We have heard that the Bible contains God’s instructions for man. What most people do not know is that the Bible contains instructions for three different people groups. More specifically, the Bible contains instructions for the Jews. There are instructions in the Bible for the Gentiles (considered to be the sinners). And then there are instructions in the Bible for the children of God (Ephesians 2:15-16). So, depending on which people group you consider yourself a part of, determines which set of instructions you are supposed to follow. But before you jump on any bandwagons claiming to be of a particular people group, here are a few things for you to consider.
First, everyone is a creation of God but not everyone is a child of God. Second, in order to be a child of God, one must be born again or born from above (John 3:3). Surprisingly, this includes the “so-called chosen people” of God, which according to the Old Testament scriptures, are “the children of Israel” (Deuteronomy 7:6). In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus tells us that in order to see the kingdom of heaven, one must be born again, and in order to enter into the kingdom of God, one must be born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:1-6). This was very hard for the “so-called chosen people” to accept, since they believed they had a free pass into heaven. Lastly, only the children of God have been given the right to come boldly and confidently to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
But here are some important facts about the children of God. It was Jesus, who, through his death, put an end to the things that was dividing the Jews and the Gentiles. Through his death, Jesus annulled the whole system of Jewish laws that favored the Jews and excluded the Gentiles. Through his death, Jesus took the two groups and made them part of himself, fusing them together to become one family. Through his death, Jesus was able to create one new man, putting an end to the feud between the two groups. Through his death, Jesus was able to reconcile all back into agreement with God (Ephesians 2:14-22). And it is through his death that we see the “true Israel of God” (Galatians 6:15-16). Knowing these facts, “in part,” may prove very valuable for those who diligently seek God; “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (I Corinthians 13:9-10).
Through his death, Jesus has reconciled us back into agreement with God. When we were enemies, haters of God, we were brought back to God through the death of his son (Romans 5:10). Actually, the truth is that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world back unto himself” (II Corinthians 5:19). Yes, folks, that is stated correctly. “God was in Christ,” restoring mankind back unto himself, even when we were yet still sinners (Romans 5:10). Through what Christ did, God made peace and brought us back to himself (II Corinthians 5:18). And in doing this, God gave us the ministry of reconciliation, entrusting us with his message of reconciliation. However, this honor of preaching this news of peace belongs to those who are in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). Those who are in Christ be a new creature, a new creation, if you will. Remember, it was through his death that Jesus took two groups and made them part of himself. And in making them a part of himself, Jesus was able to fuse the two together into a new creation, into a new man, into the “true Israel of God” (Galatians 6:15-16). It is this new creation, this new man that are the ambassadors for Christ, his representatives (II Corinthians 5:20). God uses this new man to urge others to come into his favor, to be at peace with him, and to be reconciled to him. Now that we have been reconciled back, it does make one wonder what blessings God may have for us who know that we are completely forgiven, who know to leave the guilt behind, and who come into his favor.
As always, we pray that our inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it. If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
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