In this post we will look into our relationship with our LORD and Father by Their Faith and Grace in the New Covenant or law of love, within our being. For the promise was not to man as a man but to Christ that would be in mankind. I shall draw from Genesis 12, 17, 21:12, with Abram who became Abraham; Isaiah 41:8, Acts 3:25, Romans 4:13, 16 Galatians 3:16 and Heb 2:16 and the link of the blood and altar of Leviticus 17:11 and Hebrews 13:10, not to leave out the Genesis 1:26-28's image and likeness that is to say, Christ within all of humanity. We are looking at the "seed" of promise. Watch for the subheadings. While reading this post see if you can find the four areas of the Law that Grace provides the answer for as being completed and if there are more such areas. Then we shall look at my e-Sword studies program and what Pastor Hoekstra shares therein.
Genesis 12:1-4, 15:1, 17:1, 3, 5; 1Chron. 1:27 and Neh. 9:7; Isaiah 41:8, 10 Now the LORD had said to Abram, 'Get out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.' So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him....Gen. 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.'....Gen.17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, 'I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be perfect'....And Abram fell on his face: and GOD talked with him, saying, 'Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; For a father of many nations have I made you'....1Chron. 1:27 Abram; the same is Abraham....Neh. 9:7 You are the LORD the God, Who choose Abram, and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave him the name of Abraham....Isa 41:8 But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham My friend....
Jesus as Christ is speaking this in: Matthew 22:32 'I am the GOD of Abraham, and the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob? GOD is not the God of the dead, but of the living.'
We're on our way to Acts 3 but before we get there here are a few more references: John 8:33, 37, 39-40, 56-58 They answered Jesus with, in John 8:33, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say you, "You shall be made free?"....'I know that you of Abraham's seed; But you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.'... They answered and said Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a man that has told you the truth, which I have heard of GOD: this did not Abraham do....Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.' Then said the Jews to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and how is it that you say that you have seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, 'Verily, verily, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I am.'
Acts 3:13, 25; 13:26 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus; Whom you delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go....You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed shall all the kindred's of the earth be blessed.'....Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears (reverences, honors) GOD, to you is the word of this salvation sent. {Leterally; "Come Out From Among Them!"}
Romans 4:1-3, 9, 12-13, 16 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he had whereof to glory; But not before GOD. For what say the scripture? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted to him for righteousness....then came this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness....And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, not through the law, but through the righteousness of faith...Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by Grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; Not to that only which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; Who is the father of us all, (who enter the salvation of Christ.)
Galatians 3:1-9, 10-14, 15-29 O foolish Galatians (today's christians), who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh (the works required by the Mosaic Law and man's religions)? Have you suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed GOD, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all nations be blessed.' So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith:
Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of GOD, it is evident: for, 'The just shall live by faith.' (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17, and Heb 10:38) And the law is not of faith: but, "The man that does them shall live in them." Christ having redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree (Deu. 21:23; Jos. 10:26-27)." That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Law vs the Promise:
Galatians 3:15-29 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man dis-annulls, or adds thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He said not, to seeds, as of many; But rather as of one, and to your seed, which is Christ (Gen. 1:26-28, Leviticus 17:11 and Hebrews 13:10, the life in the blood and the altar of our Covenant of which they who serve the temple [the flesh of man] have no part.). And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of GOD in Christ, the Mosaic Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis-annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of this Law, it is no more of promise: but GOD gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the Mosaic Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; It was ordained by angels (religious messengers) in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but GOD is One (being in total agreement El-o-hiym, Gen. 1:1). Is the law then against the promises of GOD? GOD forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Mosaic Law. But the scripture having concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Him. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up from the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. For after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For we are all the children of GOD by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. In Whom; There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for all are one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now for Hebrews 2 and 3:
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation:
Hebrews 2:1-4, 5-3:6, 7-19 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels (messengers) was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard Him; GOD also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?
The Author and Founder of Salvation:
Hebrews 2:5-18 For to the angels has He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, "What is man, that You art mindful of him? or the son of man, that You visited Him? You having made Him a little lower than the angels; You crowned Him with glory and honor, and did set Him over the works of Your hands: You having put all things in subjection under His feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him, He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we see not yet all things put under Him. But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; That He being Christ, the author the of Grace of GOD should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain (author) of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of One: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Your [Christ] name to My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise to You. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which GOD has given Me. For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (mans corrupted mindset acquired in Genesis 3 and warned of in Gen. 2); And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Himself (this He did during the OT times) the nature of angels (messengers); But He took on Himself as Christ, the promised seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation (atone) for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself having suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.
Jesus Greater Than Moses:
Hebrews 3:1-6, 7-19 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He Who has built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by some man; But He that built all things is GOD. Moreover Moses truly was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ is a son over His own house; Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
A Rest for the People of God:
Hebrews 3:7-19 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost said, 'To day if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always error in their heart; And they have not known My ways. So I swore in My wrath (My deep burning Love, violent compassion, They shall not enter into My rest.' Numbers 14:20-23, 25, 27-30, 35) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living, Loving GOD. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end; While it is said, 'To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.' For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom swore He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
From here I will share the thoughts of Pastor Hoekstra from my e-Sword Bible study program:
Living by Grace: Humility and Faith vs the Mosaic Law
GOD resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble . . . through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand. (James 4:6 and Romans 5:2)
How does a believer of Jesus Christ access the ongoing, sanctifying grace of GOD for daily godliness? It is accessed the same way that the initial, justifying grace of GOD was acquired - - by humility and faith. We were justified, declared righteous in God's sight, when we humbly trusted the Lord Jesus. We humbly agreed with the Lord's account of our guilty condition. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . . For the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). We also put our trust in Christ concerning His offer of life (based upon His death and resurrection on our behalf). "But the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Thereby we partook of the justifying Grace of GOD, through humility and faith.This is how the Lord wants us to continue to relate to Him for sanctifying Grace.
Our God wants us to walk in humility, because grace is what we need for growth in godly living. Remember this great truth of Grace: "But grow in the grace . . . of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Peter 3:18). If we are unwilling to walk in humility, we will not enjoy this wondrous sanctifying impact of Grace, because "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." When we live by self-sufficiency, the requirement of the Mosaic Law and man's religions, GOD resists us. When we function in humility, GOD gives us grace for living.
Our God also wants us to walk in our measure of faith, because faith accesses Grace. "Through Whom [Christ, the Gen. 1:26-28 secret] also we have access by Jesus' faith into this Grace in which we stand." We now stand in a kingdom that offers "Grace upon grace" (John 1:16). Abundant Grace is available for every step we are to take. This Grace is partaken of by faith. Whenever we trust in the Lord Jesus concerning any issue of life, we are reaching by faith into GOD'S unlimited resources of Grace, by which we are enabled to live effectively.
Hereby we see that living by Grace involves two relational realities: humility and faith. We do not produce either. Neither are of works. Humility admits we cannot do the work (of being holy, loving, perfect). Faith relies upon the work of another, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are both relational realities, since they become real in our lives through a growing relationship with the Lord. The more we get to know the Lord Jesus Christ, to that degree humility and faith will become realities in our lives.
O LORD, You are my salvation, from justification throughout a lifetime of sanctification. Forgive me for underestimating my need for You. Forgive me concerning the self-sufficient, self-confident ways by which I have often lived. I humble myself before You. I want to live by trust and confidence in You. I long to live by Your Grace, not by my best efforts. Help me to know You, that humility and faith might develop in my life, Amen.
Can you see the agreement here? Grace satisfies the Law's demands, how, by which ones?
Grace, satisfies the Hear O' Israel, the LORD our GOD is One LORD.
Grace, satisfies, be perfect as I am perfect.
Grace, satisfies, be Holy as I am Holy.
Grace, satisfies, the requirement for self works.
Grace, satisfies, the love your neighbor as you love yourself.
How by the richness of His Grace, Ephesians 1:7 and abundance of Grace, Romans 5:17...with the gift of righteousness and renewal of the mind, Romans 12:1-2. I Will put the new law on their hearts and in their minds. Jeremiah 31:33. It is good that the heart is established by Grace, Hebrews 13:9.
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