Lesson 1221

(Lesson 1221)(01-30-15) Romans 8:29-39

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In today's quote Paul confirms and solidifies the security of the believer. He, very clearly describes the process by which one can become a child of God and how that once that one is saved by the grace of God he/she can never again be lost.

Paul explained it all far better than I ever will.~

Lesson 1220

(Lesson 1220)(01-29-15) Romans 8:26-28

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Today's lesson is yet another very important one in that it explains how God understands the intent of the hearts of those of us whom have placed our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and how He "justifies" the weakness of the flesh.

That means that if in our daily lives we cross the boundaries, of what is "sin" in the eyes of those around us, yet have no ill intent toward anyone, those "sins" are justified in the sight of God.

In the first verse of this lesson, Paul said, "the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." That means that the Holy Spirit is praying right along side us on our behalf.

In prayer, or in whatever we do, the Holy Spirit is right there with us to make "intercession" on our behalf and to assure atonement for us.

Do the saved still commit sins? Absolutely! Do those sins count against their eternal salvation? NO! Because the Holy Spirit knows our hearts and will preserve our souls until the day of redemption; "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, WHEREBY YE ARE SEALED unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30)~

Lesson 1219

(Lesson 1219)(01-28-15) Romans 8:13-25

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

In today's lesson, Paul very clearly makes the point that if one puts his/her faith in his/her own actions by trying to live without, or above sin, while relying on their own ability to achieve righteousness, that one will die the spiritual death.

However, if a one puts his/her faith in the wholly righteous blood of Jesus Christ and has the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into him/her, that one is "justified" for the sins of the flesh and becomes a "joint heir" with Jesus Christ and is indeed the son or daughter of God.

Paul further said that life on earth, even if all could be righteous by earthly standards, is nothing to be compared to the righteousness and glory of heaven.

Paul assures us that, even among the saved, there will be a continuing struggle with sin because sin is inherent in our flesh. He also assures us that through "hope" (faith) we can be assured of everlasting life. ~

Lesson 1218

(Lesson 1218)(01-27-15) Romans 8:5-12

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."

Today's quote further affirms that once a person is saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, that person is sanctified in the spirit and is no longer subject to the penalty of death that God imposed upon all sinners.

We learn from this lesson that it is the flesh that commits sin, it is also the flesh that is corrupted by its own sin nature. Yet, it is the spirit, the "inner man" that is freed from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ and is eternally shielded against the penalty of death and hell.

Those of us whom have been saved from the penalty of death, should "walk in newness of life" doing everything within our power to live a life reflective of the righteousness that has been imputed into us through the soul saving blood of Jesus Christ.

As Paul said, "to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.~

Lesson 1217

(Lesson 1217)(01-26-15) Romans 8:1-4

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

In today's lesson, Paul continues to explain how through faith in Jesus Christ, and by the saving grace of God, those who believe in the operation of God (His plan for salvation) are no longer subject to sin in the spirit. The saved have become sanctified by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, and their earthly sins have been justified by His blood.

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.WHOSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOTH NOT COMMIT SIN; FOR HIS SEED REMAINETH IN HIM: AND HE CANNOT SIN BECAUSE HE IS BORN OF GOD. " (1 John 3:6-9)~

Lesson 1216

(Lesson 1216)(01-25-15) Romans 7:18-25

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

In today's lesson Paul very clearly verifies what has been said in theses past several lessons concerning the security of the believer.

Herein, Paul uses his own life experience as the example of how those of us whom have been redeemed by the grace of God struggle with the sins of the flesh while committing them every day.

Paul said, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." This means that, just like those of us whom are saved today, the righteous things, Paul knew he should do, are not what he wound up actually doing, and, that the evil things, that he knew were wrong, were the things his earthly body wound up actually doing.

Therefore, Paul was just like us. He committed sins of the flesh on a daily basis and struggled with them constantly, but in his spirit, the inner man, he remained sin free and wholly righteous because of the righteousness imputed into Him through his faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul said, "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

Paul clearly knew, that it was not the "inward" spiritual man that committed the sins, but rather it was the "law of sin which is in my members."

What should we take away from this lesson? We should live our lives knowing that we are bound to sins of the flesh so long as we inhabit these mortal bodies and, that being so bound, we should live our lives, not so much to avoid the sins of the flesh, but to do as Jesus commanded, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Matthew 12:30-31) ~

Lesson 1215

(Lesson 1215)(01-24-15) Romans 7:5-17

"For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."

Today's is another lesson that should be intently studied by those who contend that there is no eternal security for those of us whom have placed our faith in Jesus and that the saved are again bound to perfection just as were the ancient Jews who were under by the Law of Moses.

Paul, in the first part of this lesson, makes it clear that to those of us whom are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, the old law is "dead". That means that NONE of those commandments that were handed down to Moses any longer apply to the eternally saved. Paul said, "But now we are delivered from the law". Jesus fulfilled the Law on behalf of all who will believe in Him.

Jesus Himself said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to FULFIL." (Matthew 5:17)

In the latter portion of today's lesson, Paul explains that to those who are saved, the sins that are manifested through them are "justified" by their faith and are only charged against the carnal "man", or the man/woman in the flesh. Those sins are NOT charged to the redeemed inner spirit, or "inner man" that has been made wholly righteous before God by the righteousness of Jesus Christ that has been imputed into him/her through his/her faith in Him.

Therefore, once a person has tasted the heavenly gift of salvation, it WILL NOT and CANNOT be taken away. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6)~

Lesson 1214

(Lesson 1214)(01-23-15) Romans 7:1-4

"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."

In today's quote, Paul, speaking directly to the Jews, gave a perfect example of how the law of Moses ruled over those who were bound to it. He used the example of a husband and wife and their avowed lifelong commitment to each. He explained that after one or the other had died, the remaining marriage partner would be free from his/her vow and would be free to seek a new relationship.

That same rule applies to those of us who have been saved by the grace of God. By accepting the imputed righteousness of Christ through faith in Him, we are freed from the chains of sin, and are therefore free to live our lives as we see fit.

Does that freedom entitle us to do those things that are contrary to the perfect will of God? NO!

We are to, and the truly saved will, "walk in newness of life".

True Christians can easily be identified by the way they conduct their everyday lives; "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." (Matthew 7:18-19)

This means that those who claim to be Christians, and go right on living in disobedience to the two commandments Jesus gave us, were never truly saved in the first place. Those lost souls are describe by Jesus as "false prophets" that we are to "beware of".

Do saved people sin? Of course they do! "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"

Thank God for His continuing forgiveness through Jesus Christ: "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.".~

Lesson 1213

(Lesson 1213)(01-22-15) Romans 6:15-23

"What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

In today's lesson, Paul explains why, after one has been saved by faith in Jesus Christ, that one should turn away from even the appearance of evil by following the two, very simple commandments Jesus gave to those who would believe in him, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)

I can speak from my own experience that once a person is saved, he/she takes a whole different concept of what sin truly is. So long as we love God with all we are and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, nothing else we do matters.

There is very little more that can be added to today's quote that will make it any clearer than Paul made it herein.~

Lesson 1212

(Lesson 1212)(01-21-15) Romans 6:8-14

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

In today's quote, Paul again assures the saved that once they have accepted Christ and have, by faith, been buried and resurrected with Him, they are also risen to remain for eternity without sin.

Paul said, "reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

It is a wonderful and comfortable feeling to know that through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, imputed into me because of my faith, I can no longer commit sins that might endanger my eternal soul.

Those who believe that Jesus died only to give us a second chance to live perfect lives without sin should study these lessons over and over. If you are counting on your own righteousness, or good behavior to get you into heaven, you're not going to get there.

The only means by which one can attain eternal life is through absolute faith in the freely given righteousness of Jesus Christ crucified.~

Lesson 1211

(Lesson 1211)(01-20-15) Romans 6:1-7

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin."

In today's quote, Paul makes it very clear that once a lost soul is baptized into (Placed inside) the crucified body of Christ, through faith in the operation of God, that soul is resurrected to a new existence. The "old man" is gone, dead, so that the "body of sin" is destroyed forever. Sin may well continually be splattered all over the physical body, but none can ever be charged to the resurrected and renewed spirit. The righteousness of Jesus Christ that is imputed into a lost soul by faith, presents that soul forever wholly righteous before God.

Paul further said that those whom have been immersed into the death of Jesus Christ should be risen to "walk in newness of life" and that they should not "serve sin". Any and every person who has been saved by the grace of God has a very strong imputed aversion to sin and wants no part of it.

We must remember that Jesus himself said, "there is none good but one, that is, God" (Matthew 19:17 in part) Therefore, we are not expected to live above sin in our physical bodies, but we are expected to repent and ask forgiveness for every transgression. "If we say that 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. (1John 1:8-9)~

Lesson 1210

(Lesson 1210)(01-19-15) Romans 5:14-21

"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

Today's quote contains Paul's assurances of the blessed promise that God made through Abraham to all mankind.

Herein, Paul explains that through the sin of Adam, all mankind was condemned, and likewise, Paul explains that through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, all who will believe in Him are made "righteous", or are "justified".

We should make note that Paul again clearly states that, through Jesus Christ, those who accept His grace are "made righteous". That does NOT mean that one is made righteous until he/she sins again, it means that the spirit of the believer is squeaky clean and can no longer be tarnished by sin by any means.

After one has accepted God's grace through Jesus Christ, that one is not merely a soul who's past sins have been forgiven, upon salvation, that one is a soul who's sins have been made righteous, or justified, and are no longer seen as sin in the sight of God.

It's obvious that Paul, when preaching, faced the same dilemma as true Christians today. The people to whom he preached the gospel of Christ, wanted to make salvation all about their own selfish actions. In this past series of lessons Paul made special effort to clarify that salvation has nothing to do with what we do or do not do in the flesh after our spirit has been redeemed. It's all about whether or not we will accept the fact that we have NO righteousness without that righteousness that is imputed into us through faith in Jesus Christ crucified.

Jesus did not die simply to give us a second chance to live above sin, He died so that there would NEVER be sin charged against ours souls if we believe in Him.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION; but IS PASSED from death unto life." (John 5:24)~

Lesson 1209

(Lesson 1209)(01-18-15) Romans 5:9-13

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law."

This short lesson further confirms that although the disobedience of Adam condemned all mankind to eternal death, the Law of Moses exposed the Jews to sins of the flesh by causing such sin to be imputed through the disobedience of that law.

To put this into more understandable terms, until God imposed the law of Moses upon the Jews as a lesson to them (and us), there was no such thing as sin in the flesh. None of those things restricted by the law would be sins if the law had never been imposed. Therefore, carnal sin was imputed into the Jews (and anyone else who bound themselves to it) by, and through, the Law of Moses.

The point of all this, the "operation of God", will become clearer as this lessons progress.~

Lesson 1208

(Lesson 1208)(01-17-15) Romans 5:1-8

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Today's is another short lesson but again, a very important one. Herein, Paul makes it clear that if a person were to live a perfect life (which is impossible without the righteousness of Christ) the death of Jesus would have been for no purpose, one could simply live strictly by the law and thereby earn salvation. But, as Paul has so eloquently said, "Christ died for the ungodly", not those who could live above sin.

Therefore, the contention that one is required to live a life of perfection in order to maintain one's salvation, stands in direct contradiction with what God actually requires. That being FAITH in Jesus Christ crucified. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6)

Jesus lived a perfect life for those who could not live above sin and therefore provided a means of salvation to all.~

Lesson 1207

(Lesson 1207)(01-16-15) Romans 4:20-25

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

Today's lesson returns to the last part of yesterdays quote to make a very important point that is overlooked by most of "Christianity" today.

Note that today's quote, referring to the actions of Abraham and the promise that God made to him, said in essence that God did not impute righteousness into Abraham alone, but rather through Abraham, He imputed righteousness into every soul who will come to believe in Him through our Lord Jesus Christ crucified.

The "operation of God", as that phrase is applied in Colossians 2:12, is God's plan for the redemption of mankind. The interaction Paul described between God and Abraham was the beginning of that "operation", or plan.

For all practical purposes, that interaction was the planting of the "tree of life" that provides the fruit of salvation to all who will place their faith in the only begotten Son of God.

In Paul's letter to the Romans he lays out God's plan to perfection. He stresses time and again that it was Abraham's FAITH that made him the "chosen" vessel through which Jesus and eternal salvation would come, Abraham's physical actions or obedience to the law had NOTHING to do with it.

Our ONLY means of salvation today is by God's grace and through absolute faith in the sacrifice He provided for our sins. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)~

Lesson 1206

(Lesson 1206)(01-15-15) Romans 4:14-25

"For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 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 also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

Today's lesson continues Paul's explanation of how faith has always superceded the laws that were imposed upon the Jews.

Paul said that if the Jews were to be the only ones receiving salvation, through the law, God's promise would have been false and useless because it is faith, not the law, that was and is, the ONLY means by which a lost soul can be saved; "For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect".

Paul also said; "the law worketh wrath" and "where no law is, there is no transgression", this means that disobedience came through the law because there can be no disobedience where there is no law.

Although all of mankind are inherent sinners because of the fall of Adam, the actual and individual commission of sin came upon the Jewish people through and because of the law. The law was placed upon the Jews in order to demonstrate that they were incapable of living within the boundaries of it. The imposition of the law, and the Jews failure to obey it, were a part of God's plan for the eventual redemption of all mankind.

After the failure of the Jews, from the seed of faithful Abraham, God sent Jesus, His only begotten Son to fulfill all of the requirements of the law thereby providing the righteousness God demanded for eternal redemption. Jesus was also a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all those who place their faith in Him.

Abraham believed in God above all else, and through that believe he achieved eternal life and through him the world was given a redeemer. All off God's plan affirmed that "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 in part.)~

Lesson 1205

(Lesson 1205)(01-14-15) Romans 4:9-13

"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 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, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

Today's lesson is a continuance of Paul's explanation concerning the importance, or non-importance, of being a Jew by blood, as that status concerns one's eternal salvation.

Herein, Paul said, in essence, that Abraham himself was not a chosen vessel until he had demonstrated the required faith in God by offering up Isaac as a sacrifice.

Paul made it very clear that what justified Abraham in the eyes of God was not his blood, nor was it a matter of circumcision because when God blessed him, Abraham had not yet been circumcised. It was Abraham's faith ONLY that gained him his "chosen" status.

Concerning the Gentiles, just as with Abraham, we are granted the same "chosen", or better said, "justified" status in the eyes of God seeing that Abraham too was a Gentile before his faith justified him before God and then was subsequently circumcised.

What does all this mean? It means that we, today, are not subject to the rules of the law that was imposed upon the Jews. Neither are those modern Jews who choose to accept Christ as savior.

As for those of us whom have already accepted God's grace and placed our faith in His supreme sacrifice, our spirits are made incapable of sin. And, our sins in the flesh are justified in the eyes of God since the wholly obedient righteousness of Jesus Christ has been imputed into us because of our faith.

There will be much more on this subject as these lessons continue.~

Lesson 1204

(Lesson 1204)(01-13-15) Romans 4:4-8

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

Today's quote, to me, more clearly confirms God's plan for eternal salvation than any other in the New Testament. Herein, Paul, speaking to how God justified David's sins because of his faith,clearly states that by having faith in Jesus Christ, through the operation of God, not only will a lost soul be forgiven of his/her sins but he/she will also, through faith, have those sins be "covered". Paul said also that God will "impute" righteousness into those who have faith, meaning that, to those who believe in Jesus Christ, faith becomes the righteousness that is required to be reunited with God in heaven for eternity.

Paul said; "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered." That simply means that the sins of one who has faith in Jesus, don't matter.

Paul went further and said; "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." This means that, concerning those who believe in Jesus Christ, no sins will not be counted against them in the final judgment.

Are there conditions and restrictions that come with the promise that is made in today's quote? Yes. Paul will establish those restrictions and conditions as this series of lessons on faith continue.~

Lesson 1203

(Lesson 1203)(01-12-15) Romans 4:1-3

"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Today's quote is a very short one, but beautifully explains God's plan of salvation. It tells us that Abraham was justified before God, not because of the fact that he offered up Isaac to be sacrificed, but rather because he had FAITH enough to offer his own son.

Again, this lesson confirms that salvation is by grace, through faith and confirms that the miserable "works" we do in our everyday lives have nothing to do with it.

This series of lessons in Romans is some of the most important that are found in the bible. I hope everyone makes note of them all.~

Lesson 1202

(Lesson 1202)(01-11-15) Romans 3:27-31

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

Today's Lesson sums up all of what Paul said in this chapter. He makes it vividly clear that the only means by which mankind can overcome sin is through faith. What we do here on this earth is "JUSTIFIED" by that faith. This fact is re-affirmed in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Even with this very clear knowledge there are still those who insist that in order to be saved, one must live a life without sin. If that erroneous contention were to be true, there would have been no need for Christ to have died since it would be as if God had sent His Son to be crucified so that mankind could merely start over again.

God has known from the beginning that mankind cannot live above sin. He allowed the Jews to try throughout their history, knowing all along they would fail. God then sent a perfect sinless sacrifice to die as atonement for all sin.

All that is required of a lost soul who seeks eternal salvation is to admit that he/she is a sinner, and put his/her absolute faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1201

(Lesson 1201)(01-10-15) Romans 3:21-26

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

Today's quote very clearly establishes that no longer will the actions of mankind be judged according to the law, but rather, each man/woman will be judged by his/her faith in the only begotten Son of God.

If one has faith in Jesus Christ, not only will he/she receive forgiveness of sins, but rather, that one will be seen in the eyes of God as having been "justified" for what he/she did.

There is a great difference between being forgiven and being justified. The dictionary defines the word forgive as; "1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve. 2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.). 3. to grant pardon to (a person). 4. to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies. 5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.verb (used without object), forgave, forgiven, forgiving."

Justified means; "1. to show an act to be just or right: 2. to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded. 3. Theology. to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.

Receiving forgiveness means that one has had the threat of a penalty for some expressed action removed. It does not mean that that one was never determined to be guilty of the action.

Being "justified", however, means that one has been found to have committed no wrong in the first place.

Therefore, if we have sufficient faith in Jesus Christ, those things that are considered sin under the law are no longer sins so far as our judgment before God is concerned.

God sent His Son as the perfect "propitiation" for those things that were once perceived as sins; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

One CANNOT rely upon oneself to live above sin, that is impossible. Jesus has removed the burden of sin for all who will accept His amazing saving grace.~

Lesson 1200

(Lesson 1200)(01-09-15) Romans 3:12-20

"Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

In the first paragraph of today's quote, Paul describes how the Jews had become totally vile and corrupt so far as their relationship with God was concerned. Then he went further to say that the law was given to them merely to demonstrate that they would not live within it, and because of their failure to obey it, Paul said, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Paul demonstrated that the Law of Moses was only given to expose the inability of mankind to live above sin so as to show him/herself worthy of God's eternal salvation.

By establishing the above, Paul demonstrated the need for a Redeemer, Jesus, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, who by being perfect within the law and without sin, was a worthy sacrifice for all the sins of mankind.

Sadly, and even after Paul made it so clear that "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight", most of modern "Christianity" still insists that, in order to be eternally saved, one must obey all the rules of the law.~

Lesson 1199

(Lesson 1199)(01-08-15) Romans 3:1-11

"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."

In today's quote, Paul continues to establish that, in reality, there was never a difference between the Jew and the Gentile other than that the Jews were specifically chosen as the vessel by which the grace of God would be delivered to all mankind. God knew from the beginning that the Jews would fail under the Law.

Paul said, in essence however, that even if many the Jews failed God, that that in itself, did not mean that God's plan for the redemption of mankind had also failed. All mankind, as Paul herein states, have completely failed God. "There is none righteous, no, not one."

However, the failure of the Jews to obey the Law perfectly demonstrated the need for and paved the way for the coming of the promised Messiah. Jesus, being the only begotten Son of God (God in human form), was the only one capable of living in strict obedience to the Law and thereby being the required perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. Jesus, by His perfection, fulfilled the entirety of the Law.

God's prophets and all those faithful ancient Jews who did all they could to obey the laws of God and who kept the faith that God would eventually provide a redeemer, receive eternal life just as we do today, by faith only. They had faith in God's promise to send a Redeemer just as we, today, have faith that Jesus Christ crucified, was that promised Redeemer.~

Lesson 1198

(Lesson 1198)(01-07-15) Romans 2:25-29

"For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

This lesson, in more modern terms, indicates that being a Jew is a good thing: but if one, being a Jew, breaks God's law, that one is no longer a Jew, but rather that one has, in essence and before God, become a Gentile.

　

Wouldn't one being born a Gentile and obeying God's laws anyway make that one one a Jew? And wouldn't being a Gentile who obeys God's laws be in a position to judge the errant Jews by the rules of their own law?

Being a Jew, in the Godly sense, requires much more than just being born into a Jewish family and being circumcised. Being a real Jew requires a state of Godliness in the inner man which can only come from the righteousness of God instilled in him/her through Jesus Christ.

The gist of this lesson is that what people appear to be on the outside, doesn't matter to God at all, but rather it is what we are on the inside (the inner man/woman) that identifies us before God.

Paul was telling the Jews that, just being Jews, no longer guaranteed them any particular advantage over the Gentiles so far as righteousness was concerned, and that they had actually betrayed God by proving themselves to be hypocrites before the Gentiles.~

Lesson 1197

(Lesson 1197)(01-06-15) Romans 2:16-24

"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written."

In today's lesson, Paul said a person simply being born a Jew means nothing because they had failed to obey the laws that God gave them.

Until Jesus came, if a Jew sought salvation under the law he/she must needs be entirely obedient to the law while having faith in God that He would eventually send a redeemer, very few of the ancient Jews ever did.

The latter part of the lesson relates the hypocrisy of the Jews as they held themselves up above all others simply because God had chosen them to be the people through which our savior would come.

There are many heretical groups today who still, just like the ancient Jews, hold fast to the fallacy, pomp, and ritual of what they perceive to be Christianity. They bind themselves to the old law on the surface and pretend they obey it, but in their daily lives use Christianity as a mask to cover their true sinful core.

In truth, obedience to the old law will not save a soul. Salvation can ONLY be achieved through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave the perfect example in Luke 18:18-22, "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."

That "ruler" was a Jew, and had obviously lived his life according to the law, however, Jesus in essence said, that if the man obeyed all the rules of the law, he would still come up short of salvation. Then Jesus told him what it would take for him to have eternal life, "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." Which very simply means that all one need do to inherit eternal life is to give up on the material things of this earth and have absolute faith in Jesus Christ crucified.~

Lesson 1196

(Lesson 1196)(01-05-15) Romans 2:14-15

"For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)"

Today's lesson explains how the Gentiles, who were technically never under the Law of Moses, obligated themselves to parts of the law because they naturally did many of the things that were required of the Jews under the law.

This short lesson teaches us that a great part of what we consider to be sin today is not sin at all.

Real sins against God, the only ones that now matter, are those things we do that are contrary to His commandments as they were related to us by Jesus Christ Himself. When Jesus was asked "Which is the first commandment of all?, "Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. THERE IS NONE OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE." (Mark 12:29-31)

Mark, very clearly, relates that the only two rules that now apply, since the coming of Christ, to both the Jews and Gentiles, are those two above mentioned commandments. All other commandments are contained within those two.

In short, if one loves God with all he/she has, loves everyone and treats them as he/she would treat him/herself, that one is guilty of NO sin other than that sin which is inherent in all mankind because of Adam's disobedience.~

Lesson 1195

(Lesson 1195)(01-04-15) Romans 2:12-13

"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."

Today's quote is a short one but it is very important to note. Herein, Paul said that those who were under the Law of Moses, that being the Jews, had no means of eternal salvation without that law. And, since the law was given to the Jews, they were bound to obey all of it.

In other words, Just being a Jew and having read, or heard the law, does not, in itself, save one's soul, Jew or otherwise. The Jews having been given that law were bound to completely obey it in order to achieve eternal salvation. Paul said they must be "doers of the law" not just hearers.

"Christians" today are much like those ancient Jews, we have Jesus' simple plan for eternal salvation written in the pages of His holy Word, ("For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13), yet so many still reject it and act as if simply knowing God's will but failing to act on it will save them. Jesus' plan of salvation is as simple as this: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Just as the Jews of old were condemned and cast out because of their failure to obey God's law, those "Christian's" today who neglect to humble themselves before God, confessing their sins and placing absolute faith in the soul saving blood of Jesus Christ, just as God promised those ancient Jews, there is a very dark end coming.~

Lesson 1194

(Lesson 1194)(01-03-15) Romans 2:3-11

"And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God."

Today's quote relates the penalties that God has in store for those who reject His grace and continue in sin without Him. ("unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile".)

The quote also describes the reward that awaits those who accept the soul saving righteousness and justification that comes through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. ("To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life".)

Paul also makes it very clear herein that God no longer views the Jews as a select and called out people so far as his judgment is concerned; "For there is no respect of persons with God."

Therefore, we are all judged by the same measure.

NOTE: The phrase; "to the Jew first" means that God, in the beginning, Put His blessing upon the Jews exclusively, but after they failed Him miserably, God made His saving grace available to the Gentiles also, "and also of the Gentile".~

Lesson 1193

(Lesson 1193)(01-02-15) Romans 2:1-2

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

It is incumbent upon all those who refer to themselves as Christians to study this lesson over, and over.

It seems that the majority of today's preachers spend much of their pulpit, "worship", time wrongly condemning someone else's "sins" when they should be looking inside their own hearts and begging forgiveness.

Just as Paul says in today's quote, every living soul is born in sin, sin is inherent in all of us. The only righteousness that any soul will ever be capable of will come from that righteousness which is imputed into that soul when he/she accepts God's grace through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul said, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself".

When we judge the sins of others, we also judge and condemn ourselves because we are guilty of the same sins as those whom we judge.

This thought translates back to yesterday's lesson concerning homosexuals. There are many like myself who find the homosexual lifestyle to be despicable, knowing that it is contrary to the will of God to usward. Therefore it is easy for Christians, like myself, to imagine that lifestyle as a special major sin. Sin is sin! All sin is the willful rejection of God's grace in favor of one's on lusts. Whether that lust be homosexuality or idol worship. It is NOT therefore, our place as Christians, to condemn the actions of ANYONE, homosexuals or otherwise! God has already condemned them and anyone else who purposefully defies His divine will.

There is good news, however. God is faithful to forgive ALL sin if a person is willing to admit guilt, turn from it, and accept the righteousness that comes through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1192

(Lesson 1192)(01-01-15) Romans 1:26-32

"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Today's quote relates a list of the things that caused God to remove the "chosen" status from the Jews.

Mankind has always been guilty of this list of abominations. Today's text describes the mind set of the majority of the world's population today, including most of those hypocrites who present themselves as "Christians".

This lesson also exposes the idiocy of those who contend that homosexuality is "natural", as Paul so clearly states: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;". Herein we find that God has already turned those who practice these abominable sins, over to a "reprobate" mind.

The dictionary defines "reprobate" as; "a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person: a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation."

Therefore, scriptural justification for ANY of the above listed acts, does NOT exist. Homosexuality CANNOT be tolerated in, or condoned by, the Church, EVER.~