Tag: regeneration

34.a. “How then can man be in the right before God?”

 

 

Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

 Job 9:20    Though I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.

 Job 15:14   What is man, that he can be pure? Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?

 Job 25:4    How then can man be in the right before God?

 Isaiah 57:12     I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you.

 Romans 3:20    For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

 Romans 9:16    So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

 Romans 11:6    But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

 Ephesians 2:8-9     For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Religion is a system of beliefs leading to the worship of a divine being. Based on such a definition, Christianity is a religion. But there are ways in which Christianity is different from all other religions—primarily, the value of the human being in the sight of the Deity. In Christianity, God reaches out to mankind to establish a relationship—in spite of man’s sins and disregard for God’s ways. In every other religion, man must gain merit before God through works or sacrifices before receiving any blessing from God. But the opposite is true in Christianity. The Bible says that God (by His own initiative) so loved mankind (in spite of his sins) that He bridged the gulf between God and man (through the Person of Jesus Christ). God’s mercy resulted in man not suffering the punishment he deserves but instead receiving the blessing and forgiveness he doesn’t deserve.

Have you responded to the kindness and mercy of God by accepting His gift of salvation? You may do so by saying “Yes” as an act of faith in Christ.

(Dr. Jeremiah)

20.u. “In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.”

 

 

Romans 11:30  For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

 1 Corinthians 6:9-11  Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,  nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 Ephesians 2:1-2   And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

 Colossians 3:7    In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

 Titus 3:3-7   For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God”, “And such were some of you”, “ And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  in which you once walked”, “In these, you too once walked when you were living in them.”, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures”. Sometimes we forget where we came from.  We were once lost and following and chasing after the pleasures of this world and then we were changed, made new, and old things passed away.  After a time, it is easy to think of ourselves as never being like this.  We have a tendency to think we have reason to criticize others harshly for their actions.  Paul knew this better than anyone.  He knew that he arrested Christians, through them in prison, separated families, and gave support to their floggings or death.  He knew what he was like before becoming a believer.  He knew it was the work of God in him.  He knew what his heart was like before and after.  He knew it was only because of what God had done that He was a changed person.  He saw those who were like him before as lost and in need of a savior.  He did not think he was better but that what he had in Christ was.  He knew how easy it was to be conformed to this world and not see things of God or the need for salvation.  

We all were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, and slaves to various passions and pleasures.  We do well to keep this in mind as we see others around us who are still lost and pray for God to open their heart to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Remembering this work of God builds four things in us. First, gratitude for how God changed us. Second, humility as we see that it was His work that changed us. Third, kindness to others in the same place. Finally, faith that God can change those who are still in that place.

15.y. “No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

John 6:65  And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

John 10:16    And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Ephesians 2:8-9    For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Titus 3:3-7     For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

James 1:16-18    Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Raising children we often encourage them to try something on their own.  We teach them to walk without us holding onto their hand, we teach them to ride a bike without training wheels,  we teach them how to drive so they can drive on their own, we teach them how to eat, use the bathroom, read, work, help others, etc……  While raising them up we encourage their independence from things that hinder their full development or function.  We take them from new-born to adulthood and hopefully, we have helped them become a person who knows their limits, knows when to ask for help, and when not to be afraid to take on something new.  I am afraid that when we teach this independence without God’s Word they will grow in self-reliance and independence and will harden their hearts, close their eyes, and become deaf to the calling of God.  When He calls upon them, will they see the need for salvation and forgiveness of sin?  Will they see Jesus Christ as redeemer savior? Will they hear God’s calling, repent, turn away from their sinful nature,  and believe?  It is so hard for us to understand how God is able to give us free will to choose and, at the same time, draw us to Himself.  But draw us He does.  He knocks at the door to our heart and soul.  He makes Jesus known to us.  He reveals His holiness and majesty. He makes us aware of His love.  And in all of this, some are drawn to Him and some turn away.  There are consequences.  There is eternal life for those who are drawn to Him and eternal damnation to those who reject His calling.  Independence and free will result in a choice for one or the other.

13.t. “On that day there shall be a fountain opened to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.”

Zechariah 12:10  “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

Zechariah 13:1   “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.

Isaiah 59:19-21   So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives.  “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.  “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

Joel 2:28-29     “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.  Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

Acts 2:33  Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

  Titus 3:5-6    he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Who will turn to Jesus, the pierced One. His head was pierced with thorns, His hands and feet were pierced with nails, and a spear pierced His side.  When we see Jesus crucified – understanding why He went to the cross and what He accomplished there – we are drawn to Him in humble repentance. They/we will look on Him whom they pierced. They will realize that they did it or would have done it and that they bear responsibility – not sole responsibility, but responsibility nonetheless – for the crucifixion of their Savior. Sin and sinfulness must be put away.  Sin cannot be excused, condoned, or compromised with. We first must look to Jesus, then in the light of His holiness, grace, and mercy we mourn for our sins and repent. It is in this first act of looking to Jesus that our heart becomes tender, our conscience aware, and our sinfulness exposed.  A fountain of grace, mercy, and love is overflowing and is never-ending this side of eternity.  Now is the time to look to Jesus, look full into His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  Come to the fountain, drink richly from it, and live to honor and glorify the author and finisher of our salvation.

A new heaven and earth

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Psalms 104:30  When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.

Job 12:6-10    The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hand.  “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you,  or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.  Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?  In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.

Ephesians 2:1     And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

Titus 3:5     he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 65:17     “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.

Isaiah 66:22     “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain.

Revelation 21:5     And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

We are created and given life by God.  We are both flesh and spirit. Though the flesh may return to dust the spirit lives on forever.  Eternity is timeless.  We fill and track our days – time.  Some days seem to drag on and others seem to fly by.  But a time is coming when there will be no more time, no more death.  God, our Creator, has promised a new heavens and new earth.  This promise from Isaiah is to everyone as recorded in

John 3:16  📝  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Joh 3:17  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.

Joh 3:18  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.

However there are those who choose to reject God’s grace through Christ. Those who reject Christ are doomed to God’s wrath and will forever live in torment.  They will not see this new heaven and new earth.  They are forever cast into the lake of fire where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Trying to understand this forever torment is hard for us this side of eternity to comprehend.  Though not having this understanding does not leave those guiltless.  God’s grace and mercy through Christ, to those who believe, is a eternal life decision and life forever in His presence.  Do not reject His grace and mercy.  Do not neglect His calling.  Do not listen to the lies of satan that this world is all there is to your life.  The consequences of this decision is for eternity.

He hears us

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Job 6:2    “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!  For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.  For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

Psalms 88:1   O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.

Psalms 27:9     Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!

Psalms 27:1    The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 12:2     “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

Nehemiah 1:6    let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.

Even in our darkest moments God is there.  When all around us seems to be in turmoil and chaotic God is there.  When we turn to Him we find rest for our soul.  When we turn to Him we find light in the darkness.  When we turn to Him we find peace in the chaos.  Our troubles are known by our Heavenly Father.  He cares for us and has promised to be our strength, our shield, our hope, our place of refuge.

Salvation came at a great cost

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”

“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

John 19:31  Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.  So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him.  But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.  But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.  He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.  For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”  And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Luke 23:39     One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”  But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”  And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

1 John 5:6     This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

Zechariah 13:1    “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.

1 Corinthians 6:11     And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Titus 2:14     who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 3:5-7     he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:13  For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Hebrews 10:19     Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,  by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God,  let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 John 1:6    If we say we have fellowship with him while we 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 his Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say 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.

Revelation 1:5    and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

The crucifixion of Jesus had a single purpose: “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” This redemption came at the cost of His life and is to be understood, believed, and with a thankful and contrite heart trusted in, by faith, for the forgiveness of sin.  What manner of person should we be in light of this act of mercy and grace?  We ought to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and live in humble service to Him.  Our mind should never lose thought of the cost He paid.  Our lives should be lived out in thankfulness.  In remembrance our thoughts and actions should bring honor and glory to Him.  The first step in this honor is a heart and mind deep desire to know Him.  We do this through actively reading and meditating on His word. Day by day in His word, with a willing heart and mind to be led, will yield a life that chooses to honor and glorify Him.  Spend time in His word.  Meditate on it.  Listen for His whispers of guidance. Choose to life for His purpose and plans.

His workmanship

“ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

John 6:44  No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

Isaiah 44:18    They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand.

Romans 8:7    For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Titus 3:3    For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Hosea 11:4    I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.

We were once foolish and disobedient.  We did not have a purpose more than that which would bring us pleasure.  Our thoughts were far from God serving our own interests.  And here is the GOOD NEWS – while we were in this condition and separated from God, He reached out to draw us to Him.  I think we seem to sometimes forget this great gift of drawing us, and then, to those who believe, eternal life.  Remembering this brings joy to our heart and purpose into our life.  It also keeps us humble and from thinking to highly of our selves and what we accomplish.  When we serve self it is in essence shutting God out and putting ourselves in front of His purpose and plan.  The problem with self is it is always there and the easiest default when we are not in His word and choosing to be led by Him.  Following God is a choice for eternity.

Fountain Opened

Zechariah 13:1  “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.

Psalms 51:2     Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

Psalms 51:7     Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Isaiah 1:16    Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,  learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.  “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

Ezekiel 36:25     I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.

John 1:29     The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

1 Corinthians 6:11    And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Titus 3:5    he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 John 1:7    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 cleanses us from all sin.

Our hope is built on promises from God.  The hope of forgiveness, complete cleansing from sin, salvation, and eternal life.  This is offered to all and God, not wishing any to perish, gave the promise of eternal life to all who would believe in the complete cleansing through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Peter in light of the grace and mercy from God through Christ, and seeing that all of this world will pass away, asked a question “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness”  How should our lives be lived out this side of eternity?  Are we to be complacent and lukewarm in our commitment to this great act of Love?  Being lukewarm and complacent manifests in a life that seldom speaks of Christ, lacks confidence in being cleansed, thinks about performing acts of goodness to overshadow the sin in their life,  loses sight of promises of God, does not have contentment/peace, seldom sees God’s hand at work in their life, rarely hears the whispers of God, lacks confidence in God’s purpose and plan for their life.  This all can hit home to anyone but the good thing is, if God is convicting your heart there is the promise “if we confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us”  This means it is gone forever to never be remembered again.  Believing and knowing without doubt is hard if the promises of God are not in your life.  Satan is a liar and will speak lies into our lives. You’re not good enough, you’re to far gone, there is no hope for you, or on the other hand you are good enough, you are to busy, you are doing enough, compare yourself with others, blah, blah, blah.    These struggles are common when our lives are more committed to this world, what it has to offer, and the cares surrounded by it.  Know that your sin is forgiven by the work of Christ, repent from whatever it is that is holding you back from committing to humbly serving, honoring, following, and obeying Him.  Make time to spend in His word with the purpose of knowing Him.  Listen for His whispers of leading.  Today is the day you can commit to Him and ask Him to open His word to your heart and mind.