Hi, A
I'm doing this just as fast as the Lord gives it to me.
Now then,
RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWLEDGE GIVEN
Babies are born knowing nothing. They do not know even the basics of right and wrong. They have to be taught virtually everything. Similarly, the world does not know the things of God - spiritual right from spiritual wrong. But with the knowledge of these things comes the responsibility to act on it.
Two Bible passages demonstrate that God holds people accountable for what they understand. Notice James 4:17: "Therefore to him that KNOWS TO DO GOOD, and does it not, to him it is sin." Now read Hebrews 10:26: "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, there remains no more sacrifice for sins."
Let's understand. Each time you learn more of God's truth (what is "good"), and it makes sense to you - you at least generally understand it - you are being given extraordinary spiritual knowledge for which God holds you accountable. Once you have crossed that line, it's like a secret oath between you and Him - break the oath and the punishment is forthcoming. And you will say "I'm sorry" but you can't be forgiven right then - another age - he knows you know. It all comes back in your own time - you'll be saved.
This is part of the calling process - and is actually central to it. Further, it makes understanding how God calls one much more serious than most have believed. Recognize that God will only call each human being once. Therefore, you are responsible now for the knowledge that you are being given. If one does not act on what he is learning, God will take that understanding away (Rom. 2:13; Psa.111:10), and such a person is in a grave spiritual condition.
THE GREATEST FREEDOM
God's truth is most exciting to understand. It is the path to all the wonderful, good things in life - things God wants you to have. It is also the path to the greatest freedom that there is! Christ told certain Jews professing to believe on Him: "If you continue in My word [the truth - John 17:17], then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall now the truth, and THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE" (John 8:31-32). You must be willing to "continue" in your studies of God's Word, learning ever more of His truth, which Christ explains will "set you free" from world cut off from God and held captive by Satan. Even this understanding is precious knowledge.
Your associates in the world probably understand none of these things. Neither do your relatives. Without God's calling, they have no possible way of enjoying now what is being offerered to you - if you are understanding and acting upon God's truth.
It is also vital that you make certain the things you are learning. You should find yourself wanting to PROVE the doctrines of God. Pauls also told the Thessalonians to "PROVE all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thes. 5:21). If you know God is calling you, take time to prove that He exists. Then prove that the Bible is truly His inspired Word for mankind.
Finally, prove the identity of God's church. Remove all doubt, leaving no room for confusion. there are many conterfeit churches - many spiritual "look-alikes" in the world. Do not be fooled by any of them. Christ promised, "I will build My Church" (Matt. 16:18). Determine to know for certain if you have come in contact with it. Make no mistake, folks, I'm not talking about a building.
At the same time you are proving these things, pray fervently about what you are learning. When you are unclear on a matter, remember that Christ taught, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7).
Now I have to ask the older members of this forum, doesn't that sound a lot like some of our newer members? Are they asking? Should we be tolerant of them asking the same questions over and over again or versing their opinion on something? Maybe its not the truth that they speak part of the time; but can't we see that they're searching for the truth? We must show love. That's okay, I'll get into that later.
John 14:17 explains how those coming toward conversion begin to find that they can see clearly the things of God. Notice what Christ said when speaking to His disciples about the Holy Spirit they were soon to receive: "Even the Spirit of truth; [which] the world cannot receive, because it sees [it] not, neither knows [it]: but you know [it]; for [it] dwells with you, and shall be in you."
At this point, the disciples were much like many today - perhaps like you, too. They were seeing many spiritual truths in part, but did not yet fully grasp the enormous importance of learning God's Plan and way of life. Through the Holy Spirit working with them, God was revealing certain things that they would only understand in a greater way once it was in them, beginning at conversion. Ultimately, to fully understand all the things of God - all the mysteries of the kingdom of God - one must be begotten of the Holy Spirit. This occurs when it enters directly into the mind! Lacking baptism in Christ (without hands) and the vital receiving of God's Spirit, it is completely impossible for anyone to truly understand even a single biblical truth!
Sorry it took me so long for this last post. I had to get some sleep. My own head was spinning from all the revelations my Father was giving me (and still is). There's another post to come yet - after I've had my coffee and think it out. In the meantime, love y'ans.
Paula said it