One of the foremost truths about salvation is that it is all about Christ. There have been instances where much focus, and attention are placed on the human agent, and the work of God is viewed as a necessary addition to our efforts. Now, while this is true when it is understood correctly, we should remember that all things pertaining to our salvation, originate with, and come from Christ. Thus, what some folks tend to view as prerequisites to service, and relationship with Christ, are actually not necessary, or enjoined.
We must remember that every godly attribute of character originates in God, and as far as salvation and righteousness goes, the development and the implementation of these characteristics, are the work of the Holy Spirit, accomplished through our
choice and consent. But for anyone to believe that these attributes must first be manifested in sinners before coming to Christ, or working for Christ, is an absolute nonstarter, for the Bible does not teach this. Let’s read:
Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
[Reflecting Christ pp 35] All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Savior is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness.
Therefore, in harmony with these fundamental, and central truths, there are several theories and tenets currently held by many Christians, which must now be addressed, and corrected by the word of God.
[1] An individual does not have to be humble as a prerequisite to accepting Christ, for humility is a by-product of the Holy Spirit dwelling in a person. As the work of salvation is begun, and continues in our hearts, more and greater humility will be seen, but for us to expect humility up front isn’t Biblical.
Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James he surnamed Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.
Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
By the way, these disciples had been preaching for several months, and had been ordained by Christ Himself, yet from this, and other accounts, it’s quite apparent that they were far from being humble, in the true sense of the word. In the upper room, the unconverted nature of the disciples was displayed, for none of them seemed humble enough to wash the other’s feet. In commenting on that occasion, the servant of God says the following. Let’s read:
D.A. pp 643>644] On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them. But Jesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention. There was “a strife among them, which of them
should be accounted the greatest.”
This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and, instead of regarding their brethren as more, worthy, they had placed themselves first.
The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ's throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated.
At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion, preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples’ part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.
Humility is not a prerequisite for accepting Christ, nor is it a precondition for working to build up His kingdom. That’s because humility never ever occurs naturally within the human heart, but instead, is the result of God’s grace alone, through the in- dwelling of The Holy Ghost. In fact, what some may view as lethargy, and unwillingness in fellow Christians, is more often a deficit of the Holy Spirit in the heart. Let’s read:
[D.A. pp 295>296] All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation, and combativeness.
Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Savior's words.
Thus, humility is the result of Christ’s work of grace in our hearts and is something that is accomplished in His own time and way. That voluntary humility of which Paul spoke is of human origin and is actually a disguised form of pride. Conversely, Christ brings us into situations, and experiences which develop the true humility in those who so choose, and anything else is nothing short of a counterfeit. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou would keep his commandments, or no.
3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know, that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.
This last passage is of particular interest, for it says that God used food as the means of humbling His people, so the question is: What does food have to do with humility? For us to understand what that passage means we must first remember that the children of Israel ate manna for forty years, a pretty long time to be fed one article of food. It is true that at times they craved variety and God granted it, but their staple every day was manna. Let’s read:
Exodus 16:35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Question: Could one article of food supply all of the necessary nutrients our bodies need, and if not, will we be grossly deficient in certain areas? It’s worthy of note that the Hebrews requested a wider variety, of food, something that is quite consistent with the guidelines given by the National institutes of Health. And almost all professionals in the wellness industry will unanimously agree that a wide variety of food is essential to well-being, strength, and longevity. So, the request of the Hebrews was not as far-fetched as some may think, or was it?. Let’s read:
Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.
6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
[N.I.H] The 2015-2020 edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes eating a variety of foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free dairy, and lean meats. The new guidelines, developed by “experts” in the fields of nutrition, health, and medicine, are designed to combat rising rates of chronic, diet-related diseases in a way that is easier for consumers to adopt, the “experts” said. A healthy eating plan includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
And thus, if any Hebrew was to choose manna over the conventional wisdom on variety, then he would by so doing be choosing God’s method of humbling him, a method that defies logic, and requires faith, belief, trust, and obedience, with the accompanying inevitable results. In fact, faith, and obedience are much, more essential to health than vitamins, and minerals, because, as the topic says, it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:
Psalms 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
Exodus 34:27 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words.
28 And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.
[2] Conversion is not a prerequisite either, when it comes to working for Christ, or having a relationship with Him. Ongoing conversion is also the by-product of God’s grace in human hearts, and therefore, we must not view one as unqualified, or unprepared to serve, just because he or she may not be an entirely converted Christian. In fact, the disturbing news is that most of us Christians are not converted, as yet. The apostle Paul puts it this way. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
Matthew 26:4 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise, also said all the disciples.
[3] One does not have to be willing either, as a precondition, to serving or accepting God’s grace. Willingness in spiritual things, like all other godly characteristics is a direct result of God’s work in our hearts. The energy and zeal manifested in doing any righteousness, or in serving faithfully, must never be credited to the Christian, as if his/her willingness originated with themselves, for this characteristic is also a by-product of the indwelling Holy Ghost.
When the first sanctuary in the wilderness was to be built, the record shows us that the Hebrews who responded to Moses’ appeal for contributions, did so willingly, but it was God alone who sent forth His Spirit into their hearts, and the rest is history. Their willingness, and liberality was the direct result of God’s work in their hearts, and He alone must be glorified for what transpired, because it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:
Exodus 35:21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
Exodus 31:30 And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
33 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
The same experience was repeated, when in David’s day, requests were made for the building of the first temple. The people brought willingly of their goods, but David acknowledged that the attitude of giving did not originate with the people. Like as with the characteristic of humility, it was God alone who had moved upon the hearts of the people, and the rest is history. Let’s read:
1st Chronicles 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
10 Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
[B.E. pp 380] It was God alone who had made His people generous. He, not man, must be glorified. His Spirit had made them willing. If His love had not moved on the hearts of the people, the temple would never have been built.
This brings us to one of the most important issues to be addressed, as it pertains to our service, and our relationship with God. Question: What role does the human agent have to play, in the plan of salvation, and all that it entails. The answer is one, “CHOICE”.
Whenever we choose good over evil, or service over selfishness, or humility over pride, and willingness in place of procrastination and excuses, then Christ couples His Holy Spirit with our choice, to bring to pass in our hearts, that which otherwise, would never have occurred, for it’s all about Christ.
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
This leads us to a stark reality existing in churches today across the land, for it seems as if members have to be induced by rewards, to serve; rewards such as praise, accolades, and higher positions, and public recognition of one’s efforts or contributions. In some instances, some may even be offended, or discouraged if their names were not mentioned as noteworthy from the pulpit.
Then again, it seems as if some have to be literally begged and pleaded with to do some little service for The Master, albeit with great reluctance and an attitude. The real underlying problem is that God’s Spirit is largely absent from many churches, even though members may not be cognizant of the fact.
Thus, the Bible study for today will center around a parable given by Christ, which demonstrates the way in which our service and our relationship with Christ is implemented and evaluated in the courts of heaven. As we read we will discover in surprise, that it is the one who initially had the bad attitude, who ultimately did God’s will, whatever his or her attitude may have been.
The prospect was laid before each, the choices were made, and then the one who had chosen God’s will was subsequently endowed and fully equipped with everything he needed to accomplish what God had required. Thus, it is in all aspects of our salvation, because the choice is ours, as Joshua rightly put it, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve”.
But one thing is certain, once we choose Christ, it becomes all about Christ; His work, His enabling, His energy, His Spirit, His willingness, His humility, His righteousness, His steadfastness, His character, His will power, and everything else that is included in the production, and the implementation of all the Christian graces, for it’s all about Christ. Let’s read:
Matthew 21:28 A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father?
They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
The second son had made a spontaneous choice in the heat of the moment, whilst the organist was playing, and the stirring appeals were being made from the pulpit; and thus, his apparent willingness, and humility was of human origin. Thus, when it came time for the rubber to meet the road, when it came time to deliver on his promise, he was found to be recanting, and consequently ran out of steam.
However, the first son, who seemed to be unwilling initially, obviously thought the matter through, and made a deliberate choice to serve, and the rest is history, for after choosing, he was empowered, and given the wherewithal to accomplish the Father’s will. In other words, everything that was needed was provided, and thus He who was once unwilling was enabled to do and dare for The Master.
In the Christian’s life experience, the same is true, for whatsoever is worth accomplishing, whether it be in spiritual or temporal lines, we must remember that it’s all about Christ. We choose, and then the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling us to perform the will of God, is implemented, because it’s all about Christ.
We therefore close with a quote from the pen of inspiration, and a passage of scripture which would remind us of our constant dependence and need of Christ. Let’s read:
[C.O.L. pp 349>350] God desires that His workers in every line shall look to Him as the Giver of all they possess. All right inventions and improvements have their source in Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. The skillful touch of the physician's hand, his power over nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body, is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering.
The skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, comes from God. He has entrusted men with talents, and He expects them to look to Him for counsel. Whatever we do, in whatever department of the work we are placed, He desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work.
Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. There must be co-operation in everything embraced in Christian activity.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God Bless!