of sin and death (Matthew 26:27-28).

This act of righteousness is the duty of the priest. “Priests must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God, because they present the offerings made to the Lord by fire (zeal), the food of their God, they are to be holy.” We also, “Like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ” (Leviticus 21:6; 1 Peter 2:5).

This is the better hope by which we draw near to God, and which gives us the boldness and confidence to enter the Most Holy Place behind the curtain. We now have a superior High Priest, and the perfect sacrifice which fulfills the righteous requirement of the law. This is the prerequisite before drawing near to God. As stated clearly; “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. (Hebrews 10:19-22).

However, despite the vast superiority of the law of faith, it did not in any way invalidate or made obsolete the law of love. For this is what the apostle Paul said, “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law”. And, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet" (Romans 3:31; 7:7).

Therefore, believers ought not to confuse themselves, get agitated and discombobulated when the word law is used, they should first acquaint themselves with the proceedings and verify for themselves which law they are referring to and in what context it is used before jumping into conclusion. God has overlooked these times of ignorance and now commands all men everywhere to repent.

The Law of sacrifices (part 2)

The law of sacrifices and offerings is a law that is completely different to either the law of love/righteousness, or to the law of sin and death. As the apostle Paul clearly states: “What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator” (Galatians 3:19).

Since the wages of sin which is transgressing the law of God, or to live in accordance to the law of sin and death, the law of sacrifices and offerings was added because of transgressions to the law of love: In the old dispensation, it was animal sacrifices and it was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience ---concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Notice carefully that this law was not abolished but was rather reformed or replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as we have been duly instructed saying; “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and un-profitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19).

This law which made nothing perfect is not the law of love but rather the law of sacrifices and offerings which was added because of transgressions and a means of reconciling man to God because, according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4).

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9: 11-15).

And so, the law of sacrifices and offerings has been reformed and replaced by the sacrificial body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of the bread and wine which we are required to offer to Him at the appointed time, which the Lord instructed Moses saying; "Command the children of Israel, and say to them, 'My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.” This appointed time is recorded in the book of Numbers chapter twenty eight and twenty nine.

Unfortunately, this is the area I find most professing believers are falling short, they have not perceived the practicality and reality of this aspect of life in the Spirit.