More of the deep things of God.
Please note: I do not recommend new believers in Jesus Christ read this blog. The Apostle Paul wrote that these are “Babes” in the faith and should be fed the “Milk” of the word as they do not have the “Spiritual” teeth needed to chew on the “Strong Meat” of the word yet. In fact, according to Paul, it could hurt them in their lack of understanding. God willing, they will grow through obedience and the trials all Christians face unto a mature man, led by the Holy Spirit doing God’s perfect will.
When Jesus was crucified between two thieves, both reviled him but something happened to one of these men. Here is where we see the deep things of God related to his sovereignty, foreknowledge and predestination of the elect, those he himself had chosen before the creation of the earth.
One thief was chosen by God and one was not, this is confirmed in the Book of Ephesians and the Book of Romans, both written by the Apostle Paul.
God is no respecter of persons, from the fall of Adam and Eve all have sinned and have short of the glory of God. This fallen nature has been passed to the entire human race but God in his compassion and mercy willed that not all the human race created in his image and likeness be doomed to separation from him for all eternity. In his foreknowledge he chose a people for himself. We are told in God’s word that in his choice, not many rich or wise were chosen. He chose the poor and abased to confound the wise, he chose a harlot and a beggar over a King. In his great mercy he does save some rich but not many!
One thief on the cross had a darkened spirit, not able or desiring to know who Jesus is; he is the picture of the non-elect of the world. His words to Jesus were from his Father Satan. The non-elect are held captive by him to do his will. Jesus told the evil Pharisees that their Father was Satan. Something different happened to the other thief, the words he spoke were of faith.
Jesus knew that this man was one of his Father’s elect and was given to him as he said at the Last Supper; “Thine they were Father and you have given them to me”. The Holy Spirit regenerated this man in his last hours of life on that cross. He was given the “Gift” of faith and called upon Jesus his Savior (He was saved without works). Nobody earns salvation through works, it is a free gift but works follow true faith!
The two thieves’ are a “Type” of those who hear the Gospel of Good News, one will reject God’s word, and the other receives it with joy. One has ears to hear, the other does not.
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin but with the elect he does a further work, granting them a “Godly” repentance leading to salvation. He also gives the “Gift” of faith so that the elect ones can believe in Jesus and be saved. The non-elect are convicted of sin, judgment and the righteousness of God but they cannot believe. They will always reject God’s word as they are incapable to receive (Only the “Good Ground” prepared by God can receive the seed, the word of God, take root and grow) it because of their dead (Darkened) spirit before God.
You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 NLT.
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 NLT
Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful 1-Corinthians 1:27 NLT
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9 NLT
Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Luke 8:8 NLT. God grant that those who read my blog as Jesus said; have “Ears to hear”, for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Author Ken
January 2013