Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.(John 3:5-7).
In the book of Romans, Paul is writing to unite the church in Rome, both Jews and Gentiles, under the banner of Christ. He has talked about what the law did and what it could not do, he has talked about the advantage of the Jew and the needs of the Gentile. He has taught both Jew and Gentile on faith, justification, and deliverance from sin. From his own experiences, Paul has earnestly contended for a right relationship with God. Jesus told Nichodemus that we must be born again, that there must be a spiritual birth for us to enter into the Kingdom of God. Paul has laid the groundwork for the most important decision in every individual’s life. Jesus himself quoted Isaiah on this matter.
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (John 12: 35-38).
Where are you in relationship to Jesus?
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Paul loves his people, the Israelites. He is a Pharisee of the Pharisees, trained under the tutelage of Gamaliel. The whole of his life has been about learning the Torah - the words and laws of God. He encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and Paul shares his story at every opportunity in the book of Acts. Paul’s heart for Israel has been shown in everything he has done. His conversion to Jesus combined with his extensive knowledge of the law, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, lets him understand the plan. The plan put in place before the foundation of the world. Those he loves, his people Israel, are fighting against something they don’t yet understand. They are zealous, intending loyalty to God, but missing the knowledge of Jesus. Without Jesus whether Jew or Gentile, nothing makes sense.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
The law is not wrong, it is not without purpose. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment 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. (Psalm 19: 7-9).
The Law is perfect with approximately a thousand years of Old Testament history and messages from the prophets showing us that it is impossible for humans to keep the law faultlessly. Christ, however, fulfilled the law-flawlessly, ensuring righteousness for all that believe. There are no extreme measures to acquire righteousness. To reach Jesus, open your heart and speak your desire. He is as close to us as we want Him to be.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
What we can do, is decide. We have the ability and free will to make a choice. It is not God’s will that any should perish. Every prophesy ever given about Him came to pass, exactly as was written. Every event in the Old Testament portrayed some part or picture of His character and authority. The path to a right relationship is no longer in keeping a set of laws. It is the bending of our will and heart into submission to our creator. It is accepting the pardon, paid in full through the horrific death of the guiltless lamb on the cross of Calvary. It is believing in faith what we cannot see but has been proven time and time again to be without error. It is the empty tomb:
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3).
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians 15:6-9).
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Revelation 1: 16-19).
We have no need to be ashamed of our faith in the King of Kings. What exactly are we saved from? Eternal punishment, the wrath of God poured out on the wickedness of this world, separation from a Holy and all powerful God. We are saved from all the things we fear. Whosoever- anyone that will! Call upon the name of the Lord, and thou shalt be saved.
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6: 39-40).
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The gospel, the good news of Jesus. A new covenant. How do we get people to this new relationship of belief? By the preaching of the Word of God. His word, that spoke the world into existence, uttered "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased.” The Word of God from the beginning. Sent forth so that all may hear. God will send them. Will we listen? Glad tidings of good things. Not burdensome things. A clean slate, a new heart, a new attitude, ever lasting life, in fellowship with God. Joint Heirs with Jesus. Children of the Most High. Yet, sadly not everyone will hear. Not everyone will believe. Will you?
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!
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