Philippians 2:12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Most members of institutionally-ordained clergy are graduates of a theological seminary or school of theology. Most of those seminaries and schools are denominationally supported, while others claim interdenominational status. Some of their students have studied under professors who failed to accurately interpret the Bible. Quite probably, those professors spent too much of their time studying the interpretations of “scholars” who, in turn, also devoted an inadequate amount of time with the Scriptures; some of whom may not even have enjoyed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
As the Holy Spirit is the real teacher, would it not be in the best interest of all professors and all students to seek God and come to know Jesus before beginning their quests as theologians and ministers of the Gospel? Many of these well-meaning people possess impressive levels of head knowledge, but lack the spiritual knowledge which only comes from a personal relationship with Jesus the Christ. Lacking that, they go to man, and ask man about man and about God. So they read still more books on the subject of “religion.” Quite often an inordinate amount of their time is dedicated to the Old Testament or Old Covenant. So…they are well established in the Law, but understand or know very little about the New Testament and the New Covenant between God and man, in which we are to live today.
"EVERYTHING" in our lives is completely changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who went to the cross, died, was buried and raised to life again on the third day. Not really understanding all the ramifications of this, some persist with teaching and preaching under the Law, including obedience to the law and associated judgment with all the other trappings of “religion” and death.
Unfortunately, a number of the clergy we ask for answers are just as confused as we are. They, too, are lost and in need of a shepherd. Now the question is who’s feeding the shepherds? Whose job it is to feed us, the sheep? How can we expect to receive truth from clergy who may be as void of truth as the sheep they are hoping to feed? Shouldn’t those hoping to shepherd the flock know the Great Shepherd Himself before taking it upon themselves to shoulder the responsibility of tending the sheep?
Walking away from a seminary as lost as they arrived, some still refuse to study to show themselves approved of God. Thus they are ashamed that they are devoid of truth to pass on to others. Whose fault is this, anyway?
Let’s consider the word of God…
Hebrews 1:1. In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Let’s pay careful attention to verse 3. After he had provided purification for sins, then he sat down at the Majesty in heaven. Why did he sit down? You don't sit down unless your work is finished. How much of the Bible is it necessary to read before discovering that truth has the ability to bring salvation? Not too much; it's everywhere if we’re really looking for it. But if what we are doing when we read is trying to support our preconceived notions or biases, what hope is there of our discovering truth from God? How can His Spirit reach us with the message if we’re not listening?
We notice in verse 1 that in the early days, God spoke to our forefathers and certain prophets often and in various ways. Then we see in verse 2 that something different is going to happen. In these last days God has spoken to us through his SON. Are we listening to the Son? The Son brought us a brand NEW COVENANT THROUGH HIS VERY OWN BLOOD.
Do you sometimes wonder if anybody really notices the cross? People just go right on as though the crucifixion of Jesus Christ never happened. They're still confessing to obtain forgiveness for their sins; that which occurred at Calvary when Jesus cried, “It is finished.” ignoring or being ignorant of the ramifications of God’s New Covenant with mankind, many continue striving for perfection through human effort.
So…who’s at fault for our lack of understanding concerning truth? Who are the most logical scapegoats? Upon whom does the blame rest for 2,000 years of misleading people and preventing them from coming to the knowledge of the truth? The blame rests squarely on us. Why? Let’s
once again read carefully the words of the apostle, Paul…
Philippians 2:12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
So, we’re back again to that verse? Actually, we really haven’t left it. Ultimately, the blame for our lack of knowledge falls on us. Aren’t we encouraged to study in order to show ourselves approved unto God, so we need not be ashamed? Doesn’t the Bible urge us to rightly divide the word of truth? We’ve been made ministers of a NEW COVENANT. We are not simply responsible for our own repentance and conversion by placing our faith in God and the Son he loved; we are expected to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others as well.
When we stand before God, all we can do is acknowledge that our salvation is due completely to what Jesus has done. He provides everything we need for life and godliness. So it is our responsibility to study and learn God's word and find truth ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. If we refuse to accept the Spirit’s leading; if we fail to be accountable for our own scriptural awareness, we have only ourselves to blame.
Exodus 34:14. For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Did you know that about God? All who believe in Jesus Christ and what he has accomplished on our behalf are part of the bride of Christ, his Church. We are the Church if the Spirit of God lives in us. However, that is a very vital and questionable “if,” especially in cases wherein professed “Christians” are following and worshiping other gods. Such “gods” may be money, material wealth (stuff ‘n things), power, position, sports, pride – whatever we might consider more important than Almighty God. We are to have NO other gods before Him.
The Bible is not only an historical and spiritual anthology; it’s also a love letter from our God. There is NO excuse for not making time to discover who Jesus is, and what our relationship with him should be. Jesus took the first step in this courtship. He bled and died on the cross to take away our sins before we were ever born. How can any of us justify being too busy to read those love letters? How else will we know whether or not a certain doctrine, preacher or teacher is on the level? The responsibility for knowing God’s word and how it applies to us is ultimately ours; not the pastor’s, not the priest’s – but OURS!
It’s often quite easy to become caught up in the blame game. I fell prey to that scenario and remained there for a number of years. I was very frustrated and angry over the half-truths and outright lies being promulgated from certain church pulpits. A very dear brother reminded me that bitterness and anger over what others have or haven't done can eat us alive, if we let it. So let’s just get rid of that frustration and anger, and take responsibility for our salvation.
Did I learn some truth while worshiping in buildings and warming a pew for 65 years? Yes, I did; but very little and most of it had been twisted via denominational agendas and the traditions of men. However, I didn't learn anything that had the power to bring life, until I ceased seeking truth and salvation through organized religion.
I began staying home and studying on my own with the Spirit of God and my Bible, which is how I learned nearly everything I know about God. The people I had looked to for answers and information, even though I was quite young, didn't seem to have as much information as I did. Why? I believe it was because they would go home and read books about other peoples’ relationships with God and what others believed. They weren't spending their time with God in HIS word. God honored my quest to know him, and he revealed himself to me in his word. In fact, listening to various church leaders was actually hindering my spiritual growth with God; partly because the truth I shared with them was so foreign to them, they would mock me.
So you see it's mainly just between you and God. In the final analysis, that’s exactly the way it's supposed to be. We are to be leaning on Jesus and His ability to teach us truth. We aren't to lean on our own understanding, because we have none apart from Him. Remember, Jesus is a jealous God. He wants a personal relationship with us. He doesn't want to wait in line to spend time with us anymore than we would want to wait in line to spend time with wife or husband.
Get with Jesus every chance you can. You need him. And he wants to live in you, and lead you into "ALL" truth. I can disseminate truth, but unless Jesus reveals that truth to you personally, it's not yours, it's mine. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is the Word, and that Word wants to come alive in you. Will you let him? Will your invite Jesus to come and live his life in YOU? He loves you perfectly and he wants to give YOU life more abundantly. That life is eternal.
Don’t play the blame game. That's what Satan wants you to do, and he wants us to keep that idiotic behavior going until we die, and then it's too late. Jesus loves you. That's not just a great saying, it's a fact. Come to God, and go with God. . . spending time with you is all He cares about, because you’re important to the God who created the universe, and He created it for your pleasure – that’s how much He loves you.
