Things New and Old: '... them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.'

Things New and Old

Ancient truths revealed in the Scriptures are often forgotten, disbelieved or distorted, and therefore lost in the passage of time. Such ancient truths when rediscovered and relearned are 'new' additions to the treasury of ancient truths.

Christ showed many new things to the disciples, things prophesied by the prophets of old but hijacked and perverted by the elders and their traditions, but which Christ reclaimed and returned to His people.

Many things taught by the Apostles of Christ have been perverted or substituted over the centuries. Such fundamental doctrines like salvation by grace and justification have been hijacked and perverted and repudiated by sincere Christians. These doctrines need to be reclaimed and restored to God's people.

There are things both new and old here. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" 2Ti 2:7.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

'... them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.'

Who are them that are sanctified by the faith that is in Christ?
Whose or what faith is it?

The Lord of glory said to Saul of Tarsus: (Acts 16)
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

The Lord gave him a very specific job description!

Verse 18 speaks of one and the same group of people - "whom" the Lord of glory is sending him UNTO. The pronouns 'whom...their... them... they... them' all refer to the one same group of people.

Questions:
1. Unto whom did Christ send apostle Paul:
- to all generally and none specifically, or "them which are sanctified by the faith that is in [Christ]?

2. Who are those whose eyes need opening by the gospel ministry:
- those dead in trespasses and sins, or God's children who are blind to the truth of their salvation?

3. Who are those in darkness that need to be brought to the light by the gospel ministry:
- those dead in trespasses and sins, or God's children who are ignorant of their salvation?

4. Who are those that can be turned from the power of Satan unto God by the gospel ministry:
- those dead in trespasses and sins, or God's children deceived by lies and superstition and fables?

5. Who are they that may receive forgiveness of sins through the gospel ministry:
- those dead in trespasses and sins, or God's children?

6. What is the sanctification that is by the faith that is in Christ?

7. Who are them that are sanctified by the faith that is in Christ?

Let me hear your answers to these specific questions. Thanks.

Paul said,
8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Did you notice his words, "I endure all things for the elect’s sakes."

Apostle Paul is specifically instructed that his ministry is intended specifically "among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." It has no relevance for others.