All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable
for doctrine, reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness,
that every man of God
may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for
every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
This consideration of the testimony of the Spirit in regards to our faith continues as we deeply examine this subject adding to the foundation that underpins our faith, our belief, and our truth. The testimony of the Spirit is an inward testimony, what the Scriptures call: "I am Your servant; give me understanding (discernment), that I may know Your testimonies" (Psalm 119:125). There is two aspects to "spiritual discernment," the first, a discernment due to the influence of the Spirit; and the second, not only discernment concerning truth, there is the testimony of holiness, excellence, and glory of the things discerned. It is clearly manifested that within this "spiritual testimony" there are two aspects, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the objects that are spiritually discerned to be above all else. These objects are not to be considered "spiritual" in of themselves, rather because the intention is to indicate what type it sets forth, not the type itself, is intended.This is why the Law is said to be spiritual: "For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin" (Romans 7:14). The Law is holy, good, and just, it is spiritually discerned: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). This testimony of faith finds its grounding in delight and complacency, or love. In today's vernacular the word "complacency has taken a somewhat pejorative meaning, to be lax, but that is not what the word means, it means to have quite pleasure or security; this is found in the testimony of the Spirit. It is to our nature and our necessities that we apprehend the appropriateness of this testimony. We come to to obtain a conviction of the truth of these things and that they are divine. This faith comes into our lives and produces works of holiness of heart and good works of life, without such faith cannot be of the testimony of the Spirit: "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22-25).
Ask yourself this question: "Why do you believe the Scriptures and the doctrines that it contains? How can you believe on a non-visible being? Is this not foolish to the world? Yes! So what is the answer? It is simple and yet profound: On the testimony or authority of God. It is on the authority of God that we are sure of the testimony for if God has not all authority then how can He be God? For God to be something less allows for error and that error can be found in many so-called Christian religions, especially in such as the Mormons that believe and teach that there are many gods and that even man can become a god. Such foolishness! These are not gods with authority, only a wild imagination formed to tickle itching ears. Yet we believe that God created the worlds, that mankind sinned and all the progeny of Adam are sinful as he is the federal head of man, and that you believe that Jesus Christ came into the world by means of a virgin, live, suffered and died, so that our sins would have propitiation and that we would be secure. How can this be? Again, there is no other foundation except that be on the testimony and authority of God. It may be further asked; "How can we believe in the Bible?" Those who are educated, (they thing too much looking for answers in all the wrong places, they place their faith on reason) will say, by miracles, by signs, and wonders, through excellence and authority with power: "... I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes" (Matthew 11:25b). God is not speaking here of "babes" as in little children, no one would in their right mind acquiesce to a "babe" that cannot have the discernment as an adult, rather it is speaking metaphorically of the unsophisticated in mind and trustful in disposition. We come to God upon the faith He gives as a child. We must become and claim as did the man healed of blindness: "He answered and said, 'Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know; that though I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25). You see, all believes come to Jesus the same way, first we are in a state of unbelief and then you come to be one of saving faith, not by some process, not by any works you do, not by founding your faith upon miracles, and wonders, the supernatural, being taught how to be supernatural, that which is condemned in the Bible; but by the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit. This change may come in a moment as it often does. Faith in the Bible is as is being analogous to the moral law, our belief in the moral law, for we recognize both as being the truth, but having as its foundation the authority of God. Natural man can and does perceive the moral law as belief it to be true but the renewed man is enabled, in fact you cannot come to salvation through the propitiation of Jesus on the cross unless: And He said, 'Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father" (John 6:54). It is God who gives His children the ability to stand in the faith for it is He who gives all good things: "God is my strength and power, and He makes my was perfect. he makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on high places" (2 Samuel 22:33-34). Paul writes: "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of god leads you to repentance" (Romans 2:4)?
The renewed man can perceive the "things of the Spirit" and that by the testimony of that Spirit and by the truth embedded in his heart. It then becomes imperative to ground our faith in the proofs of Scripture that express this declaration that it is by the testimony of the Spirit which is given to His children and enables us to become renewed, converted, secure for eternity. This is the next effort to be addressed.
O LORD, I will praise You;
though You were angry with
Me,
Your anger is truned away,
and You comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvaton,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For Yah, the LORD, is my
strength and song,
He also has become my
salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-2
May God give you peace and strength
Richard L. Crumb
No comments:
Post a Comment