The Daily Word of Righteousness

Untying the Knot, continued

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (II Peter 1:3,4)

It certainly is true that to abide in Christ each day requires an effort on our part. We know from the New Testament that Christ will not walk with us if we continue in sin. We have to "come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing." It is then that God receives us.

God keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is stayed on Him. Are we of the new covenant kept in perfect peace whether or not we keep our mind stayed on the Lord?

Jesus said if we are to bear fruit we must abide in Him. If we do not bear fruit we will be cut out of the Vine, out of Christ. Is this still true?

The Law of Moses promises us long life if we honor our father and mother. Paul quotes this as being the first commandment with a promise. In so doing Paul is implying that the work of honoring our father and mother still brings the promise of long life, the inference being that the promises of the Old Testament still apply in the same manner as they did under prior covenants.

Unless one has a preconceived idea, one would look in vain in the writings of Paul to pick up the sense that it doesn't matter whether or not we keep the commandments of God.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (I Timothy 6:11-14)

Paul advised Timothy to cut a straight course in the Scriptures.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16)

Does the above verse make any sense if keeping the commandments of God is not necessary and beneficial?

Is a man of God perfect through belief in Christ alone or is he made perfect in God's sight as he keeps the commandments of the Old Testament and the New?

"For doctrine." "For reproof." "For correction" (what does this mean if not a necessary change of behavior?). "For instruction in righteousness." The man or woman of God is to be perfectly prepared for every good work.

To be continued.