Tag: Christ

25.x. “The LORD detests all the proud of heart.”

 

2 Corinthians 12:5  I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 2 Chronicles 26:16   But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God 

 2 Chronicles 32:25-26    But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him

 Daniel 5:20    But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.

 Judges 2:3   So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides,

 Job 2:7   So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

 Luke 13:16    And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

Do you ever wonder what turns the heart and soul of a person, proud?  What is it that flips a switch in us and makes us think highly of what we have accomplished?  We read of Paul who was given a thorn in the flesh and we know that it was given to him, by God, through Satan.  The purpose was to keep in from not becoming proud.  A proud heart will put self in front of God, think more highly of themselves than they ought, and look at others as less than they are.  We are not immune to pride.  It can attack us when we least expect it.  It can start with simple enough thoughts of accomplishment but then on our own or with a nudge from Satan can turn into more.  It is something I did.  It is something I can do better than you.  It is something reflecting my talent and superiority. It is something I can afford and you can’t.  It is something your children have succeeded in.  It can be in your intellect, strength, physical appearance.  We are not immune to this.  So how does a person fall for the bait of pride?  When we are lax in studying His Word.  When we are living in the presence of this world and not in the presence of God.  We live to please ourselves more than God.  When we honor and glorify ourselves rather than God.  When we are consumed with worldly desires and wants over things of God. Yes, it will happen when we put anything number 1 and God somewhere else down in the list of priorities. 

Do we think that any of our abilities came about by the sheer will of our mind or strength? Do we think it is of our doing? Our physical strength, mental intellect, and other abilities all come from God.  Some will use these abilities to do some of the most vicious and hardhearted crimes against mankind. We know scripture tells us of times when bad things were done by people to Christians and God used it for good.  We seem to have the ability to use our abilities that were given to us for good and what should be used for the single purpose of honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ into or for something bad and contrary to that very purpose. Our ability to think, do, speak, reason, understand, etc…. were all given to us, by God, and how we use them is freely given to us as well.  Feed your heart, mind, and soul with God’s Word and pray for the ability to discern the temptation of pride.

Paul, once he understood and knew why God had “given” him this thorn in the flesh he was happy to bear it. He knew it was to keep him from becoming proud.  Paul also knew this “Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 16:5 “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” We all ought to be so set against being proud that we seek God continually to expose it so that we can live to give Him “ALL” honor and glory.

25.u. “For many deceivers have gone out into the world”

 

2 Corinthians 11:13  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

 Acts 20:30    and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

 2 John 1:7-11    For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.  Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.  Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,  for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

 Jeremiah 23:14-15   But in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his evil; all of them have become like Sodom to me, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah.”  Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: “Behold, I will feed them with bitter food and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has gone out into all the land.”

It is so easy for all people, including Christians, to be taken in by image, charisma, and outward appearances. Many will only recognize evil if it is openly and unanimously declared as evil. Why is this?  Sometimes I wonder if it is more because of our itching ears wanting it this way.  We want our pastor to be one of influence, great in clarity of speech, and proclaiming insights we never knew.  We don’t want to diligently search scripture to know and understand – discern – the Word of God through the leading and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  We want to be spoon-fed with what our pastor has to say about scripture.  We don’t spend time reading and studying God’s Word with a desire to have God give us wisdom in understanding and applying it. The Word of God was not given to pastors only.  God has given us His Word so that we can know Him more and more and live more and more in ways that truly honor and glorify Him.  Do we think that being spoon-fed a few select scriptures once per week will fill us?  Do we think being spoon-fed once per week we will have any chance of discerning what is right and wrong, true and false, good and bad in the sight of God?   This lack of desire to know and study God’s Word leaves us open to embracing lies and deceptions of Satan himself, who transforms himself into an angel of light. If Satan were to appear before a human audience, he would be regarded as an angel of light. Those who can discern it look at those who cannot and wonder with amazement at how easily they have been deceived.

“It is generally said that Satan has three forms under which he tempts men: 1. The subtle serpent. 2. The roaring lion. 3. The angel of light. He often, as the angel of light, persuades men to do things under the name of religion, which is disruptive, destructive, and disloyal of things of God. As a roaring lion, the horrors of all kinds of twisted persecutions and atrocities occur.  As the subtle serpent, he frequently and easily deceives us so that that which is right is called wrong and that which is wrong is called right.  He appeals to the weak and strong, learned and unlearned, wise and foolish, proud and humble, rich and poor.  He temps us all when we least expect it.  Why does God’s Word tell us to be diligent, resist, stand firm, and remain faithful?  It is because of the lies and deceptions of the father of all lies and deceit. How are we to know and discern that which is true and false, right and wrong, good and bad if the Word of God is not desired in our lives more than being spoon-fed once per week? Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

25.t. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him”

 

2 Corinthians 11:4  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

 1 John 2:26   I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

 Jude 1:4     For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:2   Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

 Galations 1:6   I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

 Titus 1:10-11    For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers,

When a person encounters Jesus, it should be life-changing. They should be changed, born again, made new, a new creation.  They were once in darkness but now they are in the light.  They once stumbled around in darkness but now all that they stumbled around in has been exposed for what it is.  The light of Jesus Christ has opened their eyes.  In Christ, the Word of God will give light onto our path, a purpose for living, power to overcome works of darkness, courage to live in light, and strength to overcome influences of darkness. Darkness is the absence of light.  When we choose to close our eyes to the light of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, we will stumble in darkness.  We will not be able to discern works of darkness.  We can not discern the works of darkness we are easily influenced into believing they are proper, right, and ok to do.  We need to stop living in the darkness. “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46. Study God’s Word, and apply it to your life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. How can you follow the light if you don’t turn it on? The Holy Spirit lives in each and every Christian. He is our guide in following God’s instructions, but we can hinder him. “Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Don’t let the Light of God be dim in your life. Stand firm on His Word every day.  Do not become complacent or neglectful in His Word.  I fear many are walking in darkness because of this.  The light of God’s Word should be bright in your life, exposing all of it to His holiness and righteousness.  It is in this light we are able to find purpose and meaning – living to humbly serve, follow, obey, trust, honor, and glorify Jesus Christ every “Light-Filled” moment of our lives this side of eternity.

25.s. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds”

 

2 Corinthians 10:4  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

 Ephesians 6:13-18     Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

 1 Samuel 17:45-50    Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

 Isaiah 2:11-12     The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.  For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;

We walk according to the flesh in the sense that we all do. We are flesh and blood human beings, and we struggle with the same things the Corinthian Christians struggled with. However, Paul wants to make it clear that he does not war according to the flesh.  Our weapons were not material or fleshly but spiritual, suited for spiritual war. Think about that and how it applies to how we should live, in order that in all we say, think, and do we honor and glorify Jesus Christ.  Love rather than hate, Faith rather than self-reliance and self-assurance, Confidence rather than doubt, Power of the Holy Spirit rather than might of flesh, Joy rather than despair, Peace rather than conflict, Hope rather than fear and anxiousness, Kindness rather than hard-hearted and callous, Generous rather than selfish and self-centered, rejoicing rather than mourning, Holiness rather than polluted by worldly desires, Surrender to the will of God rather than the influence of self-reliance, etc…. The fleshly, worldly, and human way is to overpower, dominate, manipulate, and out-maneuver. The spiritual, Jesus honoring and glorifying way is to humble yourself, die to yourself, and let God show His resurrection power through you.

This reliance on fleshly/worldly methods and the habit of thinking this way is a false stronghold. It stubbornly sets down deep roots in the heart and mind, and it colors all of our actions and thinking. It is hard to let go of the thinking that values the things and ways of this world, but God’s power really can break down these strongholds. (Guzik)

25.l. “Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

 

 

2 Corinthians 6:14  Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

 Nehemiah 13:23-26   In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.  And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people.  And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.  Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

 Psalms 106:35     but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did.

 Proverbs 22:24  Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,

 1 Corinthians 15:33    Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

 1 Corinthians 10:21    You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

 James 4:4     You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

 Proverbs 29:27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

 Ephesians 5: 6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not become partners with them;  for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Paul is speaking to the overly broad affections of the Corinthian Christians. They had joined themselves to unbelievers. 

Unequally yoked – How can we do this? Certainly by marrying an unbeliever, which is the most common way this principle is applied. “A very wise and very holy man was given his judgment on this point: ‘A man who is truly pious, marrying with an unconverted woman, will either draw back to perdition, or have a cross during life.’ The same may be said of a pious woman marrying an unconverted man. Such persons cannot say this petition of the Lord’s prayer, Lead us not into temptation. They plunge into it of their own accord.” (Clarke)

However, Paul means much more here than only marrying an unbeliever. It really applies to any environment where we let the world influence our thinking. When we are being conformed to this world and are not being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2), we join together with unbelievers in an ungodly way.

This speaks especially to the issue of influence. Paul is not suggesting that Christians never associate with unbelievers (he makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). The principle is that we are to be in the world, but not of the world, like a ship should be in the water, but water shouldn’t be in the ship. If the world is influencing us, it is clear we are unequally yoked together with unbelievers. And this unequal yoke, or ungodly influence, may come through a book, a movie, a television show, a magazine, or even through worldly Christian friends. Most Christians are far too indiscriminate about the things they allow to influence their minds and lives. We all like to believe that we can be around ungodly things as much as we want and that we are strong enough to ward off the influence. But we must take seriously the words of Scripture: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). It needs to come back to the simple question from Romans 12:2: Are we being conformed to this world, or are we being transformed by the renewing of your mind?

25.k. “But as servants of God”

2 Corinthians 6:4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left

 Romans 14:18    Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

 1 Thessalonians 2:3-11   For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,  but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

 Romans 5:3-4    Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

 Colossians 1:11    being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy

 Hebrews 12:1   Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

 James 5:7-10    Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.  You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

 Revelation 3:10    Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

We often think of patience as a passive thing – the ability to sit around and wait for something to happen. That is not the idea of the word Paul used here. It is an active endurance instead of a passive waiting. The ancient Greek word hupomone “does not describe the frame of mind which can sit down with folded hands and bowed head and let a torrent of troubles sweep over it in passive resignation. It describes the ability to bear things in such a triumphant way that it transfigures them.” (Barclay)

“Nowadays it is not the violence but the mockery or the amused contempt of the crowd against which the Christian must stand fast.” (Barclay)

 Paul knew he needed endurance, and he knew many things in his life drew him to seek that endurance. Some of them were the general trials of life, some were sufferings directly brought by others, and some were self-inflicted. Not every trial was the same, but they all made him need endurance.

The idea of on the right hand and on the left is of holding both offensive and defensive weapons. It probably has in mind “both advancing and being attacked.” “Particularly, the shield and the sword; the former on the left arm, the latter on the right hand. We have the doctrine of truth, and the power of God, as an armour to protect us on all sides, every where, and on all occasions.” (Clarke)

25.h. “He is a new creation”

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

 Isaiah 45:24-25   “Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him.

 John 15:5    I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

 Romans 8:1   There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 Psalms 51:10    Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

 John 3:3    Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

 Ephesians 2:10     For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The saved are not “just forgiven.” They are changed into a new creation.  However, being a new creation doesn’t mean that we are perfect. It means that we are changed and that we are being changed. He is a new creation: Who makes us a new creation? This is something God alone can do in us. This isn’t just “turning over a new leaf” or “getting your act together.” Yet the life of a new creation is not something God does for us but in us. So, we are told to put off… the old man and to put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24)   Being a new creation is a gift from God received by faith.  

The work of a new creation is even greater than God’s work of creating the world. “My brethren, it was more difficult, if such terms are ever applicable to Omnipotence, it was more difficult to create a Christian than to create a world. What was there to begin with when God made the world? There was nothing; but nothing could not stand in God’s way – it was at least passive. But, my brethren, in our hearts, while there was nothing that could help God, there was much that could and did oppose him. Our stubborn wills, our deep prejudices, our ingrained love of iniquity, all these, great God, opposed thee, and aimed at thwarting thy designs… Yes, great God, it was great to make a world, but greater to create a new creature in Jesus Christ.” (Spurgeon)

25.e. “What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness”

 

2 Corinthians 5:6   So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

 Philippians 1:20-24    as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Matthew 25:21    His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

 2 Peter 3:11-12   Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,  waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

To be present with the Lord: This is what makes heaven really heaven, so we long to be present with the Lord. Heaven is precious to us for many reasons. We may long to be with loved ones who have passed before us and whom we miss so much. We may want to be with the great men and women of God who have passed before us in centuries past.  These may be true, but the true test of your faith, trust, obedience is not for your satisfaction in these bonuses of eternal life, it is for the honor, glory, and praise of Jesus Christ.  The longing to be in His presence is what gives us purpose in this life.  Longing to see departed loved ones is not the reason, though it is a reality and outcome of love this side of eternity. It is not wrong to want to see and be with loved ones who have departed and are in the presence of the Lord, however, anything that lessens the honor, glory, and praise to Jesus Christ should not be a reason for wanting to be in His presence. 

Therefore we make it our aim… to be well-pleasing to Him: Since what we do right now has eternal consequences, our goal and longing to be in His presence must persistently be to honor, glorify, and praise Him.  This is our aim, our goal.  What is it then that is pleasing to Him?  If we were to list all that is pleasing to Him I fear the list would be quite long because there are so many aspects in our lives that we can please Him.  To give you a place to start understanding what is pleasing, I think it is best to start with a humble surrendered heart with an abundance of continuous longing to be in His presence and growing in knowledge, understanding, and trust in the grace, mercy, and love He has, does, and continues to grant us in this life, and a heart and soul-deep desire to honor and glorify Him in all we say, think and do.

25.b. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing”

 

2 Corinthians 2:14  But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

 Luke 2:34    And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed

 John 9:39   Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”

 1 Corinthians 1:18    For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

 Acts 13:45-47    And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

 2 Corinthians 4:3-4     And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

 2 Thessalonians 2:10    and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

“Among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing”, “Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life”,  “it is veiled to those who are perishing”, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers”, “They refused to love the truth and so be saved”.  There are truly those who will have eternal life and those who will not. To those perishing, God’s word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been rejected.  They have chosen to believe the lies and deceptions of Satan and they have chosen to refuse the truth found in and through Jesus Christ.  

Imagine a drowning man being thrown a life jacket and all he has to do is grab hold to be saved and somehow he has purposed in his mind the life jacket is foolish and will not take hold of it.  He perishes in his rejection of what can save him.  Imagine a  person dying of thirst and is offered water and all they have to do is drink and they will not die, but somehow they have purposed water will not save them from dying and they refuse to drink and they perish in their rejection of what can save them.  Imagine a person in a speeding car that is heading straight on course to drive off of a mountain cliff and have been told to apply the breaks and they will stop and not die.  They reject this advice and perish because they do not believe in that which can save them from certain death.  Imagine a pilot of a small plane who has been warned of severe weather and the need to avoid it.  The tower has the latest weather radar and they are relaying information to all on a path with it.  The pilot who has also had radar in his plane does not see it on his screen and does not believe what the tower is telling him.  He chooses to continue and perishes because of his unbelief.  There are hundreds if not thousands of examples that can metaphorically demonstrate the acceptance/rejection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

24.t. “Making known to us the mystery of his will”

 

1 Corinthians 15:50  I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 

 John 3:3   Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

 John 3:5     Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

 Ephesians 1:9    making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

Essentially, this means to have new life. A theological term for this is regeneration. It isn’t simply a moral or religious reform, but the bringing of new life. “To belong to the heavenly kingdom, one must be born into it. This isn’t something that we can do to ourselves. When Jesus had says “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God” then we might think, “I can somehow do this myself”, like a man might wash himself; but he could never birth himself. God’s great plan and purpose which was once hidden but is now this mystery is revealed to us in Jesus.  

Why is it that this mystery which was hidden and now revealed is seen by some and not by others?  Are they who understand the mystery smarter, more intelligent, or more worthy?  Absolutely NO they are not. So why then, once the veil has been taken away, can this mystery no longer be a mystery to some and to others it is still an unfathomable mystery?  Think about creation and the responses man has given to explain this mystery.  This certainly is a mystery.  How can something be brought into existence – (being made from nothing)? God created.  Period.  He made all there is.  He created light, placed the stars and planets in all the of the universe, all of the elements of chemistry, and all of the physics that control interactions between them, life (plant, animal, mankind), spiritual heavenly beings, etc…….. How do we know this? Because He made it know by telling us.  He revealed it both to our hearts and through His Word. It is through belief that though we don’t know how exactly, but we do know who.  Belief in God takes away the searching of both how and who.  Yet, for those who do not believe it is still a mystery, and billions if not trillions of dollars are spent trying to figure out who, when, and how all of creation came into being.  With all of this money and with thousands of intelligent brains searching the best they come up with is a big bang.  It is easier for some to believe this than in God who created it all.  The mystery remains for these.  

The same is true for the mystery of new birth, born again, a new creation.  To those who believe it is a mystery revealed soul, heart, and mind deep.  They are changed forever and await their final new eternal life in heaven.  Yet, once again, those who do not believe (trust in, cling to, rely on Jesus Christ by faith) will try to sort out this mystery by every means possible to earn it or be worthy of it.  It is not by works of the flesh, or the mind of the wise, but by the power of God through Jesus Christ in grace, mercy, and love.  To those who believe, the mystery is no longer a mystery.  They absolutely know they are born again.  If you do not know this with absolute certainty, relinquish all hope in self and self-reliance and surrender to the grace, mercy, and love, found only in and through Jesus Christ, and the vail of the mystery of being born again, new birth, new creation, will be removed forever.