Thursday, April 11, 2019

DIVORCING GOD: HIS UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS!

                  
GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS

 “...I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ...[My Word to you].... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).“...For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...” (John 3:16 KJV). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US... (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “...Christ ...died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us... [BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).…I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV). "… I chose you.” (John 15:16 ASV).  …He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with God AGAIN]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “...the Spirit of God dwelleth “in” you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you. …apart from Me (Jesus, the reconciler) you can do nothing (you can’t be REUNITED to God without the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).I will be their God (HIS UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS), and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

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GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS CAUSES HIM TO FORGIVE AND FORGIVE, HIS PEOPLE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN. “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “…And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).

in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness (apostasy); my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).

 “... herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“God’s …love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness… (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

God’s UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS IS IMMUTABLE, even AFTER, his people, spend years abandoning him, rejecting him,  being unfaithful, disrespectful, dishonorable, and chasing other gods. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).  He still sent JESUS. “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).

Yet and still, the covenant relationship CAN be broken, by his people, if they do not choose to willingly trust in, depend upon, or cooperate with God’s instructions.“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “... If we (god’s people) sin willfully AFTER... we (they) have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).  

“…[MY PEOPLE] ... broke [THEIR] ... covenant ..[WITH ME], though I (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“… For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightenedthose who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

It can be presumed that the covenant relationship can be broken, by the believer, if they CHOOSE “NOT” to comply with his divine will. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“... Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

“.... Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [indwelling spiritual] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “ ...[Therefore]...you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…[You can FREELY choose]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV). “…The sinful nature (body) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (body) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“...So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB). “…[They]... have been cut off from Christ! [They]... have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…[Their]... INIQUITIES [have]… separated … [them from],,, God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

Whenever, God’s people, BROKE the covenant, with God, the Holy Spirit, divine judgement was certain. “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).“…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

 However, because of God’s unconditional love, GRACE, and faithfulness to HIS people; their repentance WILL always RESTORE them to the covenant relationship. “…. Again and again he rescued them ... he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

Let’s talk briefly about the blood covenants in the Old Testament in order to build a basic understanding of, what I call, the YADA relationship.

One of the meanings of YADA is to “enter into a (blood) covenant with,” which helps explain why it is a binding agreement between you and God. 

The blood covenants were unbreakable agreements that entailed promises made between two parties.

During those times an animal was sawn into two pieces, laid into rows so the parties could walk between them and around them - in a figure eight (symbolizes infinity)- in order to “seal” the covenant.

When the parties walked between and around the bloodied animals they were making an oath that meant they would die like these animals if they didn’t keep the covenant (Jeremiah 34:18-19).

Those who have violated my covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two and then walked between its pieces. The leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests and all the people of the land who walked between the pieces of the calf, I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who want to kill them. Their dead bodies will become food for the birds and the wild animals” (Jeremiah 34:18-20 ASV).

The cutting in half of animals may seem unpleasant or barbaric, but it was their type of legal system per se for those times and in that context.

The parties making the covenant were committing to an “oneness/covenant” relationship with each other which meant all they had or possessed in life was available to the other person upon demand.

In other words, what belonged to one party in the blood covenant equally belonged to the other party in the covenant (it was a bilateral agreement). The blood obligated both parties to this type of commitment to each other for life and could only be broken IF one of the parties died.

If either party refused to keep their covenant commitment between them; they would die a terrible death and possibly along with his or her entire family.

Blood covenants were serious. God wiped out his chosen people when they didn’t keep the covenant with him.

In the Old Testament, the YADA relationship was a blood covenant between God and his chosen people, Israel.

Israel was the recipients of the AWESOME covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. The covenant with God defined them as HIS PEOPLE, which impacted their identity. It also helped them focus on their ROLE, as the recipients, of the covenant benefits.

This covenant relationship with God started with the Israeli people. Now, everyone, who excepts Jesus Christ, as Savior, becomes a child of God or one of HIS PEOPLE.

The opportunity to be in a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, is both inclusive and exclusive.

The special covenant with God, the Holy Spirit, is also a witness and expression of the special relationship enjoyed by true believers of the Christian faith.

In the Old Testament, the responsibilities and promises between God and Israel were clear. Israel’s part in the covenant was as recipients who received all God’s endless benefits and who kept his commandments. However, Israel broke the blood covenant many times.

In the New Testament, the YADA relationship is still a blood covenant between God and HIS PEOPLE (through Christ). “...This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). ...We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

However, this relationship is made between Jesus, the representative, and God, the Holy Spirit, and he SEALS the covenant agreement, for all those “IN” him.

Jesus is the guarantee, that the covenant agreement will be kept. . “…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).God … worketh in [his people], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

A blood covenant is usually between two parties however, one or both of those parties can be a representative of a group of people or an entire family.

If one of the parties of the blood covenant is a representative of a group of people he becomes the guarantee - that the covenant agreement will be kept - for the entire group.

Having a representative was also a common blood covenant practice. The representative was the representative for everyone in the group and was the guarantee that every promise of the covenant would be kept by each member of “that” group.

 In addition, the representative walked between and around the bloodied animals on behalf of everyone in the entire group.

The representative was considered “the” voice and “the” action for each individual member of the entire group. Each individual member of the group was also represented “in” him.”

Therefore, when the representative walked through and around the bloodied bodies, he sealed the blood covenant and its responsibilities for each and every member of the entire group he represented.

The representative for the group enters into the blood covenant with the other party or parities forever.

The representative walks through and around the slain animals and SEALS the oath between their group and the other party or parties. This is a very basic explanation of a blood covenant.

However, in the New Testament, Jesus is both the slain animal (lamb) and the representative in the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “…[Jesus gave]... his life as a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 ASV).  

In order to enter into a covenant with God, the Holy Spirit, a person or a GROUP must be CLEANSED from ALL sin. “…Without [the] ... shedding of  [Jesus’] ...blood [there] ... [would be no] ... remission [of mankind’s sins]...” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “... the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin... (1 John 1:7 NASB).

 “…. In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESS of our trespasses, …” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

Christ …died for sins ONCE for all” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…he (Jesus) by the grace of God should taste death for every man (woman)…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV). “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).  

Jesus is called the Lamb of God, that was killed in your place and therefore became the sacrifice for your sins. Jesus’ sacrificial death paid the penalty for your sins or was the remission for  your sins, so you can enter freely into the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animals in the Old Testament blood covenants. His blood is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant.  “... I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them...” (Ezekiel 37:26 KJV).

 Jesus as our sacrifice for sin allows believers to enter into an everlasting covenant relationship with God. Jesus, who knew no sin, became their sin and they were given his righteousness in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus, the Lamb of God, sheds his blood and also becomes the representative, for all those, -who are “IN” him -  as the guarantor of the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

 Jesus, the sacrificial lamb of God, opens the way for those “IN” him to enter into a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. 

Through his shed blood, those, who are “in” Christ (in his group), are CLEANSED from sin and ENABLED to enter in a HOLY covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Now, through Christ, they are guaranteed to keep the responsibilities of the covenant, with God, the Holy Spirit. “... Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God...” (Hebrews 7:22 NLT).

God’s people can now enjoy the same “oneness” covenant relationship that Jesus had. Jesus said, "I and my Father are [not simply close, but]…one." (John 10:30 KJV). Believers can too. “…that they may all be one (in a covenant relationship); even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Jesus didn’t say he and his Father were close, but he said they were “one.” Close implies a nearness to, but “one” implies a single unity or an undivided whole. “…love [is the]... BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is joined (in a covenant) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

 In Hebrew, oneness (echadh) defines a “unity” perhaps unique only to the one true God, yet God allows humans, through faith in Christ, to experience it. You can also say, “… I and my Father are one…” like Jesus (John 10:30 KJV).“…that they may all be one (in a covenant relationship); even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).... BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “ONE SPIRIT (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

 If “oneness/covenant” is unique to God, then “oneness/covenant” is holy. This holy “oneness/covenant” is the joining of man’s soul and God’s Holy Spirit until only God’s Word alone can SEPARATE them or cut them asunder. “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

What God joins together, “…let no one separate…” (Matthew 10:9 ASV). Godly oneness/covenant, therefore, informs people why covenants were established and meant to be unbreakable; except by death.

It is a HOLY bond, created and established by a HOLY God. God is ABLE to create covenants, establish them, and KEEP them, because of his UNCONDITIONAL faithfulness to them.“…If we are faithless, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).  “…I change NOT” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Therefore, you are meant to experience and enjoy an oneness relationship with God through Christ that’s unbreakable, except by death.

With the everlasting covenant, physical death won’t break the “oneness.” “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 ASV).

God’s RELENTLESS and UNCONDITIONAL faithfulness to the covenant relationship with his people will NEVER be broken by HIM. The SECURITY of SALVATION and of the COVENANT relationship with God is “HIS” immutable FAITHFULNESS. “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).  “…I change NOT” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

EVERY child of God has the SECURITY OF SALVATION and the SECURITY of God’s UNCONDITIONAL faithfulness to the covenant relationship, YET, “they” are FREE to LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit, ANY TIME!“…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).  “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” ...[ME]...THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

God’s OWN people have LEFT OR DEPARTED from him, over and over,  all through the bible.“… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lordthey turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).  “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The SAME thing is happening in the 21st century.  God’s people (men and women) are renouncing and disassociating themselves from God, the Holy Spirt. “... a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

“…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“...Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

God’s people can FREELY decide to depart from  God, the Holy Spirit, ANYTIME they choose. They have human will and there is NOTHING to STOP them. “... It was for freedom that Christ set [them]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “... If [they] sin willfully  (by choice) AFTER... [they]... have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).  “…Choose (with human will) you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).  “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [choose to] ... DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

Spouses FREELY leave their marriages and their previous MADE vows are legally and spiritually cancelled. THE DIVORCE RATE AMONG CHRISTIANS IS AS HIGH AS THE DIVORCE RATE AMONG NON-CHRISTIANS.

ONLY 50% OF MARRIAGES (Christian and non-Christian) LAST, BECAUSE ONE OR BOTH SPOUSES MADE A WILLFUL OR VOLUNTARY DECISION TO END THE MARRIAGE.

Even if one spouse is still FULLY committed and  does not CHOOSE divorce; they cannot stop the other spouse from departing. “... If we sin willfully AFTER... we have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).  .“… it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

A FULLY committed spouse can only sustain their portion of the marriage, thus they are forced to LET GO, or CONCEDE, or  give the spouse over to the desires of their OWN hearts. They have FREE will. “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS UNCONDITIONAL and FAITHFUL LOVE), which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [his people]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…[God’s] ... love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He [however]… remains faithful (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…GOD GAVE THEM OVER (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS RESPECT FOR OUR CHOICES (HUMAN WILL) to a reprobate mind ” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, created you with human will and shows respect for his people’s right to FREELY choose the life they want, even if it does not include HIM. "… I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, will remain UNCONDITIONALLY faithful to HIS covenant commitment to his people and will NEVER change. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God is UNCONDITIONALLY faithful to the covenant relationship, but you, HIS PEOPLE, “CHOOSE,” through human will, to be faithful by willfully following HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

For instance, the BIBLE says: “... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made [you]... free, and (INSTRUCTION) be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). You “CHOOSE” not to be entangled again.

“... You were called to freedom, brethren;  (INSTRUCTION) ... do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another...” (Galatians 5:13 NLT).  You “CHOOSE not to use your freedom to practice sin, but to serve others instead.

“... Brethren, (INSTRUCTION) if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins...” (James 5;19-20 KJV). You “CHOOSE” to help others who err from the truth.

“...And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— (INSTRUCTION) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard...” (Colossians 1:21-23 NLT). You “CHOOSE” to continue in the faith and you “choose” not to move away from the HOPE of the gospel.

 “...(INSTRUCTION) Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 NLT). You “CHOOSE” not to FALL AWAY from God through a heart of unbelief. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (GOD’s will or yours)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Godspeed,

Dr. Pensacola

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