According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Eph. 1:4,5.
In the council of heaven, provision was made that men, though transgressors, should not perish in their disobedience, but, through faith in Christ as their substitute and surely, might become the elect of God... God wills that all men should be saved, for ample provision has been made, in giving His only begotten Son to pay man's ransom. Those who perish will perish because they refuse to be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus. The pride of man hinders him from accepting the provisions of salvation. But human merit will not admit a soul into the presence of God. That which will make a man acceptable to God is the imparted grace of Christ through faith in His name. No dependence can be placed in works or in happy flights of feelings as evidence that men are chosen of God, for the elect are chosen through Christ.
Jesus says, "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. When the repenting sinner comes to Christ, conscious of his guilt and unworthiness, realizing that he is deserving of punishment, but relying on the mercy and love of Christ, he will not be turned away. The pardoning love of God is appropriated, and joyful gratitude springs up in his heart for the infinite compassion and love of his Saviour. That provision was made for him in the councils of heaven before the foundation of the world, that Christ should take upon Himself the penalty of man's transgression and impute to him His righteousness, overwhelms him with amazement.
The Father laid our sins where none but His own eyes could discern them. And as He had His face from the innocence of Christ, so He will hide His eyes from he guilt of the believing sinner, because of the righteousness imputed to him. The righteousness of Christ laid upon us will draw upon us the most precious blessings in this life, and will bestow upon us everlasting life in the kingdom of God. OHC
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
18 - The Treasure in the Temple
1. When the temple of God was opened in heaven, what was seen in His temple?
Revelation 11:19 __________________________
3. What dishonors God?
Romans 2:23 ___________________________
4. Why does this subject call for special attention today?
Psalm 119:126 __________________________
5. How do we show our love for God?
John 14:15 _____________________________
6. What is the evidence that we know God?
1 John 2:3 ______________________________
"He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:2-3
7. According to the words of Jesus, what are we to do with even the least of the commandments?
Matthew 5:19 __________________________
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17,18.
As an example to us, Jesus was careful to "fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15.
8. What did Isiah prophesy that Jesus would do?
Isiah 42:21 _____________________________
Notice how Jesus magnified the sixth and seventh commandments:]
"Ye have heard that it was said...Thou shalt not kill...But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment." Matthew 5:21 - 22.
"Ye have heard that it was said... Thous shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28.
9. In His flesh, Christ abolished the low of commandments which were contained in what?
Ephesians 2:15 ____________________________
10. What was the passover called?
Exodus 12:43 ________________________________
In Old Testament times God's people performed ceremonial ordinances involving burnt offerings and the sprinkling of blood (Ezekiel 43:18). While it was not the blood of bulls and goats which took away their sins (Hebrews 10:4), such ordinances were a means of demonstrating their faith in Christ and obtaining His righteousness by faith (Hebrews 11:4, 28). Since they served only as a foreshadowing of Christ, those provisional laws were no longer needed after His death.
11. Christ nailed to the cross and blotted out the handwriting of what which was against us?
Colossians 2:14 _________________________
12. Yet what thing will God not alter?
Psalm 89:34 ______________________________
13. Did the Ten Commandments come from His lips?
Exodus 20:1 _______________________________
We must not confuse the ceremonial ordinances with he moral law which is summarized in the Ten Commandments. As God's commandments are His righteousness (Psalm 119:172) which He puts in us when He justifies us. (compare Romans 3:22 with Hebrews 10:16-17)
14. What law is it that has real significance for the Christian?
1 Corinthians 7:19 ___________________________
15. How did Paul describe God's commandments?
Romans 7:12 _______________________________
16. Looking into the law is like unto a man doing what?
James 1:23 -25 _______________________________
17. When we look into the law as a mirror, what does it show us?
Romans 3:20 (last part) _________________________
18. Would we know what sin is if there was no law?
Romans 7:7 _________________________________
19. To what else are God's compared?
Proverbs 6:23 ________________________________
20. Because God's law reveals to us the sin in our lives, it plays an important role in doing what for the soul?
Psalm 19:7 ________________________________
21. Once the law has shown us our sin, does it have the power to justify us?
Romans 3:20 (first part) __________________________
22. Who only can save us?
Acts 4:10, 12 __________________________________
23. Do we than make void the law?
Romans 3:31 __________________________________
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
"These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." Titus 3:8.
"For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.
24. What is sin?
1 John 3:4 ___________________________
25. Is sin counted when there is no law?
Romans 5:13 ________________________
26. So if the law was abolished, there would be no more sin?
Romans 4:15 ___________________________
Jesus then could have eliminated sin without having to suffer. All He would have to do is change the law. If He would only rewrite the law, then there would be no more violation, no
more need for anyone to pay the penalty. Thus Christ would not have had to die.
The very fact that Christ died is the strongest proof that He would not change His law. For
"it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail" Luke 16:17.
27. While justifying those who believe in Jesus, God must as the same time be what?
Romans 3:26 _______________________________
28. How long will all God's commandments stand?
Psalm 111:7-8 ________________________________
Revelation 11:19 __________________________
2. What was written on tables of stone in the ark of the testament?
Deuteronomy 10:3-5 _______________________
The ark containing the commandments is depicted in Revelation as being in the sanctuary in heaven. God's commandments constitute the law of His universal government. The Psalmist declares that God's kingdom "ruleth over all," and that all the angels " do his commandments." Psalm 103:19,20. The Ten Commandments are recorded in Exodus 20"3-17.
3. What dishonors God?
Romans 2:23 ___________________________
4. Why does this subject call for special attention today?
Psalm 119:126 __________________________
5. How do we show our love for God?
John 14:15 _____________________________
6. What is the evidence that we know God?
1 John 2:3 ______________________________
"He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:2-3
7. According to the words of Jesus, what are we to do with even the least of the commandments?
Matthew 5:19 __________________________
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17,18.
As an example to us, Jesus was careful to "fulfil all righteousness." Matthew 3:15.
8. What did Isiah prophesy that Jesus would do?
Isiah 42:21 _____________________________
Notice how Jesus magnified the sixth and seventh commandments:]
"Ye have heard that it was said...Thou shalt not kill...But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment." Matthew 5:21 - 22.
"Ye have heard that it was said... Thous shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28.
9. In His flesh, Christ abolished the low of commandments which were contained in what?
Ephesians 2:15 ____________________________
10. What was the passover called?
Exodus 12:43 ________________________________
In Old Testament times God's people performed ceremonial ordinances involving burnt offerings and the sprinkling of blood (Ezekiel 43:18). While it was not the blood of bulls and goats which took away their sins (Hebrews 10:4), such ordinances were a means of demonstrating their faith in Christ and obtaining His righteousness by faith (Hebrews 11:4, 28). Since they served only as a foreshadowing of Christ, those provisional laws were no longer needed after His death.
11. Christ nailed to the cross and blotted out the handwriting of what which was against us?
Colossians 2:14 _________________________
12. Yet what thing will God not alter?
Psalm 89:34 ______________________________
13. Did the Ten Commandments come from His lips?
Exodus 20:1 _______________________________
We must not confuse the ceremonial ordinances with he moral law which is summarized in the Ten Commandments. As God's commandments are His righteousness (Psalm 119:172) which He puts in us when He justifies us. (compare Romans 3:22 with Hebrews 10:16-17)
14. What law is it that has real significance for the Christian?
1 Corinthians 7:19 ___________________________
15. How did Paul describe God's commandments?
Romans 7:12 _______________________________
16. Looking into the law is like unto a man doing what?
James 1:23 -25 _______________________________
17. When we look into the law as a mirror, what does it show us?
Romans 3:20 (last part) _________________________
18. Would we know what sin is if there was no law?
Romans 7:7 _________________________________
19. To what else are God's compared?
Proverbs 6:23 ________________________________
20. Because God's law reveals to us the sin in our lives, it plays an important role in doing what for the soul?
Psalm 19:7 ________________________________
21. Once the law has shown us our sin, does it have the power to justify us?
Romans 3:20 (first part) __________________________
22. Who only can save us?
Acts 4:10, 12 __________________________________
23. Do we than make void the law?
Romans 3:31 __________________________________
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
"These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." Titus 3:8.
"For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23.
24. What is sin?
1 John 3:4 ___________________________
25. Is sin counted when there is no law?
Romans 5:13 ________________________
26. So if the law was abolished, there would be no more sin?
Romans 4:15 ___________________________
Jesus then could have eliminated sin without having to suffer. All He would have to do is change the law. If He would only rewrite the law, then there would be no more violation, no
more need for anyone to pay the penalty. Thus Christ would not have had to die.
The very fact that Christ died is the strongest proof that He would not change His law. For
"it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail" Luke 16:17.
27. While justifying those who believe in Jesus, God must as the same time be what?
Romans 3:26 _______________________________
28. How long will all God's commandments stand?
Psalm 111:7-8 ________________________________
"The law of the Lord is perfect,
concerting the soul:
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart:
The command of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring for ever.
The judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold.
yea, than much fine gold:
Sweeter also than honey
and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned:
and in keeping of them
there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11
For further study on this subject see booklet "E" at top of page.
In light of God's word...
- I understand that the Ten Commandment Law of God is His supreme moral standard, and I choose by His grace to obey it.
- I understand that God's law defines sin and righteousness, and cannot be changed.
- I understand that the ordinance which symbolized Christ's atoning work were the only laws which His death affected.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Which Captain
For this God is our God for ever and ever, he will be our guide even unto death.
Ps 48:14
We are all under one or the other of two great captains. One, the Creator of man and of the world, is the greatest of all. All owe Him the allegiance of their whole being, the devotion of their entire affection. If the mind is given to His control, and if God has the molding and developing of the powers of the mind, new moral power will be received daily from the Source of all wisdom and all strength. Moral blessings and divine beauties will reward the efforts of everyone whose mind is heaven bent. We may grasp revelations - heavenly beauties - that lie beyond the short vision of the worldling, that outshines the imagination of the greatest mind...
Satan is the leader of the worldly... His highest aim is to gather his banner the majority of the world, that numbers may stand against the power of righteousness and eternal truth. Talent and ability given of God to be devoted to His service, are laid at the feet of the great rebel of God's government.
While the worldly wise is skimming along the surface, grasping the things of sight and sense, the one who fears and reveres God is reaching into eternity, penetrating the deepest recesses and gathering the knowledge and riches that are as enduring as eternity. Justice, honor, love, and truth are the attributes of God's throne. They are the principles of His government... These are jewels to be sought after and cherished for time and for eternity...
To walk the world a pure man of untarnished morals, bearing the sacred principles of truth in your heart, its influence seen in the acts of your life, to live uncorrupted by the baseness, falsity, and dishonesty of a world which must soon be purified of its moral corruption by the fires of God's retributive justice, is to be a man whose record is immortalized in heaven, honored among the pure angels who weigh and appreciate moral worth. This is what it is to be a man of God. OHC
Ps 48:14
We are all under one or the other of two great captains. One, the Creator of man and of the world, is the greatest of all. All owe Him the allegiance of their whole being, the devotion of their entire affection. If the mind is given to His control, and if God has the molding and developing of the powers of the mind, new moral power will be received daily from the Source of all wisdom and all strength. Moral blessings and divine beauties will reward the efforts of everyone whose mind is heaven bent. We may grasp revelations - heavenly beauties - that lie beyond the short vision of the worldling, that outshines the imagination of the greatest mind...
Satan is the leader of the worldly... His highest aim is to gather his banner the majority of the world, that numbers may stand against the power of righteousness and eternal truth. Talent and ability given of God to be devoted to His service, are laid at the feet of the great rebel of God's government.
While the worldly wise is skimming along the surface, grasping the things of sight and sense, the one who fears and reveres God is reaching into eternity, penetrating the deepest recesses and gathering the knowledge and riches that are as enduring as eternity. Justice, honor, love, and truth are the attributes of God's throne. They are the principles of His government... These are jewels to be sought after and cherished for time and for eternity...
To walk the world a pure man of untarnished morals, bearing the sacred principles of truth in your heart, its influence seen in the acts of your life, to live uncorrupted by the baseness, falsity, and dishonesty of a world which must soon be purified of its moral corruption by the fires of God's retributive justice, is to be a man whose record is immortalized in heaven, honored among the pure angels who weigh and appreciate moral worth. This is what it is to be a man of God. OHC
Friday, February 4, 2011
17 - How to Give Your Heart to Christ
1. Why should Jesus save us?
Titus 3:5 ________________________
2. How are we saved?
Ephesians 2:8-9 ___________________
"Who can say, I have made my heart clean?" "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.""That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Proverbs 20:9, Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 2:5.
3. Yet what is an important element in faith?
James 2:14 - 26 ______________________
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
Proverbs 20:11
4. Jesus came to call whom to what?
Mark 2:17 ____________________________
5. How does one repent?
Isiah 55:7 __________________________
6. What should we be asking God to do for us?
Psalm 51:2 ___________________________
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 1:39: 23-24
7. When will our search for God be successful?
Jeremiah 29:13 ______________________
8. What if I regard iniquity in my heart?
Psalms 66:18 _________________________
9. Jesus wants people who want to be made what?
John 5:6 _________________________
10. Why will only a few receive eternal life?
Matthew 7:14 __________________________
11. Who will not be worthy?
Matthew 10:37_________________________
12. Will God accept a divided commitment?
Matthew 6:24 __________________________
13. What is the cost of discipleship?
Luke 14:33 ____________________________
14. What did Paul say he did daily?
1 Corinthians 15:31 ________________________
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20.
15. If we want Jesus, what do we need to do?
Luke 9:23 __________________________
16. When we come in that way, will He reject us?
John 6:37 ___________________________
17. When we confess our sins to Him, what two things will He do for us?
1 John 1:9 __________________________
18. Must we do anything with our sins besides confess them?
Proverbs 28:13 ______________________
19. When we give up our sins, how far does He remove them from us?
Psalm 103:12 _________________________
20. What if we are guilty of the darkest of sins?
Isaiah 1:18 _____________________________
21. He will do this for us upon what two conditions?
Isaiah 1:19 ____________________________
22. Can I obey God without His power?
John 15:5 ______________________________
23. Although I do not find it within myself to perform good works, what one thing is present?
Romans 7:18 ___________________________
24. What then is the first step to victory?
2 Corinthians 8:12 _______________________
25. Than what are we to do? And how does it work?
2 Corinthians 8:11 ________________________
In the Light of God's Word...
Titus 3:5 ________________________
2. How are we saved?
Ephesians 2:8-9 ___________________
"Who can say, I have made my heart clean?" "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.""That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Proverbs 20:9, Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 2:5.
3. Yet what is an important element in faith?
James 2:14 - 26 ______________________
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
Proverbs 20:11
4. Jesus came to call whom to what?
Mark 2:17 ____________________________
5. How does one repent?
Isiah 55:7 __________________________
6. What should we be asking God to do for us?
Psalm 51:2 ___________________________
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 1:39: 23-24
7. When will our search for God be successful?
Jeremiah 29:13 ______________________
8. What if I regard iniquity in my heart?
Psalms 66:18 _________________________
9. Jesus wants people who want to be made what?
John 5:6 _________________________
10. Why will only a few receive eternal life?
Matthew 7:14 __________________________
11. Who will not be worthy?
Matthew 10:37_________________________
12. Will God accept a divided commitment?
Matthew 6:24 __________________________
13. What is the cost of discipleship?
Luke 14:33 ____________________________
14. What did Paul say he did daily?
1 Corinthians 15:31 ________________________
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20.
15. If we want Jesus, what do we need to do?
Luke 9:23 __________________________
16. When we come in that way, will He reject us?
John 6:37 ___________________________
17. When we confess our sins to Him, what two things will He do for us?
1 John 1:9 __________________________
18. Must we do anything with our sins besides confess them?
Proverbs 28:13 ______________________
19. When we give up our sins, how far does He remove them from us?
Psalm 103:12 _________________________
20. What if we are guilty of the darkest of sins?
Isaiah 1:18 _____________________________
21. He will do this for us upon what two conditions?
Isaiah 1:19 ____________________________
22. Can I obey God without His power?
John 15:5 ______________________________
23. Although I do not find it within myself to perform good works, what one thing is present?
Romans 7:18 ___________________________
24. What then is the first step to victory?
2 Corinthians 8:12 _______________________
25. Than what are we to do? And how does it work?
2 Corinthians 8:11 ________________________
In the Light of God's Word...
- I understand God requires an entire commitment of myself to Him.
- I understand that choosing Jesus means turning away from every known sin and asking Him to cleans my heart from all defilement.
- I choose to forsake my sins and to accept Jesus as the supreme ruler of my life.
Next Lesson: The Treasure in the Temple
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