Are We Embracing the Light?

Photo by Lucie Dawson on unsplash

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Have you ever tried to pick a paint color? You go to the store where paint is sold and pick up a swatch of a color that looks great! When you get it home, perhaps it doesn’t look so great.

What is the difference? Usually, the difference has to do with light. All color is a reflection of light. All the other light frequencies will be absorbed except the color which is reflected. That’s the color you see whether red, yellow, blue, purple or taupe.

The strength and quality of the light will have a bearing upon the appearance of the color you choose.

It is the light which makes manifest.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21)

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.  (Ephesians 5:13)

The light, as spoken of in these bible passages, represents truth. Truth is not only something you possess or something you know, it is something you do. If we come to the truth (light) our true color will be exposed. Evildoers don’t want that so they run from the light of God and his word. Truth doers receive the revelation which the light brings. If evil is present, truth doers want to know it so they can repent of it.

When Jesus returns, he will shine the bright light of his righteousness upon all of the Christian’s deeds. He will throw out all of the trash[i] (thank you Jesus) and reward the good deeds of the true believer.

It is possible for Christians to allow God’s Spirit to shine his word upon us now in order to make our deeds apparent before God so that we might be brought to repentance – before we stand before the Lord.

Hundreds of years ago, I guess most containers were made of clay pottery. Some pots were of excellent consistency without flaw. Of course the potter would get a much better price for those kinds of vessels.

For a vessel with a crack, I heard that some potters or sellers would attempt to fill the crack with wax. They could usually do a sufficient job of concealing the cracks this way.

The buyers soon got wise to this and learned that if they held such a vessel up to the sun, the line of wax would be exposed. After spotting the wax in the jar or pot, a buyer might refuse it for its lack of integrity.

Integrity is what God is asking for in us. He asks us to be real, genuine – living in simplicity. (See 1 Corinthians 1.12). If it is what it is – and it is, then it also ain't what it ain't. Let's not try to be what we ain't and let's not say it ain't if it is. If we have flaws, we should admit them, particularly to God who knows all things. [ii]

The Lord God asks that we function without pretense or false intentions; that we conduct ourselves with pure motives in our service to him. For, “all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.”

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[i] 1 Corinthians 3.13-15
[iI] 1 John 3.20

Being Sanctified without being Sanctimonious

You know, God has called every Christian believer to sanctification.[i]

You might be saying; “I automatically reject any word that has more than four syllables.” This is not true because the word “automatically” contains six syllables.

Yes, I know, the words “sanctification” and “sanctimonious” are long words, but if you’ll take the time to get to know some of these terms, you’ll be better equipped.

Here’s the main difference: “Sanctimonious” is to act holy. “Sanctified” is to be holy.

Does the Lord want all of us to act holy? No, not if it doesn’t come from hearts of purity. That is Phariseeism which Jesus hates. That is to be sanctimonious.

The word “sanctimonious,” according to the dictionary means to be self-righteous or holier-than-thou. God doesn’t want us to be hypocritical about our Spiritual condition. If we have flaws, and we do, we should acknowledge them. We should recognize that, in ourselves, we are really no better than anyone else out there. To my shame, I often see unbelievers (as best as I can tell) who demonstrate qualities that I don’t always live out. They are often kinder, more patient, more courteous, gentler, nobler, more optimistic, less volatile and purer in thought than I am.

Now don’t get all pious on me here. I’ve seen the same lack of virtue in many other Christians too, so it could be true of you as well. Don’t you recognize it too? One thing we Christians should know is that we are not saved because we’re good. We have been saved because God is good.

But, hopefully, being saved will begin a process of having a good heart and practicing good conduct. This is sanctification. Jesus said “No one is good but One, that is, God.” (Mark 10.18) The scripture also says; “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3.23) This means that we have all missed the mark. So if we’re going to do good, we’re going to have to get this goodness from God. It doesn’t come naturally – only supernaturally.

When we’re justified, born again, we are made righteous in God’s eyes. This is positional righteousness. We are pronounced right or righteous by God based on the merits of his good and holy Son, Jesus Christ. His righteousness is imputed to our account just as our sin was imputed to him on the cross.

At the same time, he sanctifies us – sets us apart unto him or makes us holy. So if we’re going to be holy, we have to get it from him as well. That is sanctification.

From the time that we’re saved, we enter into a process of sanctification. This is practical righteousness. Because of our love for Jesus and because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, now we have the opportunity and the responsibility to live in a holy manner. The word of God says:

…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1.15-16)

Now, while we are in the process of becoming more like our Lord, growing in holiness, let us lay aside all pretense. If it ain’t there, it ain’t there. Let’s not feign that it is.

I like these words which have been attributed to John Newton the former slave trader who was saved by the grace of Jesus and then later helped abolish slavery in England:

I'm not what I ought to be.
I'm not what I want to be.
I'm not what I hope to be.
But thank God,
I'm not what I used to be.

Recently I preached from 1 Corinthians 1.2. In this verse, we read these words:

…to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus,
    called to be saints…

Children of God, you HAVE BEEN sanctified (past tense), Jesus has set you apart unto himself as holy ones but he has also called you to BE saints. This is the process of appropriating what you know to be true –  that you have been sanctified.

Now, go into the land and possess your possession.[ii]

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[i] John 17.17; Acts 20.32

[ii] Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: "How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you? (Joshua 18.3)

Have You Been Accepted?

A little boy stands on the playground. He doesn’t think he’s a very good ball player but he wants to play. Two young fellows are responsible for choosing teammates. It’s a big deal because every boy wants to be chosen – hopefully, not last.

Not long after the choosing up begins, he hears those important words. “I choose Ricky.” Ricky doesn’t know if he deserves this but he knows that he has been accepted.

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One of the best Thanksgiving Holidays I ever had was a few years ago. [i] Our family got together at my son’s house. We had the usual wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal together, but that’s not what made it so great. My son asked everyone there to say something kind about each person present. There were eight or ten of us there that day.

It wasn’t hard to find something nice to say about everyone there and it was all genuine. I did wonder, though, if anyone might have trouble finding something positive to say about me.

I’ll never forget what my daughter-in-law said to me that day. She remembered back when she and my son first began dating. She said, “I am grateful that you accepted me into your family. You have always made me feel welcomed and at home.”

I remember that because it made me feel warm and glad. I was glad she had come to be a part of our family, but also because she knew that I had accepted her.

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A precious little girl sits looking out the window as cars roll up to the facility where she lives. She has seen many couples come and go through those doors. Sometimes when they leave, they go out hand in hand with one of the other children. She wonders, “Will anyone ever take me?” “Will I ever go to live with some nice family for more than just weeks or months?” “Is it possible that I would no longer be bypassed and be selected by a nice family I could call my own?”

One day a well dressed couple walks through the door of the children’s home. The girl wonders if some privileged kid will be chosen to go and live with this man and woman. When they look her way she feels blood rush to her face. “Surely they are looking at someone else,” she thinks as she turns to look behind her.

Then the Director of the children’s home turns unexpectedly to her and says; “This couple is looking for a little girl just like you. Would you be willing to be their daughter?”

She has finally been accepted!

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A young lady is completing her high school requirements. Now her desire is to go to college. She is applying to four or five schools, but there is one highly reputable University she where wants to study.

The month of June goes by, and then much of July until she receives that important letter. Not able to open it quickly enough, she unfolds the letter and reads, “We are happy to inform you that you have been accepted into our University.” She rejoices that she has been accepted.

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A boy joins his friend and his family at Six Flags over Texas. He’s never been there before but he’s heard many exciting things about the place. He has been waiting with anticipation to be able to get a ride on the New Texas Giant. When it comes time to get on, he wonders if he has enough money to pay.

“I may have to sit this one out, he tells his friend.”

“Don’t you want to ride the ride?” the father of his friend says tenderly.

“Sure, but since I’m not your kid, you guys can go ahead. I don’t have any money and I know you’ll want to take your family.”

The man stoops down to look at the boy in the eye. “You came here with my son, and I accept you just as I would him.” “Besides,” he said, “All your rides have already been paid for.”

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What do all the stories above have in common? They are all about being accepted. Acceptance is something every human being longs for.

It is also normal for all of us to long for God's acceptance. Some people may think he would never accept them. Some feel they have to earn his acceptance. Others understand they can never earn it. 

I want you to know that in Jesus Christ, the beloved of the Father, we have been freely and undeservatively accepted and made acceptable because of his grace. [ii] My prayer is that you have been received “in Christ” through faith. If not, believe in him today; he will receive you with open arms. 

By the way, everything has already been paid for.

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace,
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. [iii] 

(Ephesians 1.3-6)

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[i] True story.

[ii] "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." (Colossians 1.12) 
[iii] emphasis mine.

Where are the Miracles?

…if the LORD is with us …where are all His miracles… (Judges 6.13)

We must decide if miracles are miracles and we must decide whether miracles are necessary. If miracles are necessary, would we believe one if we saw it or heard it?

Now, there is the consideration of biblical miracles but there is also modern miracles to ponder. Does God do miracles today? I think there is sufficient evidence that he does but for this occasion, please allow me to steer our thoughts toward the miracles that are recorded in the bible.

First off, let’s try to understand what a miracle is:

God is the God of miracles. His act of creation would be nothing short of miraculous. You can’t do these things with a test tube and a bulldozer.

We could say that the new birth is miraculous. I have seen people’s lives changed completely by God’s grace as they became new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17). Drunks have become sober. Addicts have been totally freed of their addictions. Bums have become productive. The stingy have been made generous. Grouches have become nice (well, at least some of them). Enemies of the cross have become steadfast proponents of Christianity. While the new birth is supernatural and powerful, this is not what we usually think of when we consider miracles. We would call this Spiritual.

Some might say the conception, formation and birth of a baby is a miracle. I would almost agree with that assessment. I believe the development of human life in the womb is an absolutely amazing work of God but it falls into the realm of the natural, as extraordinary as it may be. Sometimes natural phenomena can be as amazing as the miraculous and all are a work of God. The one who sometimes works supernaturally is the same God who set in motion the powerful natural forces of life, reproduction, gravity and many more marvelous things.

We might think that God’s provision for us is miraculous. I remember one year when I had just enough needed to pay my unexpected taxes (those were days when I never had any extra money except for this occasion). I thanked God because I knew he had provided. His hand was obviously and undeniably at work in this. But, was this a miracle? Instead of miraculous, I would call it providential – which is nothing to sneeze at.

How may we define a miracle? The most concise, clear definition is one I found online. It says a miracle is:

An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. Such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God. [i]

Easton gives further enlightenment, stating:

It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a … supernatural power. [ii]

Are miracles something one can expect to see on a regular basis? Should we be asking, “Have you had your miracle today?”

I say no. Just as we do not constantly feed our children desserts, neither does God constantly pour out miracles in our lives (with rare exception). Even in bible times, among Apostles and Prophets, miracles did not always flow continuously. This shows us that God is sovereign in how he dispenses miracles.

Most biblical miracles were performed during the days of these three clusters:

1. Moses and Joshua: Moses evidently did twenty miracles.
2. Elijah and Elisha: Elijah did fourteen and Elisha twenty-eight.
3. Jesus and the Apostles:  Jesus performed thirty-seven miracles, Peter six and Paul nine.

While there were several others who did miracles or had them happen to them, such as Samson, Stephen and Philip, there were not many other miracles besides those listed above. These included healing the sick, walking on water, raising the dead and many others.

Then, there were periods in Bible days when there were no miracles. They seem to have been very rare in the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments and seem to have subsided after the time of the Apostles. John the Baptist did none but was considered by Jesus to have been the greatest of all men who were born of women.[iii] On certain occasions, Jesus did not do miracles when it was expected. Toward the end of his life, it seems that miracles decreased down to nothing for Paul.[iv]

Why then did we have miracles?

Sometimes they were given just as a mercy from God. Someone had a need and God met it in a supernatural way.

Some miracles were for the glory of God. God wants to be glorified – in part so that we may come to know him.[v]

Most miracles were done to validate the work of God in an Apostle or Prophet – or in the case of Jesus, the fact that he was the chosen Messiah. Otherwise, anyone can just show up and say, “I’m God’s chosen one and this is what He has to say.”

Rather, we have these words about the verifying factor of miracles:

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20.30-31)

And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs... (Mark 16.20) [vi]

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. (2 Corinthians 12.12)

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2.3-4)

God would use signs, miracles and supernatural Spiritual gifts to verify not only the messengers of the gospel but also the message of the gospel.

Then why doesn’t everyone believe the gospel if God gave us these miracles to accompany the advent of his written word? Answer: Because some refuse to believe regardless. The bible says:

If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead. (Luke 16.31)

Did God perform miracles through those he called out to represent him? Yes. Does he perform miracles today? Though I have seen God do amazing things, I cannot say that I’ve seen a miracle. You too? Does that exclude us from the fold of the faithful? No. We do not have to witness the miracles if we have the testimony of reliable witnesses – which we do.

The bible says; “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10.17) It doesn’t say that it comes to us through miracles.

God gave us miracles so that we could see that Jesus is the Son of God and so that we could trust the scriptures he gave us through the Prophets and Apostles.

Some who have not yet believed the gospel might say they would expect God, as Christians portray him, to do miracles. They might even say they would not believe unless they saw or were sure of such a thing. If that is so, here are the facts:

God doesn’t always do miracles, but sometimes he does. These miracles verify all that God says to us in his word – that Jesus is the promised Messiah who died in behalf of our sins, rose again, and is coming again. You can trust in him.

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[i]  www.dictionary.com/browse/miracle

[ii] Easton Bible Dictionary

[iii] Matthew 11.1

[iv] 1 Timothy 5.23; 2 Timothy 4.20; 2 Corinthians 12.7-9.

[v] John 9.1-3; John 11.3-4.

[vi] Here the word “signs” is a reference to miracles.