Emmanuel Our Advocate

Instead of reading through 46 comments from Jesus Christ is In You. Nathan White has asked a great question:

QUESTION: When you say that Christ is all and in all, are you placing Him in both categories when it comes to stuff like, say intercession? That is, Christ intercedes to the Father on our behalf, yet He is actually interceding with Himself since He is essentially the Father?

ANSWER: Now a high priest represents someone who makes an offering to God through the blood of animals. However with Emmanuel He made the offering by His blood and has by definition not only become the offering but also our High priest.

And unlike before when intercession was through the Levitical priesthood it went through someone else to God. This time we are interceding directly to God and no one else because Emmanuel is our advocate.

Can you see the brilliance in this?
Emmanuel is God With Us
Advocate is One of the people.
With Jesus we are not going through some other person to get to God we are going directly to God.

May I ask you a question
Is Jesus interceding with His God on our behalf?

Jesus Christ is in You

Q. According to scripture to be a Christian /regenerate /born-again /believer which person MUST BE IN US? Jesus Christ

2 Cor 13:5 "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates."

The answer Holy Spirit is Technically Incorrect and Spiritually Incorrect.

Technically Incorrect: Holy Spirit simply means a spirit that is holy. The question asked which person MUST BE IN YOU. If you meant these descriptive words "Holy Spirit" is the person Jesus Christ and no other person then you would be 100% correct.

Spiritually Incorrect: I say this because scripture tells us that the Spirit always testifies to Jesus Christ.

For Us or For Our Adversaries?

"Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?"

The book of Joshua is fabulous. Joshua actually represents Jesus for he was the the one that lead Israel into the promised land. Moses could never do this because he represented the law not because he struck the stone twice.

While Joshua was near Jericho he lifted up his eyes to see a man with his sword drawn in his hand and said:

"Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" And he said Nay: but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. and Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship and said unto him. What saith my lord unto his servant...." Joshua 5:15

Isn't that an interesting answer that Jesus gave when he said Nay... But I now come. Most people today are very quick to say God is with us in what we are doing now. For example just say I believe that God is for this blog puritan belief. He is on my side and the things I write He backs up. By saying this I wouldn't understand Joshua 5:15. The Lord says Nay he is neither for us OR for our adversaries.

My point is this: It is all about Jesus, we are not to declare him to be on our side but for us to be on His side. This is where the glory is for the Christian not in some future dispensation but the Christian is glorified now for we are on the Lords side.

"... and he said unto Joshua Loose thy shoe from off thy foot: for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" Joshua 5:15

To those who are Sanctified:
This is what its all about the worshiping of Jesus. What Joshua beheld when he worshipped our Lord Jesus on that day is nothing compared to what we HAVE NOW. Joshua longed to look into what we have. (Colossians 1:26-27) He loosened his sandals with his head face down in the dirt. But you beloved have boldness in your speech for the veil has been taken away (2 Cor 3:12) and we can behold him in His glory in which we are being changed from glory to glory. (2 Cor 3:18) For we now actively approach the throne room of grace where Jesus is seated. (Eph 2:6)

Spiritual Answers

1. i) Are the enemies of Christ literally a footstool under his feet or is this symbolic? Symbolic
ii) If symbolic then is Jesus literally sitting at the right hand of someone else? No, He is not literally sitting at the right hand of someone else. Right hand is symbolic for power/authority. (Well done Daniel)
2. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son where was the Holy Spirit mentioned? (please supply verse) Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself ... (Well done Gordon)
3. According to the last mention in scripture which person is sitting on the throne? Rev 22:3 "... but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it," The person sitting on the throne is JESUS.

Now for my next question perhaps EVEN HARDER then the above 3 unless of course it is given to you by the Lord then it is simple.

QUESTION: According to scripture to be a Christian/regenerate/born-again/believer which person MUST BE IN US?

Spiritual Questioning

1. "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" Hebrews 1:13

i) Are the enemies of Christ literally a footstool under his feet or is this symbolic?
ii) If symbolic then is Jesus literally sitting at the right hand of someone else?

2. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son where was the Holy Spirit mentioned? (please supply verse)

3. According to the last mention in scripture which person is sitting on the throne?

Should We Be Silent?

I have made up the following allegory to answer Robs Question "Is it any better to say nothing Rather than stirring up controversy?

(In true John Bunyan style)

Mr False-Pretence: Preach the gospel with your Godly Living and offerings of good will to all men. For this is all that is needed and any other worldly foolish gospel will turn people off from Christianity.

Mr Spiritual-Knowledge: Now can a wicked sinner be turned off from Christianity? Let us examine a water tap which is turned off so that no water is dripping from it. Can it be turned off any further?

Mr Understand-Spiritual-Things: By the Spirit of God I testify that it can not.

Mr Spiritual-Knowledge: Yes, Man is dead in sin so any mention of Jesus and his gospel is always better then none. At the very least it will turn the tap on. And when the Spirit takes over He does a complete work in the sinner so that the tap will be pouring out living water from the King for they will never be thirsty again. Now listen further to see how wrong it is to think that the gospel can turn people off Christianity as Bold-Evangelist sows a seed to a wicked sinner.

Mr Bold-Evangelist: You are condemned to die and after that comes judgement. Fly from the wrath to come (Matt 3:7) Jesus is the only way! Call on his name. His death brings life to all those who believe on His name. (And after this proclamation his blessed feet walk away from Mr Wicked Sinner)

Mr Wicked-Sinner: I knew of one Mr Bold-Evangelist once. He condemned me speaking of my destruction and making me feel uncomfortable. His message was a deadly stench unto my nose. He was not so holy himself I bet I can dig up some sin about him even though he condemns me of my wicked sin.

Mr False-Christian: I hear your words Mr Wicked Sinner and am on your side. My friends are much nicer then Mr Bold-Evangelist and we all can agree to him not being so holy for no one is perfect. (Accuser of the brethren).

Mr Man-Appointed-Pastor: We can create some programs and courses that will make you feel more comfortable to become just like Mr False-Christian.

Miss False-Kindness: Our gospel is much nicer and if you look at us we too are dressed well like yourself in glowing gowns of self-righteousness. Bold-Evangelists gospel is far to hard but ours will be much more palatable for we made our building comfortable for you Mr Wicked Sinner you will already be accustomed to the programs we have.

Mr False-Humility: Unlike Evangelist who condemned only you. My friends and I readily admit we are not yet righteous and although we are not sure where we will end up we are certainly trying in our religion. Bold-Evangelist claims he is already adorned with righteousness, But surely this can't be true.

Mr Utter-Lies: There are far too many like evangelist and we place the blame on all Christians like him concurring as our creed "The biggest cause of Atheism in the world today is Christians" Therefore wicked sinner don't be like these Christians that turn you off Christianity be like us for we can turn you on to False-Christianity.

Mrs Wrong-Choices: I believe being a christian is all about good choices. I rejoice when I, like my friends made Good choices to become part of this splendid false-church.

Therefore we ask you to choose to be part of our humble gathering where we will tell you of no-longer-grace and help you to choose to fulfill as many of the commands as you can. Surely by doing this and also trusting and believing in Anti-Christ we are justified and will go to heaven.

Mr Wicked-Sinner: Your message has tickled my ears. I choose to be a follower of false-church and submit myself to Mr Man-Appointed-Pastor. For this gratifies my sinful nature which I am not willing to give up but by choosing good I can perhaps get rid of it one day.

Mr Man-Appointed-Pastor: In light of your testimony to this peaceful false-church and after saying your no-sinners-prayer I therefore declare you are now part of false-church and now part of my flock.

Christ-Revealed-From-Heaven: Wicked-Sinner, although you were not seeking me I found you. I called you with an everlasting love and by my bands of loving kindness I drew you. I chose you out of the world and sanctify you by my Spirit into my light. Sin is no longer debited to your account but to mine, for on the cross I bore it, conquered it despising its shame and rose again in victory. For the work I do in you I will continue till the very end. Because of this you are now clothed in righteousness. Your name is no longer Wicked-Sinner but Reborn-Believer.

Mr ReBorn-Believer: I believe in you Jesus. I am not ashamed. I repent of my sins in which I formerly walked according to the course of the world as Wicked-Sinner. For by your grace you saved me, Justified me and glorified me. It is you Jesus I love and serve according to the commands you have now written in my heart and mind. I now find myself in you and you in me.

Mr God-Appointed-Pastor: Come dine at my house and have fellowship with those who are sanctified in the mighty name of Jesus. Mr Re-Born-Believer you have cried out Abba Father and are thus a Son of the King. Converted with faith like a child given to you from Jesus Himself just as we also received. Your robes are no longer filthy rags but white as snow without spot wrinkle or blemish.

Mr Godly-Teacher: As there are 3 of us gathered in this house let us have discourse in the name of Jesus. Mr God-Appointed-Pastor will bring a hymn, Re-Born-Believer you can bring a word of knowledge and Psalm and I will bring a word from the Scripture.

And so the general assembly began with the breaking of bread and strong fellowship in the name of Jesus.

False Peace

John Bunyans famous character Mr False-Peace is a warning to all who want to speak peace and safety to those who are not in Christ such as Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims etc and not only encourage them in their false religions but never tell them to flee from their state of apostasy and the wrath to come. What then is to become of those who promote False Peace?...

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matt 10:34

False Peace defending Himself against the court

Mr Prosecutor: ... You did most wickedly and satanically bring, hold and keep men both in their apostasy and in their hellish rebellion, in a false groundless and dangerous peace, and damnable security, to the dishonour of the King, the transgression of his law and the great damage to others holding a true faith. How do you plead?

Mr False-Peace: ... Gentleman, and you now appointed to be my judges, I acknowledge that my name is Mr Peace, but that my name is False peace, I utterly deny. I was always a man that loved to live quietly, and what I loved myself that I thought others might love also. Wherefore, when I saw any of my neighbours to labour under a disquieted mind, I endeavoured to help them when I could. With good temper and humility I did this:
1. When men were lost they had disquieting reflections upon themselves for what they had done; but I, as one troubled to see them disquieted, presently sought out means to get them quiet again.
2. When men and women had wicked things happen to them I laboured to make them quiet again and to cause them to act without problems and thus live quietly as I do.
3. If I saw any Man or Woman afraid of destruction, I often used, by some way, device invention, or other to labour to bring them to peace again.

Wherefore, since I have been always a man of so virtuous a temper, as some say a peace-maker is, and if a peace-maker be so deserving a man as some have been bold to attest he is, then let me, gentleman, be accounted by you, who have a great name for justice and equity for all men. for a man that deserveth not this inhuman way of treatment, but liberty, and also a license to seek damage of those that have been my accusers.

Mr Search-Truth: My lord, I can attest that his name is in fact False-Peace. I knew his father his name was Mr Flatter; and his mother, before she was married was called by the name of Mrs Sooth-up and when he was born they called him False-Peace.

Mr Vouch-Truth: I have in former times seen him angry with those that have called him anything else but False-peace. When sin reigns Mr false peace is a great man among all evil doers.

Mr Court: These truthful man have testified against you. You are charged for evil not for being a peace-maker or being a man of peace but because you did wickedly and satanically bring and keep men and women under their apostasy and in rebellion against the King in a false, lying and damnable peace, contrary to the law of God. This is hazardous and destructive of all men you talk to. Know this that the peace that is not a companion of truth and holiness, but that which is without this foundation, is grounded upon a lie, and is both deceitful and damnable; as also has been said by Jesus himself.

Mr Know-all: My lord, this man hath of a long time made it, to my knowledge, his business to keep Men and women in a sinful quietness in the midst of all lewdness, filthiness, and turmoils and hath said, and that in my hearing, "Come, come, let us fly from all trouble, on what ground soever it comes, and let us be for a quiet and peaceable life, though it wanteth a good foundation."

Mr Hate Lies: I have heard him say, that peace, though in a way of unrighteousness, is better than trouble with truth.

Mr Clerk: Where did you hear him say this?

Mr Hate-lies: I heard him say it in Folly Yard, at the house of one Mr Simple, next door to the sign of the Self-deceiver.

Mr Clerk: We may spare further witness; this evidence is plain and full. He shall be sentenced to death.

That My Name Might Be Declared

"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." Romans 9:16

Of Pharaoh it is said "For this same purpose have I raised thee up... That my name might be declared"

Which name was this? It was Jesus. The name that was to be revealed, the mystery hidden from the ages but revealed in this time to the saints.

When an author sits down to write a book he knows the ending before he begins. Each character is cleverly crafted to fit into his plot. Each word and action by his characters is to form an integral part of the book and enhance the finished work. The same is more so with the bible. The bible recorded history for this reason:

So that his name might be declared (JESUS)

Every character in the bible good or bad is there purely for the one name to be declared: JESUS. His purpose is unflinching and can not be thwarted. Read the words of Pilate moments after he was told by his wife to have nothing to do with this innocent man because she was tormented in a dream.

--Jesus is silent--
"...Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?" (John 19)

Pilate had no idea just who it was he was saying that he had power over. Who was mixing the chemicals together in his mind in this very moment? If it wasn't the Spirit of Jesus then who was it? It was impossible for Pilate not to do what Jesus had wrote beforehand in the Old Testament of himself, therefore Jesus replies:

"Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin..And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him" (John 19)

To the sanctified there is nothing more precious then the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy (the Saint), which he had beforehand prepared unto glory.

"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

Dan Brown - Da Vinci Code

I listened to Dan Brown talk about his book after reading James White point out how big it has become. Mr White is going to address some of the claims from his book soon.

Dan Brown is a brilliant speaker and humanist with the drive to stamp out fundamental Christians and lift up humanitarianism.

Dan Brown: "There is enormous danger in believing we are infallible that our version of the truth is absolute that everyone who does not think like we do is wrong and therefore an enemy ... (huge applause) ... I really wish I had the luxury of absolute unquestioning faith. I do not and am still searching." Listen in Context

The above statements is the wisdom of this world. There was someone who claimed to have infallible truth and he proved it by rising from the dead. Jesus

Jesus: "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

This is what Dan Brown admits he lacks but is still searching for. To believe that all scripture is God breathed, and to be totally reliant on Jesus.

The Glory of Grace

Grace made Glorious over Law
Although the Law was made glorious it has no glory because of this:
Grace is abounding in glory and excels so much above the law that the law has been done away with and now we can use boldness in our speech.

But we need the law to bring people to repentance?
When have you ever seen the law bring any person to repentance? Was it the condemnation of your sin that made you turn because of the perfect law? or was it the over powering graces of Jesus Christ. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves it was a gift of God.

Galatians 3:24
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

Were the 10 commandments the reason you came to Christ or did not sin taking occasion by the commandment, deceive you? It was Philip who understood the law as our schoolmaster when he said
"We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth" John 1:45

It is Jesus whom Moses in the law used to bring us to Christ. Jesus is the schoolmaster in the law.

To Obey Christ
Since we are now servants of Christ where are his commands that we obey?
"Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;" Hebrews

If this is true then each christian with their new nature of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost already has the commandments of Christ. Christians know what sin is when they have the Holy Ghost. How much more will they flee from sin with all their might. Sin is made but naught when the grace of Jesus is preached? It is because our iniquities are remembered no more that we can now boldly enter into the holiest places by the blood of Jesus.

The Freedom of Grace
"Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Rejoice again I say Rejoice!

What happened to Adoption?

Being pregnant because of rape is a hard scenario. Adoption I think is the best option if the woman can't/won't keep the child herself.

Last night at a friends I watched 60 minutes on ovarian cancer and your heart goes out when seeing these wives and husbands in tears because they can't have children after a woman undergoes a hysterectomy.

In my small circle of friends I know of a few couples who can't have babies and had to adopt children from overseas and all the troubles they had to go through. I would be surprised if you dear reader have not known people in this circumstance.

Infertility is very high in Australia due to women having babies later in life because of careers (Most abortions are by women who are well educated)

Thousands of women in Australia would love to adopt children however due to legal difficulties and huge waiting lists this is done over a period of years with great difficulty. Australia has 100 000 abortions a year and less then 72 babies born in Australia get adopted (2003).

Clarification from Last Post: Choice of a Child's Gender
Deciding the gender of a child at the moment can be done with over 90% accuracy by selecting sperm carrying the Y Chromosome to be a boy and sperm carrying a X chromosome to be a girl. Places like Australia where medicine is the best in the world could easily give women this choice which is why our politicians recently discussed it and united they stood in disagreement and horrified at giving parents such a choice. Parents who have 7 boys and would like a girl may enjoy this choice.

Ethical Dilemma
Of course selecting a child's sex is an ethical dilemma because where do you stop? In times to come mothers could be selecting hair colour, skin colour, height perhaps even intelligence. Adolf Hitler aspired to this.

I would like to point out that the line was crossed when women could claim back the cost of an abortion on medicare. (Free Australian health insurance courtesy of the tax payer).

Choice of a Child's Gender

Australian politicians who voted that women SHOULD have the choice to murder their unborn child with the abortion pill RU486 all agree that women SHOULD NOT have the choice to predetermine a child's gender. Figure this one out??

Fridays Top Posts

1. Godward Thoughts - On Foreknowledge - Quick - A very quick discussion on Foreknowledge. Dispelling the myth that God sees what we would do and thus chooses us.
2. Puritan Belief - Not Under Law, but Under Grace - Quick - For some reason when people hear this they automatically concentrate on Sin.
   
3. Running Well - Justification By Faith Alone - medium - When pastors are surveyed about Justification guess what the results were (Oh No!)
4. A Form of Sound Words - Friday Night Notes - medium - A man wanting to learn more of his bible after being challenged by Rand and also the ugliness of a debauch lifestyle when Rand is reviled.
5. Mike Garner - Would you please - quick - Reflecting on where we have come from. Ephesians making it abundantly clear. Mankind is a not one iota good nor has the ability to turn to God. Apart from the "BUT GOD" bit.
6. Modern Day Magi - Matthew chapter 9 - long - Jesus Heals a Paralytic, A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman. Jesus did an abundance of miracles.
7. Heavenly Heartburn - The Authority of God's Word - medium - "Scripture is God speaking to us" Great thoughts on scripture being God breathed and of course spiritually discerned.
8. Drinking Deeply - How's War been - quick - "an active and aggressive battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world"
9. Fiat Lux - On Head Coverings - medium - Discussion on the head coverings as prescribed in Corinthians.
   
10. Deeper Truth - My Testimony - long - Some people have come a long way to be with the Lord. Here's one.
11. Kingdom of God - Deceitful Heart - quick - Should we tell sinful man to listen to his heart?

Vocation Doubter

define Vocation: The distinct calling of God.

Mr Vocation Doubter: I believe that there was no such thing as a distinct and powerful call of God to man other then by the general voice of the Word. Otherwise than to appeal to them to turn from evil and repent, and to do that which is good, and in so doing a promise of happiness is realised.

Rebuttal and Judgement: You have denied a great part of one of the most experimental truths in Jesus Christ. For he has called, and man has heard a most distinct and powerful call from his Emmanuel, by which he has been quickened, awakened, and possessed with heavenly grace to desire to have communion with Jesus, to serve him, and do his will and to look for his happiness merely of his good pleasure. For doubting this Mr Vocation Doubter you will surely die. (John Bunyan)

Election Doubter

To question election is to overthrow a great doctrine of the gospel; to devalue the omnisciency and power and will of God; to take away the liberty of God with his creation, to stumble the faith and to make salvation to depend upon works and not upon grace. It is to make false the Word and to bring false peace to mens minds. (John Bunyan)

Not Under Law, but Under Grace

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

The Curse
Most people when they read this verse think: "oh but if this be the case then what is there to stop us from sinning. Surely there is but some law?"

The first law ever to be presented to man was what the lord said to Adam:
"for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die"

Therefore if a man sins he must die conversely if a man is free from sin so shall he be free from death. When Adam sinned he first died spiritually and 930 years later he died physically. Showing us from its instigation the law has never stopped anyone from sinning. In actual fact the law entered that the offence might abound and even before the law of moses death reigned.

The Promise
As the old fleshly saying goes "there are 2 things we can be sure of 1 is death and the 2nd is taxes" or for those who enjoy the accuracy of scripture "1st is death and 2nd is judgement" no matter who you are in this world you are well acquainted with the punishment of the law namely death just turn on your T.V.

Servants of Righteousness
To those who are under grace it is so because sin has no dominion over you and you have obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine that was delivered to you namely that you are free from sin and have become the servants of righteousness.

Surely some may ask: "How be it then that we are servants of righteousness even though we are still in these sinful bodies?"
Our sins are paid for in full by the blood of Christ and hence can be taken away. Being reconciled to God we have been made dead to sin and are made alive to righteousness. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" Therefore we are not under any law be it the 10 commandments or any ordinance. (Perhaps I will be accused of Antinomianism)

Accusations
Our Lord never brings us back under the law for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Our Lord Jesus is not the accuser of the brethren and if this be so why do we want to conform our brothers and sisters to the law? For the accuser of the brethren will surely be cast down. Revelation 12:10

The Warning
Some may say "I am born again and free to sin so that the Lords grace may abound this post proves it so". God forbid so let this message not pass without the warning.

"How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:2