alaric_w

The church is mainly made up of Gentiles who became Christians. Unlike Jews, Gentiles do not know anything about the law or the perfect standard of God. Usually, people come to church because of brokenness (in need of physical healing or emotional distress) or invited by friends. Without the knowledge of the law, we do not know what the flesh and sin is. To operate in the flesh does NOT mean to sin. Operating in the flesh is like a TWO-edged sword. One side is following the desires of your flesh which will lead to sin. The other side is to use your flesh (will-power, determination, perseverance and other good traits in human) to do good deeds or obey the law. When you think you are doing well, pride arose, and you will eventually end up failing and falling flat on the ground. Peter was a very good example of a disciple of Jesus who depended on the flesh to follow Jesus. Before Jesus was capture, he was telling Jesus that he will not deny him and will die with him. Matthew 26:35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. But fearing death, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Everyone is who not born again, is living in the flesh. The flesh sometimes does good works. But God does not accept everything that is from the flesh. Everyone who tries to earn their own salvation through the flesh is condemn. Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. If good works from the flesh alone can earn salvation apart from the work of Christ, then Jesus died in vain! New or immature Christian will try to combat sin by obeying the law with their flesh. Since we have been living in the flesh since birth and that is the only way we know and operate. The first step to Christian maturity is knowing what the flesh is, and sin comes from the flesh. The law empowers the flesh to act. From the flesh spring forth sin and no good thing. Romans 7:18 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. After endless cycle of obeying and failing which is like a refining process to remove dependence on self (flesh). The second step to Christian maturity is to know our helplessness. The more we depend on ourselves (flesh), the more we fail. Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. The third step to Christian maturity not to be law and sin conscious. To do that, we must know what Jesus did for us and as us on the cross. Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins Jesus has fulfilled the law on our behalf so that we are no longer under law. The law demanded that all sinners be put to death. When Jesus went to the cross, he went to the cross representing us. We have been put to death with Jesus and the payment for all our sins have been paid. With all our payment paid, the law is done with us, and we are no longer under it. Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. The fourth step is focus on Jesus and remind yourself of what he has given and did for you. It will help you to be humble and grounded. When you encounter a problem, you will pray before doing. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God The fifth step is to learn how to walk in the Spirit. The Lord knows all things including our beginning and our end. He knows what is to come for tomorrow and nothing catches him by surprise. For we do not know what is to come for tomorrow, but the Holy Spirit is God, and he knows. By praying in tongues, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede to the Father on our behalf. Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Romans 8:26 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. Conclusion: For a Christian, the final stop for maturity is Grace. The law is just a stepping stone to the final stop. Without the law, we will not know our helplessness for salvation and how much Jesus has love and given to us. From the Law to Grace, it is like from infancy to adulthood. 1 Timothy 1: 8-9 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers Law and Grace cannot be mixed. They represent different stages of Christian growth and maturity. Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

I see it this way, God gives fair standing ground to everyone. But God created time and is outside of time. So God is able to see everything that will happen from the beginning to the end. Because of this fore knowledge, God already knew who is for him and who will be against him. So God gave favor to those who will choose him. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

1) The Lord does not look at physical strength, wealth or intelligence Jacob and Esau were twin brothers. Esau was physical strong and looked manly with hair covering all over his body. An expert in hunting and was deem a better choice than Jacob in the eyes of the world. Jacob was a mild and looked weak. He does not love to do what a male was supposed to do like hunting. Instead, he loves cooking which was usually done by female. 2) The Lord favor those who seek his blessing over physical (possession of world gains) Esau regards physical pleasure, possession and current needs as more important than future promise and blessings. a) He sold his birth right to Jacob just to fill his empty stomach. (Genesis 25:29-32) b) His anger toward Jacob for stealing his firstborn blessing dissipated because Jacob left, and Esau received all his father possessions. When Jacob came back to meet Esau, Esau was no longer angry and did not kill him. (Genesis 33) Jacob seeks the Lord’s promises and blessing even though it is through the flesh (his own human effort) which is deceit and craftiness. a) He seeks the Lord’s blessing for him and his descendants through deceit by deceiving his father. (Genesis 27) b) He wrestled with God for his blessing (Genesis 32:22) Before Jacob and Esau were born, the Lord said to Isaac’s wife Rebekah: “Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23) One people shall be stronger (Esau) than the other (Jacob) – The descendants of Esau will be stronger And the older (Esau) shall serve the younger (Jacob) – But in the end, the descendants of Esau will serve the descendants of Jacob Therefore, final victory belongs to whom the Lord favors. To those who are weak, poor and un-intelligent. Do not lose heart, but if you seek the Lord and solely depend on him. He will surely lift you up above the strong in the world at the right time. Ecclesiastes 9:11 The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

There are people who tried to use the law to earn their salvation. But God showed me this. Do you know the Litmus Test is used to identify acid (acidity) and base (alkalinity)? If the Litmus paper turn red, it is an acid. If it turn blue it is a base. The law is the same as the Litmus test. Everyone is born a sinner but they do not know it. So God put the 10 commandments as a Litmus test to show us that we are all sinners. If you break any of the 10 commandments even once in your life, then you know you are a sinner. The law is not meant to save but just as a means to identify sinners. By obeying the 10 commandments and sin lesser does NOT turn you from a sinner into a righteous saint. Just like the Litmus test, an acid is identify when it turn red. Regardless how red (very red or pinky light red) it turn the litmus paper, it is still an acid. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Written by Alaric_w as a secretary for the Holy Spirit. I did not intend to write this but this comes as a reply for a youtube video and it turned out so good even without any thinking or planning. It just flow out effortlessly. A few days later, I felt a prompting to post it online as a tread. So here it is.

Repentance is to change your mind with regards to the worldly way to obtain salvation. What is the worldly way to obtain salvation? The worldly way of salvation is to stop sinning and do more good works to be qualify for God's acceptance. But according to God, no sinner can enter heaven. Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. That includes sinner who by their own definition has stopped sinning (in reality, no sinner can stop sinning in action or thought). A sinner who is able to sin less and do a lot of good works, is just a well behaved sinner. A sinner is still a sinner regardless whether he is sinning less and did a lot of good works. No amount of good works or committing less sin will change the status of a sinner into a saint. True repentance is to understand that a sinner cannot save himself because nobody can change their sinner status through good works or committing less sins. The only way to change the sinner status is to accept Jesus' payment for our sins and to be BORN AGAIN (made into a new creation). 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1) Knowing our condition and stop pretending in front of God Matthew 21:28-31 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” The first son knows he is a rebel and does not pretend in front of his father. Because he already knows what he is and what he done is wrong, he is able to repent and do what is right. The second son believed that he can please his father by pretending to be good and obedient in front of his father. In doing so, he deceived himself lived in his own illusion thinking that his father is pleased with him (in fact, his father is not) 2) Being totally helpless gives us full access to his rest and grace If God ask you “Which part of your life and about yourself, you are think you have done well?” What would your answer be? I tithe faithfully without fail every month? I serve faithfully in the church? I have integrity as solid as a rock? I would give my life for God if he ask me to? If you see something or a part of you or your life worth mentioning to God, then you are like a Leper that has partial leprosy on his body and God declares that as unclean. But when a leper is covered with leprosy all over his skin from his head to his foot, God declares him clean. Leviticus 13 :12-13 “And if leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of the one who has the sore, from his head to his foot, wherever the priest looks, then the priest shall consider; and indeed if the leprosy has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean who has the sore. It has all turned white. He is clean. The correct answer to God’s question is “There is nothing good in me that I can boost. But everything that is good in me comes from you. It is right that I gave back a tiny portion back to you as gratitude. People who truly understand and accept that they are 100% bad and helpless will receive super abounding grace and favour from God. They are also the one who find salvation first. Matthew 21:31 Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.

Depressed gentile: “We live in a hopeless world and I feel hopeless.” Wise man: “Yes, you are correct. You are on the losing team.” Depressed Christian: “We live in a hopeless world and I feel hopeless.” Wise man: “Yes you are correct. You have left your mind on the losing team.” Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Focus on the end where every Christian is a victor and receives rewards. Philippians 3:12-14 I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my friends, I really do not[a] think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. We are already Kings and Queens who will rule with Christ forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We are born in a fallen body that will keep on sinning even if we do not want to. Romans 7:18-20 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Everyone is born a sinner (with compliment from Adam) and no sinner can enter heaven. It is our nature that prevent us from going to heaven, NOT what we do. We do what we do because of our nature. Romans 5:19 For as by one man's (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous. Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. In order to enter heaven, we need to be righteous and sinless body (a new body that does not want to sin) Everyone who accepts Jesus as savior and trust in Jesus' finished work is enough to save them will receive Jesus' righteousness just as Jesus' received our sin and condemnation on the cross and paid fully for it. It is a divine exchange and a free gift for our benefit. 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. As for our new and sinless body, we will receive it on the day of the rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:53-56 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. So do you still believe that a sinner can clean himself and go heaven? I do not think so. You can pretend and act like a saint but you are still a sinner by nature and nothing you do can change that. Only God can save us.

Because of Adam's disobedience, we are born in Adam's fallen image and everyone is born a sinner. Evil is inside everyone. That is why a sinner can never save himself because a sinner cannot remove the "sinner status" by doing good works and we can only be save by Jesus' obedience. We did not earn condemnation by sinning, we sin because we are born sinners and we cannot earn salvation because our salvation is paid by Jesus and given to us as a free gift. Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. God condemns the wick and help the righteous. Therefore, God cannot help us without dealing with our sin problem. That is why Jesus has to died for our sins in order to deal with the sin problem. With our sin problem out of the way, God is able to make us righteous. We cannot earn righteous, it is a gift from God. Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the FREE GIFT of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. With the sin problem out of the way, God is able to re-create us into a new creature without sin. Unless we are born again, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

For a christian, there are two natures within them (The spiritual nature and the flesh nature). If you operate in the flesh, you will always be conscious about the DOs and DONT'S which is the law. The flesh itself is capable of doing good which can be seen in the charity work of non-Christians. If you use the flesh (human-willpower, determination, human endurance and perseverance) to fight the sinful desires of the flesh, you will always end up losing. As written in the bible about the flesh is nothing good comes from it. Romans 7:18 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. But if a Christian operates in the spiritual nature which is the Holy Spirit, a Christian will not break any law even WITHOUT the conscious about the DOs and DONT'S which is the law. When Jesus said it is finished on the cross, he has put an end to the law to anyone who put his faith in Jesus and his finished work. Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Jesus has set us free from the law so that we can have a new nature which is of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. How to operate in the spirit? According to the bible, it is simply to walk in the Spirit. Which is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and fill yourself with the love of God. Galatians 5:16-18 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Yes, i agree that even those who claim to be able to keep God's law cannot keep it at all. In my posting, I am referring to keeping God's law to earn salvation which is not possible because if it is possible then Jesus died in vain. Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

God expect us to live a holy life through the Holy Spirit. But it can be imitated using human efforts which is temporary and after some time those who used human efforts will revert back to their sinful nature. Well, it is not our part to judge when we do not know what they really believed in.

Hm...What is it about Methodist? I do not know much about them.