The Emergence of Day and Night

It is stated quite explicitly in scriptures that, '...Since the creation of the world, God's invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they (mankind) are without excuse' (Romans 1:20).

Can day and night, light and darkness, reveal something about God's eternal power and Godhead, that we naturally would not understand? Where is the source of day and night, light and darkness?

How did they emerge? Did they emanate from the same source?

It is evident that from the beginning of creation, God separated the light from the darkness, and called the light day, and the darkness He called night. These two entities which are diametrically in contrast, and are at variance with each other, from all evidences, emerged on planet earth by two separate ways, and evidently from two separate sources.

For to the prophet Isaiah the Lord said; 'I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and

create disaster; I, the Lord, have created it“(Isaiah 45:7).

Although there is not much of a difference in terms of definition, between the words form, and create, nevertheless, I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired the usage of two different words, with almost similar meaning, to convey an important lesson, and to differentiate the process by which both entities emerged.

I will first begin with the question, why was the earth without form and void, and darkness over the face of the deep, when God created the heavens and the earth? Where did the darkness come from? And what caused the earth to be without form and empty? Did God find an existing earth! Where did it come from?

Secondly, is the emergence of darkness upon the earth a secret, or has it been revealed? If it is a

secret, it makes no sense trying to find it out because, 'The secret things belong to the Lord our God,' But if it has been revealed, 'it belongs to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the law of God. And it is certain that, the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plans to His servants the prophets' (Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7).

We can be assured, that there are revelations regarding the creation of the earth, because God in His dialogue with Job asked him the following questions; 'Where were you when I laid the earth`s

foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who

stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footing set, or who laid its cornerstone...while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for Joy?'

The dialogue continues; 'Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you

know all this. What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you

take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years! (Job 38:18-21).

The fact that God asked Job, 'Can you take them (light and darkness) to their places? Do you know

the paths to their dwellings?' Signifies that they emanated from two different sources. And since it is stated that, the morning stars sang together, and the sons of God shouted for joy when God created the earth, is a clear indication that when God created the earth, it was not formless, empty and darkness covering the face of the deep. Furthermore, this is what the Lord says; 'He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, He formed it to be inhabited...He says; 'I am the Lord, and there is no other' (Isaiah 45:18).

Therefore, the account of creation found in the first chapter of Genesis, beginning with verse two on wards, does not relate to the original creation of the earth, but refers to the renewal of the face of the earth, after the original earth was destroyed, and lay in waste and emptiness, due of Lucifer's rebellion. God then renewed the earth, making it conducive for man's existence. And so it is written; 'When you send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth' (Psalms 104:30).

Day and night were not part of the original creation of the earth; they emerged as the result of

Lucifer's rebellion. Prophecy reveals that, '...When the Lord will come, and all the holy ones with Him, on that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or

nighttime...a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light.' (Zechariah 14: 5-7).

This is typical of the earth which existed from the foundation of the earth, before Lucifer rebelled, and brought darkness into existence. Day and night, light and darkness, are not just natural phenomena with no apparent significance.

There is an important reason why God, from re-creation, separated them from each other, as He also set apart the seventh day, and distinguished it from the rest of the other six days of the week, by omitting the evening and the morning as being the seventh day. The scripture simply says; 'Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had done and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all His work which He had done in creation“(Genesis 2:1-3).

The seventh day with the omission of evening and morning, depicts a unique day unto the Lord, a day without daytime or nighttime, a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. Typical to the one at creation, and the one in the future.

Therefore, just as the seventh day Sabbath has both a physical and spiritual application, for it is written; 'for if Joshua had given them rest (which he did physically), God would not speak later of another day. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God's (spiritual) rest also ceases from his (physical) labors as God did from His. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one falls by the same sort of disobedience“ (Hebrews 4:8-11).

Similarly, day and night, light and darkness, have both literal, and spiritual implications. Day is indicative to the kingdom of light, and light is indicative to Jesus Christ, the Ruler of the kingdom of light. Whilst night is indicative to the kingdom of darkness, and darkness is indicative to Satan, the ruler of the kingdom of darkness.

The light which God formed, is Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, and proceeded from the Father. And therefore, everything that is good, everything that is true, is associated with light who is Jesus Christ. And so it is written; ' in Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. “He is the true light that gives light to every man who comes into the world.” And Jesus Himself said; ' I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life“(John 1:4-5, 9; John 8:12)

This is the same light that will govern the earth, when the kingdom of God is established on earth. For the prophet Zechariah wrote; '...Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or night time... a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only one“ [There will be no existence of the kingdom of darkness, and no Satan to contend with Jesus Christ, and to assume the title lord] (Zechariah 14:5-9).

The apostle John echoed similar sentiments in the book of Revelation, concerning the New Jerusalem. He wrote; 'I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its light. And its gates shall never be shut by day...and there shall be no night there (Revelation 21:22-25).

In the not distant future, God will be the glory of His people, Satan and darkness will be banished. The prophet Isaiah wrote; 'The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended (Isaiah 60:19-20).

God created darkness, by creating Lucifer, the source from which night and darkness emanated. Lucifer was created as the son of the morning, who illuminated the earth. He was adorned with every precious stone, and was blameless in his ways, from the day he was created, until wickedness was found in him. He became filled with violence, and sinned. God then caused a fire to come out from the midst of him, and consumed him, and God turned him to ashes upon the earth. He lost his splendor, his brilliance which illuminated the earth, and because of the absence of light in him darkness covered the earth. (Ezekiel 28:12-18).

Night literally represents the kingdom of darkness, and all the works associated with evil. Darkness represents Satan the devil, the ruler of the kingdom of darkness, who was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth (light), because there is no truth (light) in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies“(John 8:44).

The same way there is no truth, no light, no life in Satan, but only lies, darkness, destruction, and death; In like manner, 'there is no lie, no darkness, no death in Jesus Christ, but only truth, light and life, for, in Him is no darkness at all. Day and night, light and darkness, emanated from two separate sources.

Jesus Christ is the source of day and light, Satan is the source of night and darkness. Day and light, are open manifestations, or a perfect revelation of the glory of the Lord. Night and darkness are open manifestations, and a perfect revelation of the gloominess of Satan. Each depicting and representing the nature, and character, of a literal kingdom, in existence on earth, and their respective ruler.

Truly, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge, there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world“(Psalms 19: 1-4).

We are therefore, without excuse. The Sabbath/s therefore, which are holy to the Lord, are not associated with darkness, and therefore the Lord says; 'I am the Lord and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me, so that from the rising of the sun, to the place of its setting men may know there is none beside Me. I am the Lord and there is no other“(Isaiah 45:5-6).

Again the Lord says; 'My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense [prayer] and pure offerings [the sacrificial offering of the body and blood of Jesus Christ] will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations,' says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 1:11).

Before conversion, we are literally living in the kingdom of darkness; and when converted, we are to give thanks to the Father, 'Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins“ (Colossians 1:12-13).

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.' In contrast; 'the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble“ (Proverbs 4: 18-19).

Jesus taught the fear of God by saying; '...There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or

hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10: 26-27).

We are called to live as children of light, and the apostle Paul said; 'Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. You did not so learn Christ! “(Ephesians 4:17-19).

The apostle Paul continues; '...For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as

children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deed of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible“(Ephesians 5:8-14):

The perspective of day and night, light and darkness, are not to be viewed merely as spiritual

perspectives, associated with only what is good and evil. They also convey literal applications to the actual day and night, and light and darkness phenomena. For as the word of God plainly says; 'But you brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you as a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breast plate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet“(1 Thessalonians 5:4-8).

This admonition is both spiritual and literal. For the Lord says; My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. And this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by 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, His Son, purifies us from all sin“(1John 1:5-7).

And furthermore, Jesus said; 'I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4).

Remember, Jesus came to set us an example, that we should follow His steps.

May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

Tel: 1758-450-0132 mobile 717-4635

Email: essentialsoflifeministry@gmail.com

Blog https://luciusblog-uciusministry.blogspot.com

The root cause of humanity`s problem (part two)

The root cause of humanity`s problem

 Although sin is the main purpose why the world is in such turmoil and it is still a contributing factor with all the hardships and miseries that we all face in the world today, nevertheless, the root cause of humanity`s problem is not having the right knowledge and understanding of who we are.

So I beg to ask the question who are we in the true sense of the word? In the true sense of the word, we are slaves to obedience to righteousness. Before the advent of Jesus Christ, sin was the principal factor for our dilemma, but since the advent of Jesus Christ sin is no longer the principal factor for our dilemma.

For we have been admonished saying, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5: 6-11).

The scriptures further state that, “For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” (Romans 5: 17-21).

The crux of the matter is stated thus “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness” (Romans 6: 16-19).

Sin therefore, is of the past, righteousness is of the present, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:2-4)..

Therefore, the root cause of humanity`s problems and to a greater extent believers, it is our failure to acknowledge our enslavement to obedience to righteousness. But before proceeding any further it is imperative that we have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of righteousness.

So I beg to ask the question, how do we define righteousness? Is it something that is left for everyone to decide for themselves, or is it something that is stipulated by definite laws and guidelines! True righteousness is not something that is left for individuals, groups or religions to decide for themselves because, what constitutes righteousness has been clearly defined by the Psalmist David who wrote; “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalms 119:172).

Righteousness in relation to our current disposition is multifaceted: First and foremost one has to take into consideration the fact that as a new creation we were, “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” And according to the apostle Paul; “and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” This is termed, “Imputed righteousness”. (Ephesians 4; 24: Philippians 3:9).

There is also legal righteousness which is according to the law which the apostle Paul lamented the plight of Israel by saying: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, 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 believes” (Romans 10:2-4).

There is also self- righteousness which according to the prophet Isaiah; “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness’s are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

And last but not the least, there is the real practical righteousness which children of God are required to practice as we have been instructed by the apostle John saying; “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

He went on further to warn us by saying; “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” And, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother” (1 John 2:28-28; 3:7, 10).

What is of great significance therefore is, what is this act of righteousness which when practice demonstrates that we are born of Him and makes us righteous even as He is righteousness! The answer to this question is clearly defined by the apostle John who wrote:

“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” (1 John 1:5-10).

Our responsibility therefore, is to walk in the light/truth, which is the word /law of God and since no one can say I have no sin, or have not sinned, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness: 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.

Therefore, it is by living in obedience to the laws of God, confessing our sins, and partaking of His flesh and blood represented by the bread and wine at the appointed times, will the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin and makes us righteous even as Christ Himself is righteous.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked: but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The Root cause of humanity´s problem

In order to resolve any impending issue it is imperative that the problem be tackled from the root cause/source and not merely dealing with the effects. Humanity and more so, those professing to be believers face a huge dilemma because humanity do not really know who we are.

I know that the term or the phrase “who we are” is frequently being used in some religious circles, but their rationale for utilizing this term is to make claim to the wealth and riches of this world which does not support the truth, because, when Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness the devil took Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours" (Luke 4:5-7)

Jesus Christ, in His prayer to the Father on behalf of His disciples prayed and said, “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:1-16).

Jesus was so much not a part of this world that when, “He perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone” (John 6:15).

In His earthly trial before Pilate, Jesus was asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered Pilate and said, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?" "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were 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, although Jesus Christ is the King of kings and for this cause He was born and came into the world, His ruler ship nevertheless is not of this world, because this world is under the authority of the kingdom of darkness.  Now, while some may want to defend themselves and their licentious ways by saying the word “WORLD” refers only to the “Age” and not the physical world itself and its possessions, but the reality is, the whole world and all that are in it are perverted and in bondage of corruption.

And so, we have been duly instructed saying; “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God: For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:19-23).

And hence the reason why we have been duly warned by the apostle Paul, to withdraw ourselves from the; “useless wrangling’s of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”  

He then went further by defining what true godliness is by saying; “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. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:5-9).

And so, the apostle Paul in concluding his moral directions said, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Therefore, the term or phraseology not knowing who we are does not pertains to being inheritors of the mundane and fleeting pleasures of this world, but rather as being slaves to obedience to righteousness.

To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

https:www.amazon.com/author/luciusjoseph

The Fourth Pillar of truth

1.      Holiness

The fourth pillar of truth that must be taken into deep consideration is that of Holiness: Holiness is the fruit or the product of righteousness, without which, no one can have fellowship with the Father. For this is what the Lord spoke, saying: 'by those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified (Leviticus 10:3).

Our admonition therefore, is to be “as obedient children, not conforming ourselves to the former lusts, as in our ignorance; but as He who called us is holy, we also are to be holy in all our conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1: 1-15).

Holiness is the trademark that is associated with everything that God has set aside for His purpose. For example; the days that the Lord has set aside to have fellowship with Him are called “holy convocations.” For thus says the Lord: “These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times” (Leviticus 23:4).

The state of holiness is what that has been ordained for man even before the foundation of the world, For it is written; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him 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” (Ephesians 1:3-6).

The state of holiness which in the true sense of the word means to be sanctified, set apart for holy use and necessitates being without sin, is made possible by one and only way and that is by being a slave of righteousness. For the scripture states categorically, “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Also, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:18, 22).

Those whom God has called are regarded as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God`s own special people, that they may proclaim the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Their duty as priests is to offer to the Lord the food for His offerings at the appointed times, as 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 (Numbers 28:2).

The difference between now and the time the Lord gave these instructions to Moses is the new way by which one draws near to God, which now involves our tabernacles being in heaven instead of an earthly tabernacle, having an everlasting, sinless High Priest, instead of temporary priests, and a perfect sacrifice which can present the worshiper perfect and blameless before God, instead of animal sacrifices which could not present the worshiper perfect.

Believers therefore, have been given the mandate saying; “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. Not only is holiness, one of the main substance of the new man by which we were created, but that the new man is also predestined and elected to holiness. “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” We therefore are urged to, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

To summarize the subject on how steadfast we are in the faith, we must take into consideration the fact that the old man/nature no longer dominates our lives, for it has been replaced with the new man/nature, with a new spirit, a new mind and a new heart, for the main purpose of becoming slaves of righteousness, which automatically bears fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent: Our challenge is to live in accordance to the laws that regulates the life of the new man in the spirit, and to no longer be lawless and hostile to the laws of God due to the carnal mind which is enmity against God and not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The third pillar of truth (contd)

·         Righteousness by the deeds of the law

With regards to righteousness through the law, the apostle Paul stated quite categorically that, “For I bear them witness that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, 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 believes” (Romans 10:2-3).

The apostle Paul is not implying that Christ is the end of the law of righteousness, as though the law of righteousness which is the keeping of all of God`s commandments has been abolished, but rather, that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. Implying that, Christ is the end of the law by which man attempts to become righteous by keeping the law.

The apostle Paul stated quite categorically that; “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe” (Romans 3:20-22).

But is Jesus Christ the end of the law of righteousness! Certainly not! Because this is what the scriptures confirms: Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” 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." What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! (Romans: 3:31; 6:15; 7:7; 9:14).

One should also take into consideration the fact that, “(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” So then, what is the current status of the laws of God? The current status of the laws of God is exactly what is stated about it which states; “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” And therefore it plays a very significant role in our lives as slaves of righteousness for we would not have known sin except through the law. (Romans 7:12).

But there is no doubt that there is a form of practical righteousness that definitely produces righteousness, for we have been duly warned by the apostle John saying: “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).

There is however no doubt that there is an act of righteousness which when practiced makes those who practice it righteous, even as Christ Himself who is our righteousness is righteous. For we have been instructed saying, “Therefore, as through one man's (Adam) offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (Romans 5:18).

And so we have been duly warned saying; “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).

So, I beg to ask the question, what is this act of righteousness that when practice makes us righteous even as Christ Himself is righteous? This act of righteousness is the offering of the body and blood of Jesus Christ at the appointed times. For, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence” (Ephesians 1:7-8).

It is by the offering of the body and blood of Jesus Christ when presenting ourselves before Him that one becomes righteousness even as Christ Himself is righteous, because it is at this juncture that we have our sins forgiven and establish a right relationship with the Father and the Son.

For, 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” (1 John 1:5-10).

Not carefully that the scripture did not say that, "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleansed us from all sin", which  would refer to something of the past, but rather, cleanses us, meaning, that it is an act that is currently and presently happening. 

Now since, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." And, "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” I then beg to ask the question, at what time do we get those sins forgiven! So as to have fellowship with the Father and the Son?

It is through the offering of the cup, which represents the shed blood of Jesus Christ which we are ordained to offer to the Lord when we appear before Him that we have our sins forgiven and grants us access to the throne of grace in order to have fellowship with the Father and the Son. But this does not in any way relegate man`s righteousness, nor the fulfillment of the law, because they form part and parcel of righteousness.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The third pillar of truth

1.      Righteousness

The third pillar of truth that must be taken into consideration is the fact that we are enslaved to righteousness which is one of the compositions of the new man; as we have been duly admonished saying; “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

.Righteousness is a spiritual state that most people have difficulty understanding: But for one to have a good and thorough understanding of righteousness, one must first and foremost make a clear distinction between imputed and practical righteousness.

Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Christ which is a gift bestowed upon us by which the new man was created. “For if by the one man's offense (Adam) death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5: 17).

But there is also practical righteousness which is applicable in three ways.

·         Man`s righteousness

Although man`s righteousness according to the word is as filthy rags before God as explained by the prophet Isaiah who wrote: “For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways. You are indeed angry, for we have sinned --- In these ways we continue; and we need to be saved. But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness’s are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:4-6).

Nevertheless, man`s righteousness is a very important component of righteousness: Because Jesus admonished His disciples saying; “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:44-45).

The apostle Paul in his final exhortation said; “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

.The apostle John admonished us by saying, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him” (1 John 3:16-19).

And last but not least, although it is by grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Nevertheless, we are His (God`s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10)..

Therefore, although our own righteousness is as filthy rags before God, nevertheless, it plays a very significant role in our new way of life as slaves of righteousness.

Second pillar of truth

1.      Either slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness

The second reality check is the undeniable fact that no one is independent; one is either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. For we have been duly instructed saying, “knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin: For he who has died has been freed from sin” (Romans 6:6-7).

We have been further admonished by the apostle Paul saying; “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness``.

“I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6: 16-22).

The irony of truth is, man is either a slave to sin, or a slave to righteousness: He is either a citizen of the kingdom of light, or a citizen of the kingdom of darkness: He is either living in accordance to the flesh, or he is living in accordance to the Spirit:

The sad reality however is that, the majority of professing believers do not take the new way of life which is in accordance to the Spirit, as literal and practical as the way of life which is in accordance to the flesh, despite the admonition which categorically states; “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).

As slaves we are not independent where every man does what seems right in his/her own eyes, or walking after the imagination of his/her own evil heart. True believers now possess a new spirit, a new mind and a new heart for one purpose and one purpose only and that is, for the Lord to put His laws into our hearts, and write them in our minds or vice versa, it is for us to obey His commandments and for He to be our God, and we become His people.

Please bear in mind that the huge transformation is from slave of sin to being slaves of righteousness or slaves of God. And when we were slaves of sin (transgressing the laws of God), we were free in regard to righteousness. So now, having become slaves of righteousness we are free from sin.

For we have been admonished saying; “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:2 2).

So what should be foremost and of top priority on our minds as slaves of God is righteousness and true holiness, the new nature in which the new man was created.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent: Let us not allow ourselves to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine: Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph