I have never questioned who Christ is. I was raised in a Christian home, attended church whenever the doors were open, and was taught from almost infancy that Christ is the Son of God. That doesn't mean I completely understand God or His Son, but simply I have had the privilege of being introduced to Him at a young age.
There is a massive difference in knowing Christ (having knowledge of Him) and giving Him full access and control over my life. See that is where I struggled and continue to struggle at times. Giving Christ supremacy. As I am reading John 3:31-36, I am confronted once again with God's desire for me to accept Him as 'above all'. John (either the disciple or the Baptist - commentators disagree on the one testifying) states, "He who comes from above is above all…" He IS above all. It's not a matter of question, but a matter of fact. The question is do you believe it? Do you believe that Christ, "He who comes from heaven is above all."?
There are only two responses possible - Yes or No. You can't ride the fence, you must make a choice. Not choosing is choosing no. There is ample evidence available. Those who believe receive from God 'the Spirit without measure'. So what does that mean? The (Holy) Spirit is the third member of the Godhead. [I can't explain fully this relationship in this article. Simply, God is one yet three. There is one God who manifests (not the word I want to use, but can't think of another) in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.] The Spirit teaches, rebukes, convicts, and directs. It is when the Spirit draws the heart of man to God that we are able to accept Christ as our Savior, believing He is who He said He is. We receive His testimony and commit our lives to Him. The Spirit then empowers us to follow Christ and obey Him.
Obedience is not out of compulsion or in order to please God and thus earn our way into heaven. It's not to gain more love from God, for He loves us with a perfect love. Obedience rather is the fruit of our love for Him. If you believe and have received you will obey. Love then is the passion that drives our obedience. Love of God means we are repulsed by sin. Love of God means we desire to be with Him, read His Word, commune with Him in prayer. My prayer is that I could love God more, may that be your prayer as well.
Rather than "manifests", "exists" or "abides as" avoid the modalist accusation. Personally, I prefer "abides as". Keep pressing "One what, three who" & enjoy the mystery of how that is.
ReplyDeleteYou & I grew up on the "accept Jesus as Savior", but you've probably noticed I'm moving away from that. Sinners cannot accept God ... but in Christ they can be accepted by God. Biblical language is more of "submit", "humble yourself", "repent". It is a small difference in language, but it is a huge difference in the recognition of Who does the work.
Consider relating obedience to repentance. A man would not approach his wife to reconcile with her while his mistress is beside him. Turning from sin with revulsion turns the believer toward obedience with passion.
Just a couple thoughts ... great piece.