GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: THE PRINCIPLE OF RESTITUTION INVOLVES THANKFULNESS
“...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).
“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV). “...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).
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God system of JUSTICE operates on spiritual laws that GOVERN the process of atonement or restitution. God’s system of JUSTICE offers both atonement and restitution. Atonement is the PAYMENT for WRONGS committed against God, the Holy Spirit and the restitution for all losses and injuries caused by those WRONGS.
Atonement and restitution, through Jesus Christ, satisfies ALL God’s demands for JUSTICE. Atonement reconciles the damaged relationship between God, the Holy Spirit, and mankind. Restitution, through the SAME atonement, is also the PAYMENT for ALL offenses made against God, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ came to reconcile God and humanity and OFFERED his LIFE as PAYMENT and RESTITUTION for the WRONGS done.
Jesus Christ’s DEATH was a sacrificial action that ERADICATED mankind’s WRONGDOINGS against God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ sacrifice also compensated God, the Holy Spirit, for those WRONGDOINGS.
Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death the consequences of WRONGGOING against God, the Holy Spirit, was dismissed and made it possible for mankind to be RIGHT with HIM again.
When a person accepts Jesus as SAVIOR they are taking the necessary steps to atone for and make PAYMENT to God, the Holy Spirit, for their sins (WRONGDOINGS).
SALVATION is the WAY to UNDO the consequences of sins, repentance is an expression of remorse for sins, redemption restores harmony with God, the Holy Spirit, and obedience becomes equivalent to heartfelt restitution though it’s NOT required since Jesus already PAID IT ALL.
To be FORGIVEN through repentance and SALVATION in Jesus Christ is the WAY to achieve atonement and pay restitution. God’s system of JUSTICE through atonement means that the DEBT of sin was PAID through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Salvation through Jesus SATISFIES God’s JUSTICE. Jesus PAID it ALL. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus OFFERS forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and restitution for ALL sins or offenses committed against HIM.
Without God’s ATONEMENT, mankind would NEVER be able to SATISFY God’s JUSTICE on their OWN or through their OWN efforts. Jesus DID it ALL and PAID it ALL on each of his people’s behalf! “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to die for mankind’s sins) and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).
Jesus PAID full restitution for all SIN. There is NOTHING else owed to God, the Holy Spirit to satisfy his JUSTICE. “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
Jesus said: “… I [laid] down my life... [AS COMMANDED, BY HIS HEAVENLY FATHER] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus “… [gave] His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that [all of mankind] through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “… I [laid] down my life... No one [took] it from me, but I [laid] it down of my own accord (my choice). …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). “…[HE WENT “ALL IN”] ...to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
“...Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 KJV).
“... perceive ... the love of God [through jesus], because he laid down his life for [mankind]...” (1 John 3:16 KJV). “... [God through]...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and ...he rose again the third day ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).
“..[God through]...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to [himself], having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).
“ ... 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…” (John 15:13 NLT).
Since God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus PAID it ALL there is NO LONGER any DEBT of sin and therefore, NO RESTITUTION is needed either.
The REDEEMED through Jesus do NOT have to GO BACK and make things RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit or MAKE UP for their offenses of sin. Jesus PAID it ALL! “... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ... through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“…If the Son (jesus) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith … NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works (restitutions made in THE flesh), that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). \
“…LOVE keeps no record of wrongs…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus expresses and demonstrates his willingness to erase the record of wrongs and all offenses committed by sinners through FORGIVENESS. Jesus said, “…Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit is a FORGIVING God, which means HE is MERCIFUL because he withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
The sinful nature lead mankind to become wretched, guilty, and depraved sinners SEPARTED from God, the Holy Spirit, with NO possible WAY BACK to HIM. Yet, God, the Holy Spirit, through his MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS COMES to help mankind through Jesus Christ. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).
SALVATION is an expression of God’s MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS, through Jesus “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?”(Romans 8:32 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS)...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
“... God ...loved [the world]... and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for [their]... sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, keeps no record of wrongs, because he JUSTICE has been FULLY satisfied through Jesus. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).
“....Now ye (God’s people) are clean through the Word...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...[God’s people can stay] .... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).
God’s people are completely cleansed from ALL sin, past, present, and future, which there is NO RESTITUTION necessary “…And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 KJV).
There is NOTHING God’s redeemed people can ADD or CONTRIBUTE to their SALVATION through Jesus Christ. HE PAID IT ALL!
Jesus DEATH upon the cross, for ALL mankind, totally satisfied God’s JUSTICE. The SAME SALVATION that offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, by grace through faith in Jesus, also offers restitution.
. “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon the WORD of GOD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
What redeemed people do OWE God, the Holy Spirit, is a DEBT of GRATITUDE, which is merely a expression and demonstration of appreciation for the GREAT THINGS his DONE through the HELP he’s GIVEN them. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).
An expression and demonstration of GRATITUDE means you have a heartfelt thankfulness for what God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus has DONE for you.
When God’s people truly recognize what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE, for them, through Jesus, it empowers them to acknowledge his presence in their life, his many goodnesses, and his indwelling working power.
Gratitude is an attitude and an action. Gratitude, therefore, is a manifested action demonstrated through heartfelt restitution for the GOOD God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, has DONE for you, personally!
Heartfelt restitution is a willful desire to RETURN the KINDNESS God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, has so FREELY bestowed upon you. “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).
King David was grateful for God, the Holy Spirit’s forgiveness and deliverance. He had ACCEPTED God’s blessing and he wanted to KNOW what he could GIVE BACK to God, the Holy Spirit, for his favors and blessings. “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people. When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him. Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service! I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it in company with his people, In the place of worship, in God’s house, in Jerusalem, God’s city. Hallelujah!...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).
King David demonstrates a contrite heart that also displays his gratitude through willing ACTS of heartfelt restitution. “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB). “...O Lord, I surely am Your slave, I am Your slave, the son of Your female slave, You have unfastened my restraints. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord, May it be in the presence of all His people, In the courtyards of the Lord’s house, In the midst of you, Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!...” (Psalm 116:16-19 NIV).
King David willingly CHOSE to MAKE a heartfelt restitution to God, the Holy Spirit, for the WRONGS he’d done . “...Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV). “... Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice...” (Psalm 51:16-17 MSG). “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).
A “broken and contrite” heart is a heart that feels genuine REMORSE over their WRONGDOINGS. A REMORESEFUL heart will SEEK repentance from God and HIS MERCY. . “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions...” (Psalms 51 KJV).
King David acknowledged his sins before God and received his MERCIFUL ATONEMENT. “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT). “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me ...free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).
King David was genuinely GRATEFUL! “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God...” (1 Thessalonian 3:9 KJV). “...What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters...” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 MSG). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).
“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV). “...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).
Restitution, under legal the system, is a payment one makes for an injury or loss to a victim as a result of “their” criminal behavior. The one who makes the payment to the victim is called a perpetrator.
A perpetrator may be forced through court order to pay this restitution. In addition, they may be able to pay restitution for stealing, lost wages, or physical injuries, but NOT for murder or emotional losses.
The purpose of restitution is to contribute, as much as is humanly possible, in making the victim WHOLE again by trying to restore them BACK to where they were BEFORE they were injured or suffered loss.
A second reason for restitution is to make the perpetrator accountable and responsible for the injuries and losses incurred on the people they victimized. The bible says: “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen. The thief who is unable to pay is to be sold for his thieving. If caught red-handed with the stolen goods, and the ox or donkey or lamb is still alive, the thief pays double....” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).
Restitution is NOT forgiveness or repentance. Forgiveness means the victim has decided to release the perpetrator, from any and all adverse feelings, for the harm done. Repentance means the perpetrator has had a change of heart and has decided to change their WAYS.
Forgiveness, for God’s people, is an ACT of love, on the part of the victim, but heartfelt restitution, for God’s people, is also an ACT of love on the part of the perpetrator.
Forgiveness, for God’s people, is OFTEN hard, but God empowers and helps them. “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…[They]... can do (genuinely forgive others) ... through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Forgiveness is not choosing to allow people to walk over you or abuse your heart, but in this world God’s people are like Jesus. “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
“... Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you...” (Colossians 3:13 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
God’s people don’t keep a record of wrongs, but choose, instead, to walk in forgiveness as God’s WORD commands. “ ....if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...” (Matthew 6:14 NIV). “... And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins...” (Mark 11:25 NIV).
“...Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven...” (Luke 6:37 NIV). “...Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you...” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). “... Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you...” (Colossians 3:13 NIV).
“... See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many...” (Hebrews 12:15 NIV). “….[Choose to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).
Remember, forgiveness, for God’s people, is an ACT of love, on the part of the victim, but heartfelt restitution, for God’s people, is also an ACT of love on the part of the perpetrator.
Thus, heartfelt restitution is a willing payment of GRATITUDE a person makes for the WRONGDOINGS they have inflicted upon another person. It is OFTEN hard to make restitution for some HURTS, especially for murder or emotional abuses or atrocities, but God will help and empower you. “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…[They]... can do (genuinely forgive others) ... through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
The reason a Godly person would want to make a heartfelt restitution is LOVE and a genuine desire to help make the victim WHOLE again by doing, all that’s humanly possible, to restore them BACK to EQUITABLE advantage or healthy place.
A redeemed person would want to be accountable and responsible for the injuries, losses, and offenses they incurred on the people they victimized. “...“A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG). In addition, a Godly person would also want to make a heartfelt restitution out of GRATITUDE.
A show of GRATITUDE means a person is thankful for what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for them, through the victim.
When God’s people truly recognize what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE, for them, through others, it empowers them to acknowledge his presence in their life, his many goodnesses, and his indwelling working power.
Gratitude is an attitude and an action. Gratitude, therefore, is a manifested action demonstrated through heartfelt restitution for the GOOD God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for, personally, through others! This HELPS make amends with people, upon earth, and MAY help repair those relationships.
Heartfelt restitution is a willful desire to RETURN the KINDNESS, especially if FORGIVEN. God, the Holy Spirit, FREELY bestows his kindnesses through other humans. “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).
A redeemed person, who have hurt and offended others, will chose to make EVERY human effort possible to RESTORE, what they have taken, broken, or loss, BACK to the offended party. “... Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice...” (Psalm 51:16-17 MSG). “...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB).
God is a God of JUSTICE. In this WORLD his people are LIKE JESUS. “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB).
“…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
Jesus said, “…learn from me, for I am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). “...A thief must make full restitution for what is stolen...” (Exodus 22:3-4 MSG).
King Hezekiah’s heart was not right before God and God knew it. “..In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).
Hezekiah was UNGRATEFUL and full of pride. “...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV). “...he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).
God is ALWAYS watching the HEART. “...God sees not as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (the DOING), but the LORD looks at the heart (the BEING)…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness...[ungratefulness, pride, etc.,)…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
Hezekiah SAW, for himself, the pride and blatant ingratitude within his heart. “...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).
Without indwelling holiness through Jesus people won’t see God working through other humans. “...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).
God could be present in your life every day through a spouse, mother, sibling, grandparent, or close friends and you won’t see him. “...Blessed are the pure [holy] in heart: for they shall see God...” (Matthew 5:8 KJV). “...When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it...” (Genesis 28:16 NIV).
Remember, “…the Word [Jesus] was made flesh and dwelt among [mankind]...” (John 1:14 KJV). “…He (God, the Holy Spirit) was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not…” (John 1:10-12 KJV). "...He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him..." (John 1:10 NIV).
God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME in a specially created human vessel and his OWN people, who were EXPECTING him, didn’t recognize him. “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (the Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).
They LOOKED at the OUTSIDE and determined he couldn’t BE the MESSIAH of the scriptures. "...He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him..." John 1:10 NLT).
Unless you have NO CLUE, the same way the world would KNOW his people, they would also KNOW God, the Holy Spirit.“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“...God sees not as man sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT). .“…Ye shall know [God, the Holy Spirit and his people]... by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
For instance, “…Jesus (the word) of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (the father) and WITH POWER (the working power) ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (all of the ONE TRUE GOD) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…The Spirit of the Lord [was]... upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“… [God’s people are to be]... growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and it drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to HIM, the God of LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...the crowds learned about [God’s LOVE]... and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).
The works Jesus performed came by God’s “powerful” working Holy Spirit. “… God … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [as a WITNESS]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“The Son is the ... exact representation (a WITNESS) of his (God, the Holy Spirit’s) being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…who is himself God…” (John 1:18 NLT).
“…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (God, the Holy Spirit speaking through Jesus) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He (she) that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?...” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (Jesus) and my Father (who is SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). Together God, jesus and his people are “powerful,” witnesses of his glory!
God, the Holy Spirit, through his people, upon earth, does the WORK. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).
“…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).
“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
We KNOW God’s people by their FRUIT and NOT their flesh. It is important to BE GRATEFUL and give God the glory for the great things he has done in your life, especially through HIS PEOPLE. “...Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world...” (Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV).
Eventually Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).
King Hezekiah PROVES God is a KIND and MERCIFUL God. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).
“...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise...” (Psalm 51:17 NASB). King David asked: “...What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?...” (Psalms 116:12 NIV). “...What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God..” (1 Thessalonians 3:9 MSG). “...What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me?...” (Psalm 116:12-19 MSG).
“...Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms...” (Psalm 95:2 KJV). “...Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...” (Psalm 103:2 KJV). “...O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever...” (Psalms 107:1 KJV). “... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). “...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “...Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV).
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