How is justifying faith brought to you? By the word

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th century. We've seen that the mediation of Jesus brings justification, which is a legal declaration that you are right before God, despite your sinfulness. We also saw that this justification only happens by faith in Christ. But how are people brought to this justifying faith?

 

The faith that justifies is brought about in the heart of a sinner by the Word of God. Paul explains in his letter to the church in Rome:

 

'4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.  
 
5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them."  6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down)  7 "or 'Who will descend into the deep?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:  9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  
 
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"  17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  (Rom 10:4-17)'

 

Notice what Paul says in verse 4, righteousness is available through Christ for everyone who believes. And then after speaking about the way this faith is demonstrated, Paul says in verse 17 that such faith comes from hearing the word of God.

 

So without the word of God, no one can believe in Jesus. Which makes sense. You can't believe in something if you've never heard of it. For example, you can't believe that the Prime Minister exists if you've never heard of him. So it is with Jesus, you can't believe in Jesus unless you hear about him.

 

So the word of God is essential to having justifying faith. It is only in the Word of God that we can truly know about Jesus and put our faith in him.

 

Sadly many people do not hear about Jesus and so do not believe and are not justified.

 

Will you listen to the Word of God, believe and be justified?

Joel Radford

What is justification? A legal declaration that you are righteous

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Today I want to begin looking at the communion the church has with Christ and the mediation he brings. We'll start with the justification God gives.

What is justification? Justification is a legal declaration that someone is in the right. If I say something and my wife doubts the truth of my statement, then I may seek to justify my words by showing evidence that I am speaking the truth.

So when God justifies us, he pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in his sight. Paul says: '…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them' (2 Corinthians 5:19). God has reconciled us to him by not holding our sins legally against us.

But how could God be a just God and let sinners be counted as righteous? It is only by the work of Jesus Christ that we can be counted righteous. If we believe that Jesus Christ died for us, his death pays the penalty for our sins and his righteous life is imputed to our account. Paul says: 'But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's  abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord' (Romans 15:15-21).

So God is not unjust in deeming us righteous. If you commit an offence and receive a fine from the police, it is perfectly reasonable for someone else to pay your fine for you. Justice is still met. So it is with God. Jesus has paid your debt and you can go free. You no longer need to suffer in hell for your sins, Jesus has suffered on your behalf.

So how can you have Christ bring justification to your life? You must trust in him. Paul writes: 'So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified' (Galatians 2:16).

This is marvellous news! If you trust in Christ, God no longer sees you in your sinfulness, he sees us in Christ's righteousness. You are justified.

Won't you trust in Christ today and be justified?                      

Joel Radford

Are the non-elect called?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about effectual calling. We've seen that to be effectually called means your mind is enlightened and your will is renewed so that you embrace Christ. Last time, we learnt that only those God elects are effectually called. But what about the non-elect? Are they not called too?

 

Although it is only the elect that are effectually called, the Bible does speak of the non-elect being 'called' too. This is particularly evident in one of Jesus' parables. We read: 'Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' "But they paid no attention and went off-one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?' The man was speechless. "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw  him  outside,  into  the  darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are invited, but few are chosen."' (Matthew 22:1-14). In that last sentence, the NIV translation has used the word 'invited'. But it is the same Greek word that is translated 'called' in other parts of the Bible. But if only the 'chosen' are 'called', how can many be 'called' but not actually be 'chosen'?

 

When reading the Bible, we have to be careful of thinking that just because one person uses a word in a particular way, it is always used in that way. The truth is, Jesus is using the word 'calling' differently from the way Paul usually uses it. When Paul speaks of being called, he means an internal call that is effectual in bringing someone to believe in Christ. Whereas Jesus is speaking of the external call to believe in him that goes out to all humans. The elect respond to the external call with faith (as they have an internal call as well). But the non-elect reject the offer and stay outside God's kingdom.

 

In Acts we see Paul giving the external call first to the Jews, then giving that same external call to the Gentiles. We read: 'When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles' (Acts 13:45-46).

 

Now we don't know who is internally called. But we do know that everyone is externally called and it is therefore everyone's responsibility to respond in faith. So will you respond to the external call to repent and believe in Jesus? You only have yourself to blame if you do not. God invites you to come into his kingdom. Why don't you?

Joel Radford

Are only the elect effectually called?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about effectual calling. Last time I wrote on the subject, we saw effectual means your mind is enlightened and your will is renewed so that you embrace Christ. But who does God effectually call?

 

The Bible is clear that only those who God elects are effectually called. This truth is taught in Acts when the apostle Paul confronts some Jewish opposition: 'Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"" When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed' (Acts 13:46-48). Notice that only those who were appointed for eternal life believed. And as belief is a sign of effectual calling, we can conclude that only those appointed by God are effectually called.

 

But does the Bible really teach that some people are elected to be saved and others are not? Yes. The Bible speaks about certain people being predestined for salvation. Paul says: 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment--to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory' (Ephesians 1:3-12). Paul clearly says that God 'chose' and 'predestined' Christians.

 

Now this is an uncomfortable truth for us to hear. It makes God sound unjust. Why should I be punished for not believing if I was not predestined to believe? Paul answers this question by noting that God has a right to do what he wants: 'One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?" But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?' (Romans 9:19-21).

 

The truth is, because of our sin we all deserve to be punished. None of us deserve to have God predestine us for eternal life. But in his mercy, God chooses some people to have such an inheritance. The rest he justly punishes for their unbelief and consequent sin.

 

So, if you are a believer, do you thank God that he effectually called you? Do you realise that he could have justly passed over you?

 

If you're not a believer, seek the Lord now by trusting in Christ. You don't know if you've been called or not. Perhaps you have been…

Joel Radford

What happens if you are called by God? He renews your will

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. Last time we saw that if you are effectually called by God, then your mind is enlightened. But what else happens if you are effectually called?

If you are called by God then God renews and powerfully determines your will so that you are willing and able to freely answer his call to be a Christian. Instead of rejecting God grace, you accept and embrace it.

Why do you need a renewed will? The Bible is clear that before God calls you, you can only reject God's message – the good news about Christ falls on deaf ears – in fact, spiritually 'dead' ears. But when God effectually calls you to belong to him, then he gives you a new will that does respond to his message.

The prophet Ezekiel speaks of this change in your will as being like a heart transplant. God says: 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws' (Ezekiel 36:24-27).

Meanwhile the prophet Moses describes this change in your will as being like a circumcision of the heart. In Deuteronomy we read: 'The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live' (Deuteronomy 30:6).

The apostle Paul reiterates this truth about the circumcision of the heart in the epistle he wrote to the Roman Church: '…circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God' (Romans 2:29).

Both of these images of heart transplants and circumcision demonstrate that, when God calls you, something radical takes place inside. You become a different person and are attracted to the God that you previously repelled. Instead of wanting to disobey God's word, you begin to love the Lord and follow his decrees and laws.

Thus the apostle Paul can tell Christians that God is doing a powerful work within them: 'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose' (Philippians 2:12-13).

Paul calls Christians to do work for the Lord. But he understands that if they do good work, it is purely because the Lord has worked in them to will and act accordingly.

Do you want a renewed will so you can be willing to answer God's call to be saved from your sins? Beg the Lord to renew your will today.

Joel Radford.

What happens if you are called by God? He enlightens your mind

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Last week we started looking at what it means to be effectually called by God. We saw that God calls us by his grace, love, Spirit, word and power. But what happens when someone is called?

 

If you are effectually called by God then he savingly enlightens your mind. Many passages speak about God opening our minds, for example Paul tells the Corinthian church 'However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). When God calls you, he gives you his Holy Spirit so that your mind is enlightened about spiritual truths.

 

Again, Paul speaks about the need for enlightening in his second letter to the Corinthian church: 'And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ' (2 Corinthian 4:3-6).

 

So the Scriptures are clear, when the Lord calls us to belong to his church, he enlightens our minds. And as we saw last week, he does this enlightening work by his grace, love, Spirit, word and power. Paul even spoke at his trial about how Jesus told him that he would use Paul to bring such light to those in darkness: 'I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me' (Acts 26:17-18).

 

Have you been effectually called by God? Has your mind been enlightened  with spiritual truths? If not, turn to God today and beg for his Spirit to enlighten your mind.

 

Joel Radford.

What is effectual calling?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. We've seen that the 'invisible' church is made up of the elect – those who have been effectually called. But what is 'effectual calling'? This is what we're going to unpack in coming weeks.

 

Effectual calling is the work of God by which he draws people to Jesus Christ. He 'calls' us to himself and it is 'effective'. So how does God effectually call people to his Son?

 

Firstly, God calls people by his grace. Paul says: 'He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel' (2 Timothy 1:8-10). Notice what he says – God has called Christians because of his purpose and grace.

 

Secondly God calls people by his love. Paul says: 'But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his  kindness  to  us  in Christ Jesus. 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. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do' (Ephesians 2:4-10). Because of his love, God calls people to himself.

 

Thirdly, we are called by God's Spirit. Paul writes to the Thessalonian church: 'But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

 

Fourthly, it should be seen that the elect are called to Christ by God's word. In that last quote from 2 Thessalonians, Paul says we are called through the gospel.

 

Fifthly, note that God calls people to himself by his power. In the passages from 2 Timothy and Ephesians, Paul is careful to emphasise that we are called not because of anything we have done. We can never boast that we were somehow involved in God calling us to himself. It is all by his grace, his love, his Spirit, his Word, his power. And thus, the Lord gets all the glory.

 

So have you been called by God? By his grace, his love, his Spirit, his Word and his power? If you truly trust in Christ, then you have been effectually called by God and will enjoy eternal life. Trust in him today. Don't delay.

Joel Radford.

What does it mean to be in Christ?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. Last time we saw that Christians are united with Christ. But what does that mean?

Firstly, if you are 'in Christ', it means that you are in God's eternal plan. Paul says: 'For he [God] chose us in him [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4). God has known about us for a very long time. Before the creation of the world, God has viewed us as in Christ.

Secondly, if you are 'in Christ' then you have been united with Christ during his life on earth. When Christ suffered on earth, Christians suffered with him. Peter writes: 'He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed' (1 Peter 2:24). If you believe in Christ, then you were in Christ when he suffered on the cross. Paul also says 'Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection' (Romans 6:3-5). We were not only united with Christ in his death, but in his resurrection too. So we share in the eternal life that Christ enjoys.

Thirdly, if you are 'in Christ' and alive today, then you are living 'in Christ' now. Once you come into physical existence, you are no longer simply in Christ in the mind of God, you live in Christ here and now. Paul says: 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' (2 Corinthians 5:17).

So if you are 'in Christ' in this world, that means that all that you do for the Lord is done in Christ. Paul says 'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength' (Philippians 4:12-13). Paul understood that whatever circumstances he was in and whatever he was called to do, he was able to do it because he was in Christ and Christ was continually at work through him.

Thus Paul exhorts Christians to live in Christ: 'So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness' (Colossians 2:6-7).

So do you have union with Christ? Are you 'in Christ'? Were you 'in Christ' before the creation of the world? Were you 'in Christ' when he was here on earth? Were you 'in Christ' when he suffered on the cross and then was raised to life? Are you 'in Christ' now?

If you fear that you are not 'in Christ', then turn from your sins and trust in his death for you. If you truly do that, then you are most assuredly 'in Christ'.

Joel Radford

What are the benefits of the invisible church?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. Last time we saw that  all God's people (past, present and future) are part of the 'invisible' church. But what are the benefits of being part of the invisible church?

 

If you are part of the invisible church, one of the great benefits is the union and communion that you have with Christ, which means you share in his grace and glory.

 

Jesus prays for such unity in his high priestly prayer: 'I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--I in them and you in me-- so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world' (John 17:20-24).

 

Jesus prays that all believers may be united with one another, just as the Son and the Father are united. But he also prays that the invisible church may be in the Son and in the Father. Jesus also prays that invisible church will be with him and thereby share in his glory.

 

And this desire of Christ became a reality.  God  granted  the  request of Jesus. Paul teaches that we are now united with Christ:  '...because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus' (Ephesians 2:4-7).

 

Even now, the invisible church has been raised with Christ and is seated with him. The elect reign with Christ over all creation and share in his glory.

 

This privilege of unity with Christ then becomes a witness to the watching world. In Christ's priestly prayer we saw that as the church is in Christ, the world knows that the Father has sent the Son and that the Father has loved the church even as he has loved the Son. Our unity is a testimony to the world.

 

Paul speaks of this when he says that God has raised us up with Christ 'in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus'.

 

So the invisible church receives union with Christ. And that union with Christ is a marvelous witness to God's grace.

 

So are you part of the 'invisible' church? Do you reign with Christ over this world? Turn from your sin and trust in Christ today and begin to enjoy union with the Son.

 

Joel Radford.

 

 

What is the invisible church?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. We saw that there is a 'visible' church which is a society made up of people who profess  to be believers in Christ and share in each other's gifts. But if there is a 'visible' church, what is the 'invisible' church?

 

The 'invisible' church is the whole number of the elect Christians that are gathered under Christ as their head, or  one day will be. In other words, the 'invisible' church is made up of all Christians – past, present and future.

 

Jesus speaks of the invisible church using the illustration of a sheep pen: 'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd' (John 10:14-16).

 

Jesus is gathering his people together into one group. Some are already gathered with him in paradise. Some are gathered to him now on earth. Other members are yet to come into the church. But the good news is that all will have the Lord Jesus Christ as their shepherd and enjoy salvation in heaven for the rest of eternity.

 

So why is this church called 'invisible'? Because we as humans don't know precisely who is a part of the church of God – it is 'invisible' to us.

 

Some  members of God's church are invisible to us because they are no longer here on earth, they're rejoicing in paradise out of sight.

 

Some members of God's church are invisible to us because they have not come to Christ yet. They are unsaved at this stage.

 

The rest of the members of God's church we may be able to physically see, but they are invisible to us because we cannot truly know if they are part of God's elect. The apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders that some who are in the church are not true sheep of God: 'I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them' (Acts 20:29-30).

 

So the church of God is ultimately invisible to us. Only God can see into paradise, and see into the future and see into the human heart. So only God is able to see the 'invisible' church.

 

So what is the difference between the 'visible' church and the 'invisible' church. The theologian Wayne Grudem says that the visible church is 'the church as Christians on earth see it' while the invisible church is 'the church as God sees it'.

 

So how do you become a part of the 'invisible' church and get to go to heaven? You need to trust that Jesus Christ died for you. If you do that, you are included in Christ's sheep pen and have eternal life.

 

Have you trusted in Jesus' death for you and are part of the 'invisible' church?                           

 

Joel Radford

What are the privileges of the visible church?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Last week we started looking at questions about God's church. We saw that the 'visible' church is a society made up of people who profess  to be believers in Christ. In other words, a 'visible' church is a local church. But why bother joining a 'visible' church? What are the privileges of being part of the visible church?

 

Many people believe that you don't need to be a part of a local church. You can function quite well as a Christian without needing to be around other Christians.

 

But if you aren't part of a local church, then you miss out on the many privileges that come from being amongst other believers.  In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says that God has given us one Spirit but many gifts: 'There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of  one  and  the  same  Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ' (1 Corinthians 12:4-12). Paul is clear. The different gifts are given for 'common good'. Which means if you don't join a local church, you miss out on experiencing the gifts that others have but you don't have.

 

Paul continues to make his point by comparing the church to the human body: 'If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?' (1 Corinthians 12:17). The eye needs the ear and the ear needs the nose. The human body does not function properly unless all its organs are present. So it is with the church – to function properly, it needs the members with their different gifts.

 

Paul then warns against an attitude of disdain for other members of the local church: 'The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"' (1 Corinthians 12:21). And he doesn't end there. I'd encourage you to read the rest of the passage for yourself.

 

So if you're a Christian, you must belong to a local church. If you don't, you're missing out on sharing in the gifts that God has given to others, but hasn't given to you. You're also being selfish – you are keeping for yourself the gifts that God has given you that were meant to be shared.

 

So do you belong to a 'visible' church? Do you thank God for the special privileges that come from being part of a 'local' church?         

 

- Joel Radford

What is the visible church?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. This week we're going to start looking at questions about God's church.

 

In the Bible the word 'church' can refer to two types of churches – commonly known as the 'visible' and the 'invisible' church.

 

This week we'll look at the 'visible' church and next week we'll turn to the 'invisible'. So what is the 'visible' church? It is a society made up of people who profess  to be believers in Christ. In other words, a 'visible' church is a 'local' church.

 

There are many references in the New Testament to 'visible' churches. For example, when Paul writes to the 'church' in Corinth, he is referring to a particular group of people who follow Christ and live in Corinth. In his opening remarks in 1 Corinthians, Paul writes: 'To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours' (1 Corinthians 1:2).

 

So does that mean everyone who hears about Jesus and is in the visible church is saved? No. Jesus warns that many people will profess his name but are not truly saved. He says: 'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'' (Matthew 7:21-23).

 

Paul also warns that many who claimed to be Israelites were not actually Israelites: 'For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring' (Romans 9:6-8). Being born a descendant of Abraham didn't make you a true Israelite. You needed to believe in the Lord yourself.

 

So belonging to a 'visible' church is a good thing to do. The New Testament expects Christians to be part of a local church – there is no category for a lone ranger Christian.

 

But just because you are part of a local church, that doesn't mean you are a Christian. People can't see into your heart and know whether you truly believe in Christ. They may accept you into membership based on your profession, but inevitably, some false professors will slip in unnoticed.

 

So are you a member of a local church? Good. But are you a believer in Christ? Because it doesn't matter what local church you belong to on judgement day. If you don't believe that Christ died for your sins, you will be punished eternally. Believe in Christ today and  become a member of a 'visible' church – not to be saved, but because you are saved.

Joel Radford

What should you do about people who don't know Jesus?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. In previous weeks we've seen  that Jesus is the only way of salvation, which means those who haven't heard of Jesus are unsaved. This teaching should disturb us. So today we will look at what the Bible encourages us to do in light of such news.

 

If you knew that some people were living in ignorance to great danger, what would you do? You'd warn them of course! Even if they didn't want to hear the news, you'd at least try to make it known to them.

 

That's the position of the Christian. The Christian knows that a fearful judgement is coming. The Christian knows that if people repent of their sins and trust in Christ's death for them, then they will be saved from that judgement. The Christian knows that he has a responsibility to take this message to people who have no idea about the judgement or the way to escape it. So the Christian takes the news to as many people as he can. The Christian uses every possible way of getting the news across.

 

This is what Paul is speaking about in Romans: 'For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless   they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"'  (Romans 10:12-15). Paul is clear -  people can't be saved without calling on the name of the Lord. But they can't call on the name of the Lord unless they believe. And they can't believe if they have not heard. And they cannot hear unless someone preaches to them. So what does Paul want you to do? Take the good news to others. Often they will be so pleased, that they will even praise your feet as beautiful!

 

Similarly, Jesus himself commanded his disciples to take the gospel to all nations right before he ascended into heaven. In Matthew we read: 'Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."' (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

As a result, myriads of Christians have gone throughout the world to warn people and explain the good news. And I join them now. If you're not a Christian, do you understand your situation? One day you will be punished eternally for your rebellion against God. But if you turn to Christ in repentance and faith you can be saved and enjoy peace and security forever. Save yourself now from this corrupt generation!

 

And if you are a Christian, do you worry about others missing out on salvation? Do you have beautiful feet because you are taking the good news to others?                      

 

Joel Radford

 

 

Can those who have never heard of Jesus be saved?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Last week I showed you that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way of salvation. This teaching usually leads to another question, 'Can those who have never heard the gospel, and so do not know Jesus  or believe in him, be saved by living according to the light of nature?'

The Bible teaches that those who have never heard the gospel about Jesus cannot be saved. Although people may know something of God, they suppress that truth and live in rebellion against God. The apostle Paul says: 'The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served  created  things  rather  than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them' (Romans 1:18-32).

Apologies for the lengthy quote. But again and again in this passage, Paul teaches us that people turn their backs on God despite knowing much about him. Which means no one has saving knowledge of God through the general revelation in nature. The only way to be saved is through special revelation about God's son, Jesus Christ.

So do you believe in Christ for your salvation? Or are you seeking  salvation in another futile way?

Joel Radford

Is Jesus the only way of salvation?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Today I want to look at the important question, 'Is Jesus the only way of salvation?'

There are many religions in the world and many of them claim to know a way to an eternal life in a heavenly paradise. But are they all valid ways? Some believe all ways are valid. For example, there is a teaching called universalism that accepts every way of salvation as equally true. Universalism is often held by Unitarian churches. For example, a Sydney Unitarian church  says about themselves on their website: 'Unitarianism is a liberal non-creedal faith that welcomes you with all your uncertainties, questions and doubts. With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion. That is; a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a "non-creedal" religion we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed.' (http://www.sydneyunitarians.org/)

But are they right? Do all religions and all spiritual beliefs have a secure way to heaven? Is Christianity just one true religion among many true religions? Are all creeds equally valid?

No. The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way of salvation. Jesus himself says to his disciples: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6). If you want to go to the Father, you must go through Jesus.

Another example of this teaching occurs after Jesus ascends into heaven. Peter and John are brought before the rulers, elders and teachers of the law because they have caused quite a commotion in healing a crippled man. When the leaders ask Peter and John about the miracle, we read: 'Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."'  (Acts 4:8-12).

The apostle Paul also says: 'For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time' (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

So Universalism is heresy. There is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. If you wish to have eternal life, you must put your trust in Christ's work at the cross and have your sins washed away by his blood.

So have you trusted in Christ who is the only way of salvation?

Joel Radford.

How do we participate in the benefits of Christ?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Today I want to look at the questions: What benefits has Christ obtained by his death?; How do we come to be made participants of the benefits which Christ has obtained?; and, Who are made participants in the benefits which Christ has obtained?

So, firstly, what are the benefits that Jesus has obtained for humans? When Jesus Christ died he was obtaining eternal redemption for sinners. The author of Hebrews says about Christ: 'He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:12). So although we deserve eternal punishment for our sin, Jesus redeems us from the death that we deserve and gives us eternal life.  Jesus himself makes this point when he says: 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45).

But how do we come to be made participants in the redemption that Christ has obtained? The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit makes us participants in the redemption of Christ. Paul says: 'But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life' (Titus 3:4-7). No one is redeemed without the Holy Spirit applying the work of redemption to them.

So then, how do you know who the Holy Spirit has applied redemption to  so that they have been redeemed from sin by Christ? Once the Holy Spirit has applied the work of Christ to someone, he enables them to believe in Christ. Paul teaches us: 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). God gives the gift of faith to those who have been saved through Christ. So when someone believes, they demonstrate that they have had the work of Christ applied to them by the Holy Spirit. Paul makes this point when he writes to the church in Corinth. He says: 'It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence' (2 Corinthians 4:13-14).

So how can you enjoy the benefit of redemption that Christ has obtained through the cross? Believe that Jesus Christ has died for you at the cross. If you truly believe, then you are revealed as one who Christ has ransomed and who has had the Holy Spirit apply that work to you.

So believe, in Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By his second coming with power

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular, we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by  resurrection and his sitting at God's right hand. Another way that the Christ is exalted is by his coming again to judge the world. And that's what I want to begin looking at this week.

When important people arrive somewhere, they often make a grand entrance. They may arrive in a very expensive vehicle (possibly by a helicopter) and have a nice red carpet to walk on. They know that the style of their entrance exalts them.

So in which ways will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Firstly, Jesus will come with great power as he arrives from the skies (and not simply using a helicopter!). Jesus himself tells us about that day:  'At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory' (Matthew 24:30).

How else will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Jesus will come with all his holy angels. When important people go somewhere, they very rarely go alone. They at least have bodyguards with them, if not members of the police force or military. When Jesus comes he will come with a heavenly army: 'If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels' (Luke 9:26). And: 'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all  the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory' (Matthew 25:31).

How else will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Jesus will come with loud exclamation. When celebrities arrive somewhere, loud announcements are often made by microphone; music may be played;  fireworks may explode. When Jesus comes it will be with a loud shout and the noise of the trumpet of God. Paul says: 'For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first' (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus himself also says in Matthew's gospel: 'And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other' (Matthew 24:31).

So the return of Christ will be an exalted entrance indeed. A descent with power, with a heavenly army and with lots of loud acclamation! There has been no entrance like it in all of human history, even by the most powerful of people. No one will miss the entrance of Jesus!

So what should you do in light of this prophecy about the second coming of Christ? If you wish to be able to run toward Christ in love on that day and not run away from him in fear, you need to turn from your sins and trust that he died for you. Don't delay. And then look forward to that day when your saviour will be exalted as he deserves to be.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting and interceding

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained
in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular
we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by sitting in God's
presence – known as his session. We've seen that Christ's session at
God's right hand exalts him as it means Jesus has all favour from God,
fullness of joy and power over all things. This week I want to show you
that Christ should be exalted because he is at God's right hand making
intercession

If you are able to sit in the presence of someone important you should
be exalted. But how much more should you be exalted if you take that
time to intercede on behalf of others. For example, imagine you had been
given time with the Prime Minister of Australia and he was willing to
listen to you and maybe grant some of your requests. Now you could speak
about your own needs and hopefully get some help with them. Or you could
choose to talk about some of the needs of people who have much greater
problems than you do. If you did the former, that would be fine. But if
you did the latter and spoke about the needs of others, quite a few
people would want to honour you – particularly those you tried to help!

Now that is what Jesus has done. Jesus has been exalted to God's right
hand which means he has complete access to God the Father. And the Bible
tells us that,while he is there, Jesus makes requests for us: 'Christ
Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right
hand of God and is also interceding for us' (Romans 8:34).

What is Jesus interceding about? The verse before tells us that Jesus is
answering charges against us. See the verses together: 'Who will bring
any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was
raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for
us' (Romans 8:33-34). Satan is the great accuser but whenever he brings
a charge against us it is dismissed because God is the one who justifies
and God has Christ right there ready to intercede on our behalf.

What does this mean? Paul tells us in the next verses that we have
nothing to fear: 'For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord' (Romans 8:38-39). If Christ is at God's right hand interceding
for you, then you will never be separated from God's love – what
marvelous news!

Thus Jesus deserves our exaltation. Not only is he at God's right hand,
but Jesus is interceding for us while he is there!

But how do you have Jesus intercede to God on your behalf? If you trust
that Jesus died for you then he intercedes to God for you by presenting
his life as a sacrifice for your sins. You are allowed to go free.

So have you trusted that Jesus died for your sins and now lives at God's
right hand to intercede for you? Do you exalt him accordingly?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting with all power

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his sitting in God's presence – known as his session. We've seen that Christ's session at God's right hand exalts him as it means Jesus has all favour from God and fullness of joy. This week I want to show you that Christ's session exalts him as it also grants him power over all things.

An online dictionary defines a right hand man as a person's most valuable assistant or supporter. For example, I would consider my wife, Jill, to be my 'right hand man' as she certainly is my most valuable assistant and supporter. And I'm sure she would say that I am her 'right hand man'.

Now if someone is your most valuable assistant, then you must have granted that person specific powers. If my wife is my 'right hand man' yet I don't allow her any power to make any decisions and take any actions, then she isn't my right hand man!

So if Jesus is God's right hand man, then God must have granted great power to Jesus so that Jesus can be of assistance.

And that is exactly what the Bible tells us. Peter describes Jesus as one 'who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him' (1 Peter 3:22). Peter is clear that Christ's session in heaven is one that grants him power over all created beings.

Moreover, the apostle Paul also describes Christ as having complete dominion whilst he sits at God's right hand. Speaking of God's power, Paul says: 'That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way' (Ephesians 1:19-23).

And the fact that the Christ is sitting at God's right hand with all power is not a new idea. It is known as far back as Psalm 110 where we read: 'The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth' (Psalm 110:1-3). Christ's dominion over his enemies fulfils this great prophecy.

And if Christ is sitting with all dominion, then he is exalted indeed.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God and now sits there with power over all things? The Bible encourages you to exalt Christ by submitting to his rule with repentance and faith. And if you do, then one day you will be resurrected to live forever with him.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting with fullness of joy

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his sitting in God's presence. We've seen that Christ's session at God's right hand gives him all favour from God. This week I want to show that Christ should be exalted because he has fullness of joy at God's right hand.

When people are exalted and then experience great joy in the situation, it gives them further exaltation. Whereas if someone is in a place of honour and they are sour about it, we don't feel that we should honour them. I saw a recent example of this when our family went on a cruise ship for our recent holidays. There was a competition that involved the whole ship and surprisingly my children won! When the winners were announced, Joshua and Philippa were allowed to go up on the stage to receive trophies. My wife commented that I got some good photos of them while they were up there, but it wasn't that hard – they didn't stop smiling the entire time they were on stage! And I think that when people saw their joy in exaltation, they clapped all the more.

When Jesus sat down in God's presence he did so with great joy. Peter says in Acts 2: 'But God raised him [Jesus] from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.  God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear' (Acts 2:24-33).

Peter quotes from Psalm 16 and proves that David was talking about Jesus. David prophesied that the Christ would be raised to life, go into God's presence and have great joy. And this is what he has done.

So Jesus deserves our exaltation by his sitting at the right hand of God. But he also deserves our exaltation because he sits there with joy. He certainly deserves the place of such favour.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God and now sits there with fullness of joy? The Bible encourages you to exalt him by submitting to his rule with repentance and faith. And if you do, then you also will be resurrected, ascend into God's presence and be filled with joy one day too.

So will you exalt Christ by submitting in repentance and faith?

Joel Radford.