The Daily Word of Righteousness

A Giant Step Forward

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. (Hosea 6:1-3)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21)

The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has come to a new season. We, through faith, have been "shielded by God's power" until the promised salvation should arrive. The promised salvation, the coming redemption, is deliverance from sin and reconciliation to God in our personality.

On the basis of the atonement made on the cross of Calvary we have been reconciled to God legally, as it were. Now it is time for the actual reconciliation of our spirit, soul, and body to the Lord in all that we think, say, and do.

Many passages of Scripture in the Old Testament and the New point toward the day when God will make an end of sin. The dawning of that day of redemption from the hand of the enemy is here now.

Seventy "sevens" are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. (Daniel 9:24)

"To put an end to sin."

The Bible tells us that seasons of refreshing will come to us as we repent. Also, that Christ will remain in Heaven until the times come for God to restore all that He has promised through the Prophets.

It appears the time has arrived for one such season of refreshing, and we must repent if we are to avail ourselves of it.

It is interesting to note that when Simeon encountered Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus in the Temple he recognized the Lord's Christ, as did Anna also. No doubt there were many devout Jews in the Temple at the same time. Why did they not recognize the Lord's Anointed?

Suppose Simeon had said to one of the devout leaders of Israel, "This child is the Christ!" What do you think the response would have been? Simeon would have been stoned to death.

Why can some of the Lord's people perceive what He is doing and others not be aware anything unusual is happening? What does it require in order to know the day of one's visitation? Probably a heart that is fervent toward the Lord.

Just because someone is religious does not mean he or she is spiritual.

To be continued.