Studies -

Forgiveness

January 23, 2026January 25, 2026 Timothy

We Forgive as Christ Forgives Us

Praise be to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who blesses us with all spiritual blessings and counts us as sons and daughters who wait in faith for the precious promise of His Spirit to come and dwell in us. We count it all joy to be bidden to the wedding feast and to dine at the Lord’s table with those chosen out of the world to be priests and kings, proclaiming the Gospel to all the nations and to reign and rule with Christ. As he is, so are we, speaking of things that aren’t as though they already are, bringing life to all.

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him:

Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of you own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

I pray that these words comfort and edify those who are struggling with bitterness and an unforgiving heart. May the Lord grant us the knowledge and wisdom of His commandments in Spirit and Truth, so that we may receive the promise that overcomes our sins and makes us perfect in His time.

The Word of the Gospel is Spirit. We are first made blind to its meaning unless and until the Lord’s Spirit (also called the Holy Spirit, which is not a separate third person as the false doctrine of the Trinity claims) comes to our temple, which is also where the kingdom of God dwells.

Jn 9.39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and they which see might be made blind.

1 Cor 13:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Cor 13:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Luk 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Jn 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Jn 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Jn 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I.

Being made into the image of Christ, we are commanded to be holy and obey all the Lord’s commandments, regardless of where we are in the faith. If we are still waiting for the Spirit of God (the promise), we are to prepare ourselves by being obedient until His arrival. If we have already received the promise, we pray that we remain faithful and stay obedient to the end. Those lacking the zeal to come to Christ, meaning to obey the Lord, are not of God and remain in bondage to the devil and the idols of the world.

Jn 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me, and the one not gathering with Me scatters.

Forgiveness is paramount in becoming a son of God. It is one of many Commandments we obey from the heart, as the Lord knows what is in the heart of every man. We pray for deliverance from an unforgiving spirit and an evil heart that devises imaginations which are diametrically opposed to the Spirit of Truth.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mar 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man.

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

We are wary of bitterness springing up in our hearts. It is a root of unforgiveness that gives way to other sins, which grow like weeds and eventually consume all our thoughts, leaving us spiritually lame. We guard against this condition, continue to walk the straight path, and are not disqualified from inheriting the kingdom in this age.

Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Heb12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many may be defiled;

Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

Anyone not forgiving does not have the love of God abiding in them. Such remain dead in their sins, and unless granted repentance, shall not enter the kingdom of God, which is eternal (aionios, age-lasting) life.

1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

When we are unforgiving, we are judging unrighteously. We are looking at matters with the carnal mind and not seeing things as Christ does. When the Lord gives us eyes to see, we stop judging by appearance and begin to judge by the Spirit, which is the Commandments. Otherwise, we become hypocrites, not beholding the beam in our own eye.

Jn 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Luk 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged, condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive and ye shall be forgiven.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged,

Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye

Being unforgiving, hating, and speaking evil of our brother is spiritually the same as committing murder. Even if we have not physically killed another person, that does not exonerate us in the eyes of the Lord, and we are judged accordingly, because as one thinks in his heart, so he is. Though we may outwardly appear beautiful and innocent, inside, we are full of wickedness and corruption.

Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca (worthless), shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell (Gehenna, age-lasting) fire.

Pro 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee.

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

Why is it so difficult for our flesh to forgive? It is because of our pride of life that we are unable to humble ourselves and let go of our integrity (self-righteousness), thinking we are blameless. We compare ourselves to others rather than the Commandments. It is the beast within, the man of lawlessness, sitting on the throne of our heart, claiming to be God. Just as Job proclaimed before his encounter with the Lord in the whirlwind, we believe and reason that we are more righteous than God.

Job 23:4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments.

Job 27:6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

Job 40:6 Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 40:7 Gird up they loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

Job 40:8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?

Pride and lust are all that is in the world, and there is no truth to be found without the Spirit. Even the Jews who believed in Christ could not hear him because they didn’t know the Truth. Before the light of Truth shines on us, we live in darkness, spiritually blind and deaf, being deceived and only hearing the lies of our natural father, the devil, who is Satan, the prince of the power of the air.

1 Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (our father the devil).

Jn 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Jn 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it.

We are to remember that the Lord has forgiven us a debt we cannot hope to pay except that we forgive those indebted to us, which can’t even be compared to what we owe in our trespasses and sins. We ask God to grant us repentance and to bring mercy, turning our hearts back to Him. Being shown the Commandments humbles us and frees us from our bondage to pride. The Lord is long-suffering with us, and we need to be the same with our brethren, showing them the Commandments in our speech and actions.

Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

Mat: 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Mat: 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him: till seven times?

Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Luk 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying I repent; thou shalt forgive him

Consider the parable Jesus spoke of the king who pardoned his servant of a colossal debt. The story perfectly encapsulates us and how we should see our trespasses when we do not forgive others. Remember the Lord has already forgiven us, but if we are not forgiving others, then our forgiveness is delayed, and we do not enter the kingdom of God in this age.

Mat 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Mat 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Mat 18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Mat 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Mat 18:27 Then the Lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Mat 18:28 But the same servant when out, and found one of his fellowervants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Mat 18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

Mat 18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Mat 18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that was done.

Mat 18:32 Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Mat 18:34 And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him.

Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not every on his brother their trespasses.

Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mar 11:26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Compassion is mercy that results in forgiveness. Once shown, we are that man, the son of perdition and the chief of sinners; we are helpless to do anything but cry out to the Lord to grant us mercy to repent and forgive us. David, a man after the Lord’s own heart, heralded His mercy even after he had committed adultery and murder, which he confessed before God and was spared.

Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Psa 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psa 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Luk 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Luk 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

We forgive no matter what circumstances the Lord has put us in. Joseph is an example of someone who, by carnal reasoning, would have been justified to take vengeance on his ten brothers who sold him into slavery in Egypt. They were jealous and hated him because of his obedience to their father Jacob, who loved Joseph more than all his sons. Yet after thirteen years in prison, when he rose to become a ruler to Pharaoh, they were forced to come to Joseph in Egypt to buy food because of the famine in the land. They didn’t know it was Joseph, and he kept his identity a secret. After testing them through trials, he finally revealed himself to his brothers. When they realized all the evil they had done to Joseph, they feared and pleaded for mercy, for they expected that he would put them to death. But the Spirit of God was with him, and he had compassion on them. In the end, God used the evil done to Joseph to save his family from death and to bring repentance to his brethren.

Gen 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

Gen 50:18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face, and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

Gen 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not; for am I in the place of God?

Gen 50:20 But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Gen 50:21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Joseph is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ who, while being in agony on the cross, asked the Father to forgive all the evil that was done unto him.

Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do: And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

The Lord is working all things for good, even our very sins. The Lord uses our sins and innate wickedness to chasten, teach, and correct us. Opening our blind eyes and deaf ears, He shows us mercy, which is the Gospel of Truth, so we are sharing it with others whom the Lord is calling to Himself in this age. This painful process is likened to childbirth, bringing forth the new spiritual man (Christ) through the destruction of the old beastly carnal man within.

Jn 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remebereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (John’s baptism) and of the Spirit (the fire of Christ’s baptism) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

We are not only commanded to forgive those who have wronged us, but we also love our enemies who do evil against us. If we are given to overcome a spirit of unforgiveness, we are obeying the Commandments, which is the definition of loving one another. We love all, and not just those who love us, and all our experiences are from the Lord to test our faithfulness to the Commandments. We pray for those who persecute us and do not retaliate with evil but give place to the Lord.

Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the LORD.

Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Christ came to fulfill the law and fulfills it in each of us when He comes a second time for salvation in every man. We are no longer under the Law of Moses, the law of sin and death directed at the flesh, written in tables of stone representing our hardened hearts, which cannot save us. We are now under the Law of Grace, the Spirit of Christ, and are caused by the indwelling Spirit to love and obey His commandments. The Lord has raised the bar far higher under the law of faith, which constitutes His righteousness.

Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Mat 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Mat 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

Mat 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Mat 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

The Lord created everything for his purpose, even the wicked within us and out there in the world. With this understanding, we properly see that all that befalls us, whether good or evil, is caused by the Lord for our benefit, which is only revealed through the Spirit of Truth.

Pro 16:4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

If we have been given knowledge of the Truth and the Commandments, then we see that, in actuality, our unforgiveness is rebellion and striving against our Maker. We are contending with His ways because He has determined beforehand the outcome of all things, whether good or evil. God is Spirit, the Father of all spirits, who does all His good pleasure according to the counsel of His own will. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

Isa 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? Or thy work, He hath no hands?

Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

Rom 9:21 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.

Pro 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Mat: 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

The Scriptures show us that the Lord is sovereign in all things, and we are mere clay in his hands. We are all first made vessels fitted for destruction, which is sinful flesh, and then are remade into vessels of honor, the Spirit of Christ. It is the ongoing process that was set forth from the beginning to make man in the image of God. The Lord is the Potter who first makes us into a vessel of flesh and then, in the appointed time, remakes us into a new man, a son of God, in the very image and likeness of Christ. Flesh and blood, our carnal nature, the corrupt vessel of clay, cannot inherit the Kingdom of God and thus needs to be destroyed.

1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Jer 18:3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

Jer 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Jn 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, the are spirit, and they are life.

1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

To show us the way and be our example, Christ in his flesh body suffered the same things we are enduring to be resurrected in newness of life. He is our high priest who was tempted as we are, only he had the Father’s spirit without measure and could not sin. Christ’s spirit, the commandments, dwelling in us, is our only defense against the pulls of the flesh and against entering temptation. Even our Savior’s own flesh and blood could not inherit the kingdom of Heaven and therefore had to die.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

The Lord knows our weak flesh because he partook of the same. He was not esteemed as the world regards men, for they could only look on his bodily appearance, judging unrighteously. He humbled himself in obedience to the Father even unto death. This is what pleases the Father and what is demanded from those called and chosen in this age to be His elect saints. We are dying to our old ways, losing our lives, to be resurrected with Christ and to rule and reign with Him in our inward kingdom. Overcoming the giants in the land (our sins) we are ruling our earth, meaning our walk and actions with the rod of God that is the Holy Commandments. We become an offering, a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord, but to the carnal world, we are the stench of death because it is foolishness to them.

Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Psa 116:16 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.

Phi 4:18 But I have all, and abound, I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were send from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

2 Cor 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

2 Cor 2:16 To the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Laying down our lives as Christ did His is done by obeying the Commandments of God and forgiving all their trespasses. When an unforgiving spirit rules us, we are walking in Truth and are not being like Christ. We are blessed when we are given eyes to see our error so we repent and humble ourselves before the Lord. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, even our enemies who mean to do us evil. We are to seek the Lord by praying for Him to give us more of His Spirit, the faith of Christ, that is the power of the Gospel by which we overcome our sins and are led on the narrow way that leads to eternal life.

Mat 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

Mat 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

In closing, let us meditate on these words of the Lord, which are Spirit and Life, with new eyes. They will bring us the peace that surpasses all understanding and freedom from the bondage of sin.

Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread,

Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every on that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mat5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Mat 5:10 Blessed art they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Jn 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 9:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Mat 9:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Mat 19;26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Pray to the Father to send you His Spirit and to give you wisdom and understanding. Believe that you receive and do not doubt in your heart. With God, all things are possible.

Studies

Signs of the End Times – Part 1

December 22, 2025December 28, 2025 Peter

The Harvest of the Lord IS Come

Peter and Rohnel, called to be ministers of the Gospel, to the scattered saints who share a like precious faith. Grace and peace upon the Israel of God and those to whom the Lord is being revealed in these last days. May the Lord give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation into the knowledge of Him.

The Scriptures are written in parables and speak of spiritual truths and prophecies which the Lord’s chosen people fulfill in the appointed time. When the Lord has mercy and opens eyes, we begin to understand that the Scriptures are not principally speaking about outward events or intended to be history lessons. Instead, they are prophecies and judgments that the Lord’s chosen people, His Elect, fulfill in the appointed times. The hearing of the Gospel redeems us to God, and now all things are ours to be fulfilled.

1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

1Co 3:23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

We become the blessed people of God when we can read, hear, and keep the things written in the Scriptures. It is all the work of the Lord, who shows mercy and opens eyes and ears to the parables and hidden Wisdom of the Commandments. The time of salvation is come and has been coming in every generation since Christ ascended back to the Father. The time is now at hand.

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

The coming of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the coming of the Commandments into our lives. The Commandments, the living Word, bring about the end of our bondage to the law of sin in our members and, in time, manifest the righteousness of Jesus Christ in our lives. The many end-time prophecies speak of our conversion from the man of sin to the man of God, being children of God by the resurrection from spiritual death. These prophecies declare the making of a new heaven and a new earth within us, where the Living Christ dwells and from which His righteousness, meaning our obedience, comes forth.

2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isa 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

Salvation is the Lord’s work and is the remaking process of the Potter. With open eyes [mercy] and truth [the Commandments], coming together, we are clothed in the righteousness of the Lord that rules in our heaven. We are obtaining the mind of Christ at the time of the end.

Psa 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psa 85:11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

The time of the end is the last days of our carnally minded way of life. The coming of the Lord sets us free from the bondage that our father, the devil, had bound us with for our entire lives. When Christ comes, the Commandments come, and the Kingdom of God is being established in our hearts and minds. Those given ears to hear and eyes to see understand, and their focus is turned inwardly to the kingdom of God that is now within them. All the evil and lusts that come from within us begin to be taken away and replaced with the fruits of the Spirit of God now living in us. What comes out of a man defiles a man, and in the same way, what comes out of a man tells us who is of God and who is not.

Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The end comes by way of the Word, the Wisdom and Understanding that is the Holy Spirit, known as the Promise of God. Our eyes are turned inward to the living grace of God that has brought judgment, and the light shining into our hearts and minds reveals the wicked man.

Job 38:36 Who hath put wisdom [Christ] in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding [The Father] to the heart?

Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

The end of the man of sin begins as the end times are at hand, and the purposes of the Lord are being accomplished in this day.

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Pro 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

When we hear the Gospel preached, Christ is near. The last times have come upon us as we are resurrected from spiritual death. The Commandments wash us of our sins and prepare us for the Spirit to be revealed in us in the last time, which is our inheritance as Sons of God.

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

The Lord’s covenant is only consummated after many days of our walking in rebellion against our Maker. But after those days, in the last days, the Commandments, the Law of God, come to live in our inward parts and then, through many trials, are written into our hearts and minds. The promise of God, the new covenant, comes to fruition at the time of the end.

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

The hearing of the Gospel ushers in the time of the end. The Christ we knew about in the flesh gives way to the Living Christ that we know in the Spirit of the Commandments. The hidden mystery of God, the Gospel, is revealed and received into our hearts. When the Gospel is preached, the time is now at hand, and the beginning of the process to put off the old man and put on the new man.

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Open eyes draw us near, yet the time of the end is not yet. Every stone in the old temple within us is torn down. The history of the physical temple in Jerusalem shadows what takes place inwardly in our hearts and minds. Disciples are keen to know about the times of the end, and thus Christ is often asked. The Scriptures tell us of many signs of the times and of the general process to expect at the end. We wait for the Spirit of Christ to come in the appointed hour to rebuild the Temple of God within us, watching for the progression of the signs of the end.

Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?

Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

When the Living Christ is revealed, a new age of worship has dawned. We now know and worship the Father and the Son in Spirit and in Truth. To be worshipping this way, we are given the Promise, also known as the Spirit of Truth. The time is now; we have entered the last days.

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The shadows of the Old Testament and the similitudes spoken by the Prophets [Hos 12:10] speak to the same mystery and plan of God. When our ears hear the law of God, the end has come upon us. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes our celebration of the Lord’s harvest of the saints when He comes to dwell in us as the Promise. When the saints come together to break bread, we read and study His law that is the Gospel, and it is a holy day when it is received into our hearts. The wall of the temple and the temple itself are under construction within our hearts and minds.

Neh 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Deu 31:11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

Our understanding of the Gospel is the blessing of God and begins the time of the end. The prophecies written about this time in our walk do not read like a blessing to carnal eyes and ears. Those so blessed have been born anew as Sons of God and are now being chastened and scourged as sons of the Most High.

Eze 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

Eze 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

To change our hearts and minds, the Lord brings us an experience of evil to humble us and expose our darkest sins. These evils, called sore travails in some translations, turn into a blessing in the latter end as the new man, Christ in us, comes forth from the whirlwind.

Eze 7:5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

Eze 7:6 An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.

The Father has already determined the time of our salvation and sends Christ to perform it. Wherever the Living Word is sent, it prospers, and all is fulfilled in the appointed time of the end. The last days are symbolized by the 70 spiritual weeks of Daniel. We endure troubling times as we prepare for Christ’s return. The streets and walls being built again are our baptism of John, and the oil we are putting into our lamps as we, the Bride of Christ, wait and watch for the Messiah to come.

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

When the troublous times start, the end is not yet, as now we tarry for the Messiah to come and confirm the covenant when the Promise comes to us, and we are born again in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus begins the last week, the very last days during which salvation, the work of the Lord, is completed. Part 2 of this study explores further the prophecies regarding the final week, the latter days before we finish the race.

As God’s people, we eat the Gospel as our spiritual food. We are chosen not only to believe on Him but to suffer for His Name’s sake. Our suffering is the great tribulation, the high costs we pay to follow Christ and wait on the blessing of salvation. The great tribulation is a definitive sign of the end times and the coming springing forth of righteousness in God’s chosen vessels. Judgment by the Word brings suffering and tribulation into view.

Eze 2:8 But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

Eze 2:9 And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

Eze 2:10 And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

The mystery of God is finished when we hear the sound of the Gospel declared by the Lord’s Prophets. The Lord leads us to an angel of the Lord raised to preach the Gospel, and we take and eat of the Book, thus initiating the time of the end for sin and our bondage to the flesh.

Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
Rev 10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

The saints make our calling and election sure, enduring through these troublous times, the many tribulations, all the way to the end of our physical lives. Christ and His angels speak of the great tribulation that comes at the end and brings forth the new man, the saints of the Most High God. There is no other way to enter into the Kingdom of God and become a partaker of His holiness.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

We wash our robes by the Commandments that take away the old life.

Rev 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

After the Gospel has been preached, the Commandments become our focus. The last days have come, and we are hearing God through the Words of the Son. When the Promise comes, the Lord Himself, the anointing within us, teaches every man by the indwelling Spirit of Grace.

Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

The Lord’s Harvest

The Power of the Gospel, as we hear from heaven, keeps us faithful and waiting for salvation, which is the overcoming of sins and the appearing of Christ in our deeds. Salvation appears and is completed at the very end and comes about little by little as we grow and mature in grace and knowledge of Christ and the Father.

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

The Lord has a Christ that He raises and who performs the greater works in bringing the Gospel to those appointed to receive it. The church of God is the cloud of many witnesses who have come through the door of Christ and have been made shepherds of the sheep by the appointment of the Lord. When our words, the Gospel, are heard and understood, the heavens of our hearers are shaken of all things they once believed. When we see this in ourselves, our redemption by the Lord has drawn near.

Luk 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Luk 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

The Lord’s harvest of souls is salvation coming at the end of the acceptable year of the Lord. The harvest of the earth, which earth we are, occurs after the angels preach the Gospel and we hear that Babylon within [heaven shaking] is fallen. The Lord sends His angels to reap those prepared of God, by the Word that is the Commandments. Reaping is accomplished by thrusting in the sharp sickle that is the Living Commandments into the earth. Thrusting in the Commandments is having the Living Christ be formed within those who hear. It hastens the time of the end as the Lord does a short work in the earth.

Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Once the earth is reaped, a new angel emerges from the Temple, and thus the fire of the Gospel spreads, and more children of the resurrection, saints of God, are born. When the Promise comes, the Lord has raised us to go and preach His Gospel and reap the earth of those He is sending us to.

Rev 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

Rev 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

Rev 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Those who obey the call and thrust in the sickle gain victory over their beast and soon stand upon the sea, representing the desires of our flesh. These are becoming the saints, clothed by Christ and given overcoming by enduring through the seven last plagues. Reading past the man-made chapter break at the end of Revelation 14, we see this declared.

Rev 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

If one has heard the Gospel and received it as Truth, the day of harvest of the earth is TODAY. The Lord is the Great I AM. Thus, if we hear His Gospel, we are being gathered into His barn TODAY. There is no boasting about tomorrow; today is the day. When the Lord comes for salvation, it is the end. The time, the day of salvation, is now.

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2Co 6:2 For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

The Scriptures have been unsealed for us in this little flock. The time of the end has come upon us. We are ready, awake, and watching as we prepare for the Lord’s return to bring His Promise. The revelation of Jesus Christ, within ourselves and without, is nigh.

Dan 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Those being saved in this age are being saved to be put to work in the ministry of the Gospel. Ministers are used of the Lord to save others both now and in the next age. The Lord is raising labourers to work in His vineyard and perform the greater works. When we are given to know these things, know you are being prepared as a minister, a priest, a king over your own earth to be used of God.

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In the time of the end, we are given both Wisdom and Understanding, the indwelling Gospel, and the Holy Spirit. All the prophecies and parables are being made known to us, not for our glory but to bring forth His glory. We are being shown things to come so we can perform our duties in our labour and service to the Lord.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Praying for labourers is asking the Lord to send His Promise and to raise more angels, children of the resurrection, to spread the Gospel and grow the church of God.

Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

In the second part of this study on the end times, we review many of the signs given for us to watch for so we do not miss the Lord’s coming. The most well-known Scriptures, such as Matthew 24 and Luke 21, as well as the Prophets and Revelation, are seen in a new light once the Gospel is revealed. To stay on the narrow road and follow Christ until the end, we are aware of the signs of the end, so we are not deceived and led astray.

Luk 21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?

Luk 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

Luk 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

The Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him and understand His ways. We pray that a zeal and hunger and thirst for righteousness be given to all those who tarry and break bread with us.

Part 2 of the study will be linked here and posted separately as soon as the Lord permits.

Studies

Blessed is the Man of God

December 10, 2025December 16, 2025 Rohnel

Rejoice in the Blessings Making us New

Rohnel and Peter, the servants of Jesus Christ, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Sa 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

Keep My Commandments

Jer 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Blessed is the Man

As Christ’s chosen people, we are being blessed with innumerable spiritual blessings that further the Lord’s work in bringing salvation from our sins. As the Israel of God, we are blessed far beyond what we first know. Reminding ourselves of these many blessings is the focus of this study. Blessings are poured out when we are given to know the joyful sound of the Gospel we have heard and which we now strive to walk therein in the light thereof.

Psa 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

We become the blessed of God by receiving many blessings from the hand of the Lord. The Lord teaches His disciples from the mount by speaking the Commandments of the Father, known as the Gospel of Good News. When we receive these words, we are blessed and chosen to receive a multitude of blessings. Here are some Commandments and fruits of the Spirit that the blessed people of God exhibit.

Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Our flesh, the natural man within us, never appreciates the Lord’s blessings that bring forth a new man in the image of the Commandments. It is through these various blessings that we are being made holy and blameless.

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

The Living Christ blesses us by making His abode in us and feeding us the Bread of Life, the Commandments, which save us from sin.

Psa 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

Psa 132:14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

Psa 132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

As Job experienced, the blessed of God encounter miserable, carnally minded comforters within and without, telling us we are anything but blessed because of the seemingly endless trials and afflictions we endure. Walking by faith and not by sight, the Lord’s people ignore the wisdom of the world within and without and rather stand on the Promises of Christ, which is the power of God that is the Commandments. The Lord’s Commandments are wisdom and understanding brought to those chosen to see, hear, and understand the mystery of the Gospel in every age. Solomon, as a type of God’s Elect, is granted wisdom and knowledge to judge the nations [thoughts]. Only the Commandments of Christ bring true riches, wealth, and honour. Think spiritually about every word in the Scriptures. After faith comes, wisdom and understanding are given to us.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

2Ch 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

2Ch 1:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

The true blessings of God are the experiences that mould and reshape us into a holy and set-apart people, being remade into His likeness. It is always a fiery process that begins when judgment has fallen upon the house of God. As we grow in maturity, we, at times, grow weary and do not feel blessed; thus, we need to be reminded often of what the Lord is working in us through affliction. It is through difficult trials that we learn to walk by faith, leaning on the comfort of our faith and the treasure and power that are the Living Commandments. These words do not read like blessings, but they are the greatest blessings we have ever received.

2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

2Co 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Maturing on the Lord’s timeline, we learn to be thankful for everything, knowing we are reaping the blessings of God. The faith of Christ, that is to say, the Father’s Commandments, is what keeps us safe and protected from the snares of the devil.

Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

When the Lord has mercy and opens our spiritual eyes and ears to His Gospel, the Commandments, our blessings have only begun.

Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The revelation of Christ within us comes when we are given spiritual eyes to hear the Living Christ and thus begin to fulfill the prophecies of the Book. When the Lord comes into our lives and begins to work His work in us, which is to raise us from spiritual death, the time is henceforth at hand, and we are now blessed above all the peoples of the earth as we are being made holy in His image.

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Deu 7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

With eyes now open to see the Commandments, the blessings of God are all about our sanctification, which is God’s will. We are sanctified and blessed when we are cleansed of all things that defile, being washed by the water of the Commandments, which is preparing us to receive the Spirit of Christ into our hearts.

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

It is the Lord’s work to accomplish this, as our hearts are circumcised by the Commandments that are the living Christ. A circumcised heart is a clean heart that has been washed by the Spirit of Christ that dwells in us.

Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

The Lord promises to hasten His work in us. To hasten means to speed up, to finish, to make short work upon the earth. We are the earth. The Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him. The more we come to the Commandments, the greater blessings we receive from the Lord, and His work in us is hastened.

Isa 60:21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Isa 60:22 A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

When the Lord comes for salvation, we are continually blessed as the Lord is always present with us. The Lord promises never to leave or forsake us. Christ, our able minister and high Priest, is always there to bless us and bring that which is lacking in our faith. The ways of Christ are never changing, even in our latter-day visitation, as the OT shadows declare.

Deu 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

Deu 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

The Commandments we know and meditate about, and which live in our hearts and minds, is our Helper. We are blessed even as our flesh pines.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

We are also blessed because the Lord hears and answers our prayers, made according to His will. In the Day of the Lord, we are being taught to pray for anything according to His will, and we shall receive it.

Psa 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Christ blesses us richly as it brings about His will and glorifies God, the Father. We therefore have full assurance that He is providing what we ask for, not asking amiss, but asking rightly according to His will. The Lord deeply cares for us.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Psa 84:4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

The blessings of being in Christ and in the Father are the exercising of our faith that, in time, enable us to stand through the trials, to have our faith proven, and see the remaking progress and the new temple of the Living God constructed. When we hearken unto the Lord’s Voice, many blessings are being poured out upon us. Here is the OT shadow of what is being said.

Deu 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Deu 28:3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

Deu 28:4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Deu 28:5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. .

Deu 28:6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

The Lord’s blessings are not what flesh desires. The blessings of God reserved for His chosen people in the Day of the Lord are to make them perfect. It is not about the flesh being profited when the Lord is guiding us towards life aionios, which is God, the Father, and Christ within us. We live by every word of God until all is fulfilled.

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Blessed are we when judgment comes to us by the mercy of God that has opened our eyes to the Gospel, visiting us with salvation. We rejoice and glory in our inheritance in the Spirit of Christ.

Psa 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psa 106:4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
Psa 106:5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

Christ’s purpose in saving us is not to make us comfortable in this world. Instead, He is calling us out of the world, within and without, to become a set-apart people unto Himself. Thus, it is through the faith of Christ given to us that we know the Lord’s plan and are glad. Blessing has come upon the house of God, and this requires enduring the chastening and affliction of our Heavenly Father as we are taught His Commands.

Psa 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

In judgment, the Lord brings temptations and trials and corrects us when we err and rewards us when we obey. In the same way a natural father loves and grows His children, so does our Lord. We come to rejoice and see our chastening and judgment as a blessing.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Thinking of our trials as God, the Father, and Christ views them helps us identify and take captive an ungrateful, complaining spirit within ourselves. Who are the blessed people of God? To know this gives us a different perspective on our trials, which is the work of the Commandments, the rod of God that comforts the new man and destroys the old. The rod of God is the Comforter, the Living Commandments.

Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Isa 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isa 40:2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.

When the Commandments come, we begin to eat the meat of the Gospel that is our understanding of the Father’s Commandments and ways, with gladness. Our heart is singularly focused on obeying the Lord and pleasing our Heavenly Father.

Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

The blessed people of God are the chosen few who come out of the many called in Christ’s name. Anyone blessed by God has become so not because of anything they do but solely because they have been chosen for salvation in this age. Christ causes us to dwell in His courts of judgment. It is in His house where spiritual fruit is being established, and we are being grown into the likeness of Christ.

Psa 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain …

We do not obey the Lord to get a reward; instead, our obedience and the blessing are because the Lord has chosen us to place His Commandments in our hearts and minds. The living Commandments are the cause of our obedience, and they come to us by the election of grace and none of our own works.

Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded . But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

The Lord puts the desire, the hunger to seek Him, and the zeal for His house into our hearts and minds. This zeal is the Commandments and is the blessing that IS come upon the remnant being saved in every age. The election by grace works to fill us with Christ’s righteousness in due time.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Being loved by the world and being spoken well of by men is not a blessing. Following Christ means the world will hate and revile us, as they esteem not the Commandments. Blessed are we when we are spoken evil of and persecuted for righteousness’ sake, which means standing in the Commandments. Our blessing is to have the mind of Christ and the trials that this mind produces. Swift rejection and persecution upon the true sons of God, obeying Christ’s Commandments, who do not follow after the traditions of men, is to be expected. We learn to rejoice in this rejection and to see it as the confirmation of the Lord’s Presence and His Commandments at work in our lives.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Php 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Psa 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Being divided, separated from, and rejected by the carnal world within and without is a necessary blessing to become mature in Christ. This variance with others is to be expected, and we know it is our saving grace to be separated from the world.

Deu 33:16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

Deu 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.

Mar 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

This isolation is painful at first, yet the sons of God rejoice when their worldly goods are plundered. Spiritually, this means that our so-called spiritual riches, without the Lord’s Commandments, are spoiled. The Lord destroys all when He comes with His Commandments that are the true knowledge of God. All of our knowledge without Christ and the idols of our hearts are spoiled and come to nothing. Read the parable of the rich young ruler in the Gospels.

Jer 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Jer 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?

Jer 2:15 The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.

Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Being separated from the world, the sons of God are no longer partaking in the lusts of the flesh, which is the law of sin in our members. We become dead to these lusts and mortify them through the blessings of God, the Commandments we have received, and seek after. The Lord promises us the kingdom of Heaven, which is Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. “Sell that you have” are spiritual words meaning to seek and hold fast to the incorruptible treasure of God’s Commandments.

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luk 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

The fear of the Lord is a profound blessing that is likened unto a treasure. We learn the fear of the Lord by the favor [grace] of the Lord, which is put upon us. The fear of the Lord is taught us by the Commandments we hearken unto that are judging us.

Psa 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Where sin abounds, the living grace of God abounds even more. When grace has come, the wonderful work of the Lord to the children of men has come, and we are learning obedience by the things we are given to suffer.

Psa 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Psa 112:2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Fearing God is a blessing as it keeps us in subjection to the Commandments and empowers us to endure and suffer in our flesh until salvation comes.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Taught by our many trials and temptations, the fear of the Lord, that is to say, obedience to His Commandments, becomes our treasure. The Commandments and ur striving to keep them become our treasure and the purpose of our lives.

Isa 33:6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure.

The blessings of God bring the Power of God, the Commandments, into our hearts, which keep the fear of God before us at all times. The result is eternal life IS to know the Father and Christ intimately, becoming one Spirit.

Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Our experience of evil is a blessing, and the Lord uses it to show us our sins and to turn our hearts back to the Commandments for salvation. Despite much suffering, we are trusting in the Lord who promises to bless the latter end with salvation of His people. We learn from Job’s evil experience that the end of the matter is better than the beginning for all of God’s people.

Ecc 1.3 CLV I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.

Job 42:12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning:

Those to whom Christ chooses and raises from the dead become His Priests and Ministers who preach the Gospel. The walk of faith brings shame as all our sins are exposed by the light. For all the shame we endure, the Lord blesses us with a double portion, and we inherit the earth and obtain everlasting joy.

Isa 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Isa 61:9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.

Following Christ brings the blessing of God. We preach the true Gospel, and it is given back unto us. The man with ten talents was given even more because he was faithful with what he had been given [Matthew 25]. Christ rewards those who diligently seek Him and act upon their given measure of faith. We reap what we sow in obeying the Lord and are given even more of His Spirit.

Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

As our faith grows and overcoming increases, lasting spiritual fruit comes. We are learning patience and endurance, trusting in the Promises that are not yet manifest in our walk. Here is the due reward of the Lord’s blessings in the OT shadow:

Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The Holy Spirit that is the Living Christ is the blessing of living waters coming out of our bellies in our speech and our deeds.

Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Joh 7:39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

The blessing of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Living Commandments are the pure river of water that brings life. Now dwelling in us, His Temple, we shall always be yielding fruit when the Lord finishes the work in His chosen people.

Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

The blessed sons of God have their sins forgiven. Those of the spiritual household of faith grow in maturity to know that their sins are being forgiven. Those sins are part of His good work that is, was, and will be perfecting us in the latter times.

Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Rom 4:7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Thus, the promises of the New Covenant are being fulfilled in our lives.

Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

By orchestrating our mistakes and sins, the Lord is humbling us, turning our hearts to Him and teaching us to forgive others and to extend mercy to those who do us wrong, rather than wrath. The Lord teaches us to be merciful by showing us just how much mercy we ourselves need. To have mercy is to open blind eyes and deaf ears. Think spiritually.

Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mat 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Pursuers of peace are the blessed of God. We learn through the Commandments of Christ to become angels of peace, entering into the true Sabbath’s rest. When we do His Commandments, we pursue peace with all men and do not judge another man’s servant. Violence, the carnal reasoning of the accusing and excusing mindset, is no longer heard in the land. The Prince of Peace now rules, the Commandments IS our government and authority. Think spiritually.

Isa 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

The poor in Spirit are blessed, coming in the Lord’s Name. Through the trials of faith, the Lord mars us, destroying the old and bringing forth the new. We are poor in spirit, having forsaken all to follow the Commandments in full assurance of faith. As our man of sin is cast out, we become poor in spirit, which makes us rich in the heavenly realm as Christ within us is strong and IS overcome the world. As the blessed of God, His Christ, we now hold the keys of death and hell, which are the Living Commandments. What doors we shut, no man can open, and what doors we open, no man can shut. As He is, so are we.

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Christ, the Commandments are leading us in all things, and we come in the Lord’s Name. We are now the blessed sons of God being led by the Spirit of God, that is to say, His Commandments. We come now in His Name, having been redeemed.

Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The true sons of God are promised a most wonderful blessing of the true tithe that comes with a Promise of blessing. The true tithe is the Gospel of Christ Jesus that we preach and obey. We live off the Gospel, the Commandments, and are abundantly blessed with the many things the Lord provides.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Zec 14:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Zec 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

When we see ourselves living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, the Word, the Commandments, become alive. Judgment has come to our house, and we are now the blessed sons of God who can hear the Word and are led by the Spirit. The Living Christ in us is exalted, and the love of God is being spread abroad in our hearts as we are being taught of God.

Isa 33:5 The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

Luk 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Salvation from all of our sins is the ultimate blessing and is finished when we are perfected by the hand of the Living Christ that dwells in us.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Our chastening by the Lord brings these many blessings upon us. Our chastening is a spiritual blessing because it is the salvation of our souls. It is the end of our faith, entering into our rest on the true Sabbath.

Psa 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

The Promise comes to those given the faith of Christ, and thus the Spirit of Grace is brought to us, and the result is blessing and the appearing of Christ in our deeds.

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

The trials of our faith are transforming us by exercising our spiritual senses as we grow into mature children of God. We are made accepted in the Beloved.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

The Lord’s chastening tames our beastly nature, and we are learning to submit to the Lord. Gaining dominion over sin, little by little, we are inheriting the earth and standing upon the sea that represents our flesh and its many temptations.

Psa 73:22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

Those attentive to the things of the Lord are the blessed ones. Like building muscle, our faith grows as we exercise it and endure and overcome the trials the Lord brings. We go from glory to glory and see Christ as He is. Watching and guarding our gates, taking all things captive contrary to the Lord’s Commandments, is what we are striving to do every day of our lives. These words are applicable as we are reading them today. Blessed are those who watch.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Pro 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Being watchful is a daily battle in which we rest from our carnal works but always work the work of God, which is the faith of Christ. As we are being sanctified, we see the Lord in us appearing more and more in due time. When we keep Christ’s Commandments, the Father loves us and makes His abode in us, and Christ [the Commandments] appear in our walk. Our hearts are being purified and made holy, which is the manifestation of God in our lives.

1Ti 6:14 that you keep commandments without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing,

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are those who mourn because they are comforted. Our chastening involves much tribulation and anguish over which we mourn and lament. We suffer many losses in the flesh, and the emotional pain we are appointed to experience is a necessary part of the Lord’s plan. Eventually, we mature to look behind ourselves and rejoice in those sufferings. Being weak in the flesh, we mourn and lament for a season. Yet this blessing promises that we are being comforted, and a great joy, the joy of the Lord returns.

Isa 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Psa 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Patience is required, as none of us know the future or the Lord’s timeline for finishing His work in us. We strive daily to endure and overcome, knowing that we are the Lord’s workmanship. Those blessed of the Lord know there is always more work to be done in the kingdom of God and heed the admonishments of Paul.

Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Like a farmer, we do all we can to stand, striving to be perfect. Yet we are at the mercy of the Lord to bring the necessary rain to grow the spiritual crop He plants within us. We learn to be patient as we wait on the Lord. Christ tells us it takes patience to bring home the crop.

Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Blessed are those who receive the fiery trials and their faith of Christ from the Lord’s Hand. As the Lord’s people, we are the blessed ones who can know it; who will believe our report? Only those shown mercy by the Lord hear us, and those precious few have the Lord’s Name, that is to say, His Commandments written in their forehead.

Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Those blessed and made holy have been resurrected from the spiritually dead, and henceforth we never taste of death even when we depart these clay vessels. We shall forever be with the Lord.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

The blessed of God in this age are the true sons of God who get their reward in down payment form now, as the Living Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Promise of Eternal Life has taken root in the kingdom of God within us.

Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

We are strong in the Lord and endure. The required suffering and chastening are only for a season. The Lord’s ways are higher than ours, and we who now suffer have been counted worthy to receive the blessings of God.

Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Blessed are we to have the mind of Christ. Go to the truthinscripture.com website and look up Commandments in the top menu. We do not forget the Lord, else He denies us also. The Lord forgave us in times past, but the time of ignorance is over, having heard the true Gospel.

Jer 2:32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

We hope the Lord blesses all the Lord brought here to read and that He grants you understanding of His ways and purposes.

Receive ye the Gospel, receive ye the Holy Spirit.

Studies

The Cost of Following Christ

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 Peter

Bearing Our Cross as Christ’s Disciples

Peter and Rohnel, servants of God to the scattered saints and pilgrims, elected of God, now being sanctified by the Gospel through faith, grace, and peace in the name of our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

A disciple follows, and as chosen disciples of Jesus Christ, we are following the Lord. To say we are following the Lord means we are striving to obey all His commandments, because Christ is the Word. The costs required are very high, in terms of the loss to our flesh and carnal way of life. Understanding and being often reminded of these costs helps us prepare for the journey and be ready for the promised trials that test our discipleship.

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The Lord tells us about the costs we bear. To follow the Lord and stay the course requires us to willingly embrace the suffering, affliction, and persecution that come with standing on the Commandments.

Luk 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Christ’s disciples carry their cross all the way to death, believing that new life only comes from the death of the old. Flesh does not profit.

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

As we follow Christ, walking with Him, we strive to obey the commandments, which is the Gospel being preached to us. Hearing the Gospel is the baptism by water that precedes our baptism of fire when the Promise comes in the appointed hour. Being washed by the commandments takes time and occurs when one stands for Christ and willingly bears others’ reproach, rejection, and persecution. True disciples are given strength to embrace these losses and endure the suffering to be counted worthy of His Name. It is a long journey, the remainder of our physical lives that we who believe in Him pursue at a significant cost.

Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

Christ is to have the preeminence above all things, meaning that doing the commandments and loving God becomes our life’s purpose. Obeying God is loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. By keeping the commandments, we, by definition, love our neighbors and our families in Spirit. We as Christ have no respect of persons, treating and reacting to all men in the Spirit of Christ, the commandments. We no longer know any man after the flesh but only through the prism of the Gospel.

2Co 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Obeying Christ and loving Him is not just our top priority; it becomes our only priority. We are sent in the same manner that the Father sent Christ.

Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Joh 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

We are commanded to love our enemies and not hate anyone, which is likened to murder in the Spirit. The Lord’s words about counting these costs, which speak of hating our families, are a parable. One way to understand it is to think of hating them as loving them less than Christ. We always put the Lord, the Commandments, first in everything we do and bear the consequences and reactions from a carnal world, including families that have been made deaf and spiritually blind by the hand of the Lord.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

We love not only our families but all men, and we do this by obeying the Lord. We hate the spiritual clothing of those who walk in the flesh, symbolizing their carnal works and bondage to spiritual death. Disciples take great care to remain separate and not run in the same excess of riots and dissipations as the world. We may save some from the fires of Gehenna, better known as hell. We save them by obeying God, which is loving them in obedience, including teaching them the Gospel.

Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Obeying the Lord does not bring us peace in this world. In the world, we are promised many tribulations as the flesh hates Christ. Our peace is the inward peace of Christ when we rest in the commandments and cease from our carnal works and thoughts. Obeying the commandments in a carnal world brings tribulation upon us. We gladly bear the reproach and rejection.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

To obey the commandments costs us everything in the end. All is given up in obedience, and nothing is held back. We cannot overcome the enemy, our sins, by making peace with them; they are to be destroyed at a great cost. As the Lord’s kings, we are given the faith to lose everything we have, trusting in God’s power to finish the work in us and deliver us from all our enemies. Christ does not bring shame to His Name, and failure is not an option for those elected of God. All is to be forsaken.

Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Luk 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Luk 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Luk 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luk 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

The Word of God living in us shall not fail. The Word finishes the work and prospers to whomever the Father sends it. The further we walk with the Lord in His Faith, the seed of Christ grows like the mustard tree. We grow in Christ and obtain great confidence to continue the journey, making war against our sins, even as the costs to our flesh continue to mount.

Heb 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Heb 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

Heb 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

What are the costs of discipleship? When we begin our walk of faith, we have a limited view of the cost we pay. We read Scripture, yet the true meaning of those words and commands is revealed when we receive the Gospel and begin to be washed in the commandments. It is easy to follow the other Jesus of orthodoxy, except in some countries and cultures that are aggressively anti-Christ, as there is little cost to be borne. Many become renowned and reap profit to the flesh, being well spoken of by many, and suffering is not in view. We all begin the walk believing and seeking gains for our flesh.

Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Our teacher, the Living Christ, comes, and then the true costs begin to be revealed when we receive the Gospel and ultimately the indwelling Spirit of Christ and the Father. We learn of these costs as we carry and ultimately die on our cross. Wisdom is found through the death of our flesh.

Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

Job 28:13 Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

The flesh gets no reward as we now belong to God, and our sacrificed lives become our reasonable service. There is no reward except that which we have received, that is, the pearl of great price.

Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Luk 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Those marked to endure to the end make the deal and are counted faithful. Some who hear the Gospel and begin walking are unwilling to pay the full price to follow the Lord. When we hold back and lie to the Spirit, we are cut off from the living as the Acts 5 parable of Ananias shows. All is to be given up as the Lord is jealous for His people, demanding all of our hearts and minds.

All things are being made new when we follow Christ, who is now leading us into all righteousness and judgment. We are being separated as a holy people unto the Lord, and all things we think, do, and say, even our interests, are being taken away and changed. To be made anew, we give up relations with family, friends we know and esteem in the clay. We forsake all things needed to follow the Lord. We do not allow anything to impede our walk in following Christ. Many fiery trials come to set us apart and disconnect us, and no longer engage in the affairs of the world.

1Pe 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

1Pe 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

When Christ comes into our lives, division is the result. We are letting go of what the Lord is cutting off. The church Christ builds is separated, called out, and set apart from those who remain worldly and without the Gospel.

Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

To those being saved by the Commandments, Christ is precious, but to those who do not believe or obey the Gospel, Christ is a rock of offense and a stumbling stone which separates and brings reproach.

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Giving up the keeping of days, times, months, and years that all the world partakes in is a significant early step of our obedience. Yet the costs are much higher as we learn. The Lord demands our whole heart and mind, not just a portion. We have been redeemed, we now belong to Christ, and anything that is not of faith is required to be taken. Worldly interests, sports, hobbies, political discourse, and anything that keeps us engaged in the world, pursuing its idols and interests, are removed in due time.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The Lord raises His elect up for the purpose of putting them into the ministry and sending them forth to preach the Gospel and do the greater works. There is little time, and we cannot serve two masters. The Lord brings trials and earthquakes into our lives to remove whatever is not of faith.

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Heb 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

As we follow Christ, those outside the faith no longer know us. We are not the same person; we have been transfigured, remade into a new vessel, with a new mindset and identity, having been transformed into sons of God. Rejoice and be thankful for the privilege and honor of being chosen to pay these costs now. We are the beloved sons of God, being remade.

1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

The Lord does not demand the full price until we are made ready and able to pay it, as we are clay in His hands. There is a process of growing in the faith and grace of God that matures us in Christ on His timeline. The Lord gives us the macro picture of expecting great tribulation but leaves out the details, which are unique to each person. Losing our old life and stepping into a new one is the hardest thing we will ever be asked to endure. We endure many deceptions, false christs, but the elect are brought through all hardships, and He shortens the days for our sakes.

Mat 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Mat 24:22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets [Christ without the Gospel of Commandments] will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Mat 24:25 See, I have told you beforehand.

The Living Word of God is only revealed to us and in us as we can bear it according to our measure of faith and maturity. Once the Spirit of Truth comes, then our understanding of the totality of the costs required becomes clearer, and we are led further into the Kingdom as we are made able.

Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

When we seek the Lord, He is faithful to reveal to us what we need to know before the trials and hardships come. If we lack wisdom, seek Him and ask.

Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

One of the hardest costs to understand and pay is separating from brethren we have walked with for a long time. This separation comes at the time of the harvest, that is, the “last days” after the Gospel has been preached and received. It is then that the separation of the wheat from the tares and/or the sheep from the goats is being done. The Lord winnows the flock, so only those ordained to be faithful to the end remain.

1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

As painful as paying these costs may be, they are the way to eternal life and coming to know Christ and the Father in Spirit and in Truth.

Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

There is no turning back for those chosen for salvation in this age. Remember Lot’s wife, who ceased following the angels of the Lord as she turned to look at Sodom. No man who begins working for the Lord and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. When Christ brings great tribulation upon us after we see our man of sin, we are commanded not to look or go back or bring any abominable thing with us on the journey.

Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Isa 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it

Being Made Willing:

The Lord makes us willing to pay the costs, and that comes by the gift of His faith in God the Father. Only a chosen remnant escapes and is given the faith and zeal to continue to follow the Lord’s commandments and lose their old life. Eating Christ’s body and drinking His blood is about losing your flesh and carnal way of life to gain it by the resurrection of Jesus Christ within you.

Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

The Gospel of commandments brings judgment and correction, and remakes us into sons of God, and is the true bread from heaven called the Bread of Life. We eat this bread every day in seeking the Kingdom of God within us to grow unto maturity. Christ is the bread of life that works righteousness and changes hearts and minds. Eating Christ’s bread is how we live, and eternal life is made manifest.

Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Those who fall away, all by the design of God, are not made willing to pay the costs in this age. No man embraces Christ, the Commandments, except it is given of God the Father. Many disciples leave the narrow way and cease following the Lord, but disciples indeed continue in His Word.

Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Joh 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

The Lord puts a zeal for His house and His Spirit in us, making us willing to pay the cost, sell all we own, and follow after Him. Pay the cost, buy the Truth that is the living Christ dwelling in you. It comes with wisdom, instruction, and understanding unto righteousness.

Pro 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

The Lord spoke two short parables about those who, by the mercy of God, find Him and receive the Gospel and sell everything to buy it.

Mat 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Mat 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Mat 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Few are given to make the sale and sell/forsake all for Christ. The parable of the Rich Young Ruler shows the refusal of the carnal mind to pay the full price to follow the Lord by treasuring one’s possessions over the Living Commandments. To be made perfect, all is let go, or else we cannot follow Christ and be His disciple.

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

All things are possible if the Lord chooses, and even a rich man can enter into the Kingdom, being made willing to forsake all and pay the costs.

Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Without paying the full price and giving up our lives, we are not saved from our sins. Without shedding of blood, there is no remission of our sins. We are saved when we suffer in the flesh and strive against sin and pay these high costs to obey the Lord.

Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

The resulting chastening and scourging of our heavenly Father is not joyous in the moment, but it works the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our lives. We are made partakers of His holiness by following the Lord’s example, bearing the chastening of God.

New Life in Spirit Comes by Death on the Cross

It pleases our heavenly Father to bruise us and make our lives an offering for sin. We fill up in the afflictions in our bodies and lives for the sake of the entire church of Jesus Christ. We follow Christ to our death as His Christ.

Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

We are asked to let go of everything by turning our lives over to Christ to enter into the kingdom. Giving up the ghost [spirit] is the ultimate price we pay, and we stay on the cross until everything is accomplished. As He is, so are we, His Christ, in the world. We submit our spirit unto the Lord, trusting Him in all things, enduring all things in faith.

Luk 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Walking in the Spirit is walking in the Commandments and is how we follow Christ. Those doing it are on the cross, and their flesh and all its lusts are being crucified.

Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The only way we find eternal life is by the resurrection from the dead. To get there, we have to go to the cross, suffer, and die, just as our Lord set the example.

Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

To be freed from sin, we reckon ourselves dead to the flesh. An astronomical price we pay by the mercy and grace of the Lord. We trust in the Lord, we keep the faith of what we do not yet see.

Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

The salvation journey ends when we depart these clay vessels. That is the end of our race. We walk the walk and fight the fight of faith all the way to the end. Our lives belong to Christ, and we follow Him to the end, never ceasing to carry our cross and willingly lose our carnal life in obedience.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Pray for the zeal and strength to stand in the face of the fiery trials that lie ahead on the journey to the mountain of Christ. The Spirit is willing, but our flesh remains weak even with a deposit of the Spirit. We are selling all we own to buy the gold tried in the fire as the Lord appears in our walk and makes us willing to pay the next installment. Paul followed the Lord to the end, serving as an example for us all.

2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

To the carnally minded, these Truths are foolishness. What an honor and a blessing to be counted worthy to suffer for His Name and pay this price, giving all of ourselves to the Lord.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

	Peter on Go and Preach the Gospel
	Ralph Serpe on Go and Preach the Gospel
	Peter on Losing our Lives For Christ
	morhardtd on Losing our Lives For Christ
	Ralph Serpe on Christ Jesus is Everything

Category: Studies

Forgiveness

We Forgive as Christ Forgives Us

Like this:

Signs of the End Times – Part 1

The Harvest of the Lord IS Come

The Lord’s Harvest

Like this:

Blessed is the Man of God

Rejoice in the Blessings Making us New

Like this:

The Cost of Following Christ

Bearing Our Cross as Christ’s Disciples

Like this:

We Forgive as Christ Forgives Us

PRINT & SHARE

Like this:

The Harvest of the Lord IS Come

The Lord’s Harvest

PRINT & SHARE

Like this:

Rejoice in the Blessings Making us New

PRINT & SHARE

Like this:

Bearing Our Cross as Christ’s Disciples

PRINT & SHARE

Like this: