The Heaton File

For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15)

He Inhabits Eternity

How can we comprehend God? He is so great and so powerful it is beyond the pale of man to grasp the true meaning of His existence. Isaiah describes the Lord as being the High One. The Lord God is the Lofty One or the One who is lifted up. He is so far above man there is no comparison. There has never been a comparison and never will be. Out of the dust of the ground man was formed and his body became a living being when the Lord God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Only the High and Lofty One has the breath of life and He gives to man as He chooses. The world testifies to the High and Lofty One as every day the sun rises and sets according to the divine plan of His will. All of the universe declares the glory of His creative power and man cannot touch the hem of the garment to understand its vast chasms of space. Man is a puny speck of dust in the scheme of all things.

How does one inhabit eternity? Man is limited by time and space. God is not. He dwells in a place that man cannot understand. The High and Lofty One exists where there is no beginning and no end. When men try to explain the meaning of eternity words fail. This does not deny the existence of eternity because man cannot fathom a world such as eternity. Rather, it confirms the greatness of the Lord God. He dwells in a place so high man cannot imagine how great and wonderful the dwelling place of God is like. What is the most amazing part of this eternity is the invitation of the High and Lofty One for man to dwell with Him in this place of eternity. God created man for His own glory and His desire is for all men to dwell with Him in this place without end.

Those who will dwell with the High and Lofty One are those who have a contrite and humble heart. Not everyone gets to dwell with God in eternity. The desire of the Lord is for all men to dwell with Him but sadly most men have no desire to live with God. Life is all about the here and now and Satan has deceived the hearts of men to believe there is no eternity and life is all about time and space. The great deception is working in the hearts of most men who die unprepared for the reality of an eternal existence in insufferable horror.

For the few who believe in God and the promise of eternal life, He welcomes them to His high and lofty place of eternal life. His name is Holy. His children bear His name of Holiness and face death with the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son. Life is full because the promise of eternal joy is set before their eyes and dwelling in the presence of the Almighty Lord God. What a day that will be when we look upon His face. The joy of eternal life can never be realized until that great day of awakening that He tells His children, “Enter in.” Wow. What a time that will be. Eternity awaits. God is waiting.

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

The Church Of The New Testament

Words are important as they define the meaning of ideas. Titles or names can lose their true identity when we fail to understand the significance of the way words are structured in their content. The Bible never refers to the church as the “New Testament church” but no clearer definition is given of the early disciples than the church of the New Testament. Using the term is descriptive of what happened when Jesus came to earth. The Gentiles were governed by a law of Abrahamic faith and the Jews were bound to a covenant through Moses. 2 Corinthians 3:14 is the only time the phrase “old covenant” or “Old Testament” is used in scripture but it is clear in the writings of the early inspired men there was an old covenant and a new covenant. The foundation of the church established on Pentecost was the removal of the old law called the Law of Moses and the unification of the Gentile and Jew together as one in Christ. Salvation no longer comes from men living to themselves or following the law given at Sinai. Christ united all men under the power of the cross establishing a new covenant.

The church of the New Testament is a clear indication of a new covenant given by God to all men. What was old is passed away and no longer binding. New Testament principles suggest the Old Testament regulations have been replaced. There is a clear contrast between old and new. Calling the church by identifying it as a New Testament church confirms God’s plan to create a new system of salvation apart from the law of the Gentiles and the Law of Moses. With the New Testament church a new set of laws and commandments are based upon a new system of sacrifice and redemption. The New Testament church is new because the law of Christ is the foundation bought by His blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin. In the Law of Moses there was a continual offering of blood sacrifice. Christ became the new sacrifice as He offered Himself without sin as the final ransom.

Embracing the new covenant requires putting away the old covenant. The book of Hebrews is the foundational thesis on why the new covenant is so much better than the old covenant. There is a better sacrifice, priesthood, law, promises and a host of better things in the New Testament church. Speaking of the church as the New Testament body of disciples embraces the need to follow only the covenant of Jesus Christ. Taking the new does not include bring things from the old. There are similarities between the old covenant and the new covenant but these are based only upon the word of God. When men go back to the Law of Moses and bring the doctrines of the old into the new, it is like putting new wine in an old wine skin. The New Testament church is exactly that – the assembly of a new covenant. Praise God for what is new. Thank you God for the gift of your Son and the power of the New Testament church.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Kindness

Of all the fruits of the Spirit that call for some complex understanding, the trait of kindness is least difficult to define. The tragedy is that so few people exercise this special part of the Christian life. Kindness is self-determined by the act of being a kind person in words, deeds and actions. Attitude is such an important part of being a person of kindness and this is an important part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If there is a greater need in the church today it is the portrait of those who are not sour faced, complaining, murmuring and grumpy people who are not happy about anything. They find it difficult to be kind to others or to speak kindly about others. Kindness is a trait of mildness in the manner of dealing with others. Politeness is a key ingredient of learning to be a kind person.

What is misunderstood about the character of kindness is that some suggest they were born with a certain attitude and that is who they are. In other words, their rough exterior defines who they are with no change needed. It is interesting that God includes in one of the fruits of the Spirit the need for kindness.  This is a learned process that changes the heart of the gruff person to a person of thoughtfulness. Kindness is not an option; it is a command. All Christian’s must put off the old man of unkindness and put on the new man created in Christ Jesus that is kind to others. This is how the world should see the child of God.

When a man looks at all the ways the Lord has shown kindness with the sun, rain, food, clothing and daily provisions, he learns this kind of beneficence should be shown to others. Perfecting the character of the child of God is becoming more like the Father. He has shown His kindness through the blessings of the world and the spiritual blessings through His Son. Kindness is a part of the Christian’s life showing itself through deeds of kindness and extending mercy to others. The other fruits of the Spirit are more easily digested when covered with kindness. Forgiveness will be a better pill to swallow instead of a bitter pill to endure when kindness measures the heart. So often the reason it is hard to be kind is the word of God does not guide the heart. If the word of God is the sword of the Spirit then the more time spent in the word of God the kinder a person will become. How can he read of all the ways the Lord shows His kindness and not want to be a kind person to others? The truth will set us free from bitterness and make us to be kind people.

As D. A. Hayes said, “The philanthropy of God is to be reproduced in the philanthropy of men.” James reminds us that works show our faith and what better way to let our lights shine in the world than being people who speak with a kind tongue. Expressing thanks to others goes a long way in impressing upon a lost soul the joy of being a Christian. The fruit of the Spirit is opening a door for someone or helping someone with a heavy package. Being a kind person is the kind of person we should be in our conduct, presentation and attitude. Filling the heart with the fruit of the Spirit will change the gruff interior of the old man to a shining example of kindness so that others can see God living in our hearts. Here is the word from the Holy Spirit: be kind.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. (Hebrews 7:26-28)

One And Done

Under the Law of Moses, a special priesthood was established to carry out the sacrifices for the people. The brother of Moses, Aaron, would become the first High Priest and through his lineage a continual generation of priests would serve before the Lord. The High Priest would change numerous times throughout the history of the Law. When Aaron died, his son Eleazar took his place. So began the long line of priests that would serve the people and the Lord in the Tabernacle and Temple. When these men came to offer sacrifices for the people they would make atonement for their own sins first. Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to redeem the people but again would have to offer sacrifice for himself first before standing before God. All the priests were sinful men requiring a blood sacrifice for their own redemption. Jesus became the ultimate High Priest because He lived for three decades as a man and was without sin. He became the sacrifice for the sins of all men in His death.

Jesus was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners. His priesthood is established upon the purity of a sinless life. The priests of the Law offered sacrifices every day for their sins but Jesus never transgressed the law of God. All of the men who served as High Priests and priest were weak in the flesh because of sin. Jesus was perfected forever as a lamb led to the slaughter yet without sin. His holiness was the perfection of His Father. He was without guile, innocent from the stain of sin. Throughout the short life of the Son of God, He was unstained by the mark of sin. Satan tried repeatedly to destroy the life of Jesus tempting Him in every way possible. He failed. Jesus was victorious. Satan succeeded in killing the Son of God but the Father raised His Son from the dead to give final victory over sin.

There is no greater priesthood than that which comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is exalted above all men and unlike all men because He is without sin. The power of His life is that it would be remarkable if someone lived a full life and committed only a handful of sins. What separates all men from Jesus is that one sin condemns them and Jesus never committed one sin – not one. We are all weak but He is not. Our lives are filled with the pain of rebelling against the love of God. Jesus became the love of God in living more than thirty years without sin. His priesthood is so great no man can ever achieve a greater priesthood. No man who stands upon the earth will claim a right to exalt themselves above Christ. All men will stand before the great High Priest one day and be accountable for every sin. Our judge had no sin when He was on the earth. The truth is that one sin made us sinners. One sin and we were done. Jesus is fitting for us because He is without sin. Thank you Lord for your love and your sacrifice.

So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. (Genesis 25:24-28)

Siblings

The Lord tells us that children are a heritage and there are so many blessings bound up in their hearts. Everyone was a child at one time in their life growing into adulthood with the experiences and traits of the home. Some families are large with multiple children while others are filled with the blessings of one. No matter the number of offspring from the parents, children are to bring joy and happiness to the home. The Lord created the home for happiness. His design was perfect in allowing a man and woman to experience the power of creation by bringing a child into the world. Each birth is a mark of an eternal journey that will never end. Through God’s hand life is placed within the body fashioned to show forth the incredible wonder of His creation. This is especially evident when a family experiences the joy of siblings.

A sibling is family of more than one child. When two or more children come into a home the parents realize there are marked differences between the children. No two children are alike in their dispositions, attitudes, feelings and growth. Twins share more than others in many ways but still have an identity of their own. Jacob and Esau were twins with Esau being the older of the two. The apostle Thomas had a twin but it is not known if it was a girl or boy. When Jacob and Esau were in the womb there were early signs of the struggles these two boys would have in life. The birth itself was marked by a most unusual event. The younger baby grabbed the heel of his older brother as he was born. They were fraternal twins as they did not look alike. Esau, the firstborn, was red and had a lot of hair covering his body. Jacob had smooth skin. Alike but different.

As the boys grew, an early sign of the difference revealed itself. Esau was a man of the earth. He enjoyed spending time in the fields hunting game. He became a skillful hunter and making a stew his father especially enjoyed. Jacob was more of a man who tended things in the tents. His mind was upon different matters than being a hunter. It did not make him less of a man but his interest was directed towards the affairs of the family. What made Jacob and Esau different were their distinct interest and personalities. A problem arose in the family because of parental favoritism. Esau gave more preference to Esau than Jacob because he was a hunter of the field. Rebekah devoted her love to Jacob. This would become a family tragedy in time to come.

Sibling rivalry is the experience of children being different from one another. God created every human being to be a diverse individual; even within families. An eternal truth of this creation is that every man shall stand judged before God on his own merits. There are certain family traits that are shared within siblings but the greater part remains of the diversity. It is important for every child to realize the worth of their own character. Esau was a skilled hunter and what a blessing that was to the family. Jacob could not be jealous because his brother could go out and hunt down a deer, kill it, gut it and prepare its meat for a meal. Jacob had great talents probably in the business sense that Esau had no time for. In one family a man can be a highly skilled mechanic and his sister can be a skilled brain surgeon. One may get their hands dirty to do their job while the other scrubs every molecule of dirt off of their hands to do theirs. Siblings mean each child is blessed with who they are and what they are. God created the home in that way.

The problem in the home of Jacob and Esau was the unfair devotion given to each child. Sibling rivalry is a common trait in families but parents make a serious mistake when they give preference of one child over the other. One child may enjoy being in the swamps hunting and fishing while the other child spends hours reading books. Praise God for the beauty of each child’s abilities. They can both glorify God in the abilities given to them. Everyone is important to the Lord no matter what their skills are. Consider the men Jesus chose to be His apostles. They would not have been at the top of the Fortune 500 successful business decisions. What Jesus saw in the twelve apostles was not what they were but what they could become. Parents must look at their children for the blessing they bring to the world and encourage their abilities for what they can do for the glory of God. Siblings are a blessing when viewed through the eyes of the One who created them.

And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. (Luke 6:17-19)

The Power Of Jesus

After the Lord chose twelve apostles, He comes to a place where a great multitude find Him and teaching the people and healing them of all manner of disease, Jesus shows forth His authority both in word and deed. It must have been the most incredible time in the history of the world. One man standing in a crowd of thousands drawn from Judea, Jerusalem and as far away as Tyre and Sidon. The people came to hear Jesus teach. Many more are healed of their diseases including the demon possessed. His power was so great that the whole multitude swarmed around Him just to touch Him to be healed. Imagine hundreds if not thousands of people touching the Lord just to be healed. They came with diseases and left cleansed. Living with excruciating pain was removed when they touched Jesus. The lame walked again, the blind could see and those tormented by the evil darkness of demons were set free. All diseases were cured that day. Everyone who came to Jesus went home with the gift physical cleansing. The power of Jesus was an amazing demonstration of God’s mercy, grace and love for all men regardless of their age, gender, social or economic status. A few years later they killed the man who healed them and the power was lost from earth.

The life of Jesus was a remarkable time for those living in Israel. Thousands of people were healed of every disease known to man. They lived out their lives without the disease that plagued them but after Jesus died so did the power. Through the power of the Holy Spirit another generation of men rose to heal disease and cast out demons but these men passed away also. A day dawned upon earth when the last person with the power to heal died and so ended that divine time of physical healing. Two thousand years removed, disease still has its cruel hand on the lives of all men. There are charlatans of deceit that claim the power of healing but their truth is a lie. The power of miraculous healing has ended but a greater power remains.

Jesus died and rose from the dead on the third day to establish His power over sin. His greatest gift to man was not causing the blind to see or making the lame to walk. This was temporary. Those who were healed have been dead for many generations. The greatest power of Jesus are the words that we read of His life and the force of His teaching that heals the heart of sin. Hearing Jesus brings about great happiness than curing disease. Following this period of teaching and healing, Jesus delivered a powerful sermon similar to His discourse on the mountain. His teaching was the real power of Jesus. The physical body could be healed but it would decay again and die. When the words of Jesus changed a heart of sin there was an eternal reward.

The story of Jesus is the story of His teaching. God has put forth His word in the hearts of men in written form so they can read and understand His will for salvation. Healing comes in the spiritual man by hearing the word of God, believing and obeying His words. Greater joy is found when we accept the commands of the Lord and follow His will. The body continues to decay and when death consumes the physical the reward of eternal life embraces the soul of man and true happiness is found. Touching Jesus is touching His word. Seeking Jesus is coming to His teachings and allowing the power of God to live in the heart. Experience the power of Jesus by opening up His word and let His word dwell in your heart. Now that is power.

Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

Rejecting God Not Man

The early church was built upon the writings and teachings of the apostles as they were inspired through the Holy Spirit. Paul was a vibrant worker for the Lord writing many letters and treatise establishing patterns for the early church to follow. He wrote some tough things to the churches of the first century. His letter to Corinth was a very difficult pronouncement against the many problems faced by the church. Immorality was so common in society the church was constantly exhorting the Christians to maintain a life of purity. In his letter to Thessalonica, Paul again outlined the need to remain pure from sexual promiscuity. The reason for the apostles admonition was one simple rule: refusal to live pure was rebellion against God, not man.

From the beginning the law of God has been about the law of God. Men are the instruments that serve the purpose of the law. When the world rejects the words of righteousness, they are rebelling against the truth of God. It is easy for men to become discouraged believing they are the ones being rejected. Noah must have felt overwhelmed at the attitudes of his world as he pleaded with his friends and neighbors to be warned of the impending doom. How grieved his heart must have been when he saw the door of the ark closing and only his family was saved. The world rejected God – not Noah. A contrast is seen in the story of Jonah. After preaching to the city of Nineveh, the whole city repented and changed their ways. Jonah became angry that God was not going to destroy the city. What changed the heart of the people was the word of God. Jonah was only an instrument but it was God’s word that changed their hearts. They did not believe in Jonah, they believed in God.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest message of salvation man will know. It has been preached for two thousand years and yet most men reject the need for salvation. Thousands of people share the gospel every day throughout the world facing rejection, persecution and denial. What the world rejects is the word of God, not man. The power of the gospel is in the gospel. It cannot be changed, improved upon, colored a different color or tampered with. No man has a right to change the simple message of Christ crucified because there is no other wisdom given to man that will save him. Servants of God have only one mission: preach the word. Let the gospel of its free course in the hearts of men. When someone obeys the gospel it is because of the power of the word, not the man. For those who reject the waters of life they rebel against the Lord God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Longsuffering

The word longsuffering is a great word because it is a long word that has suffer in its middle. As a fruit of the Sprit, it is one of the key ingredients to the character of the child of God. The emotions of love, joy and peace are found in the spirit of the nature of God and expressed in many ways. Longsuffering is a word that describes a patient and humble spirit of bearing up under whatever circumstances life brings. Adam Clarke describes the word as “long-mindedness” and this speaks to the heart of the fruit of the Spirit. The mind of the growing Christian is willing to quietly view situations with a greater clarity of mind than those who are impatient and impetuous. Not everything in life goes according to plan. People disappoint and they fail us. There are many things in life that fill our days with troubles and problems seemingly never to end. The spirit of longsuffering is a mind that understands the nature of life and its brevity.

Learning the true character of longsuffering comes from viewing God’s longsuffering. How many a generation of people has the Lord patiently endured all the disrespect, dishonor and disregard and yet He continues to bless man with rain, sunshine, food and clothing? In our own lives how often have we sinned and begged the Lord for forgiveness and He continually blesses us with His grace and His mercy. Longsuffering is a spirit of bearing under the trials of life with the end view in mind of God’s purpose. When we learn the power of His longsuffering, we can embrace our own spirit to learn to be longsuffering toward others.

The fruit of the Spirit is a vital part of the Christian’s life. Longsuffering is no less an important element of the character that sets the child of God apart from the world. In many ways it is the hinge pin of all the other fruits of the Spirit holding together the complete makeup of godliness and holiness. Longsuffering requires a proper view of people and the world. Only through the eyes of God can a man see clearly to understand the need of suffering long. This is not a negative trait but a positive one. Longsuffering brings about love, peace and joy. It will help one to be kind, good, faithful and gentle. The end result will be greater power to control self.

Forgiveness is an easier pill to swallow when we exercise the spirit of longsuffering. This trait turns our heart toward God and allows His will to be accomplished. We suffer long with others because they have the same needs as we. There need for grace is as large as mine. The spirit of longsuffering recognizes that I must be longsuffering towards others because God is longsuffering to me. If I cannot love my brother here on earth to exercise a humble spirit of longsuffering then how can I expect the Lord to use His measure of longsuffering to my life? Longsuffering is why we have two ears and one mouth. We should listen much more than we talk. Proving our words and actions before we let them go instills the fruit of the Spirit in our longsuffering. Being patient with one another builds relationships of love and trust.

There is a reason the word ‘long’ is in longsuffering. It will take time and sometimes it may take more time. Our goals are not to accomplish my will but rather to seek the will of God in my relationship with others. When life begins to press upon us, the spirit of longsuffering reminds us that our greatest day will be when we leave this world and join the angels in Heaven singing praises to the Lord. That is our vision that gives us longsuffering. Our minds are not on the things of this world but the things that are above. It makes suffering long so much easier.

When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord. And in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, that it may yield to you its increase: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:23-25)

Uncircumcised Fruit

The Law of Moses was very specific in the applications of laws established by the Lord. Examining the Law carefully shows how the testing of obedience was as much a part of the Law as the regulations themselves. When the Lord gave the Law to the people He expected them to obey every tenet of its law whether they understood or agreed with the law. The eating of fruit was an example of the serious nature of God’s will. The Law of Moses determined that fruit born in the first three years of life was considered uncircumcised. It was not until the fourth year of produce the people could take the fruit and offer it to the Lord. The people could not eat of the fruit in the first three years. They had to wait until the fifth year to eat its fruit.

Obedience is following the law whether a person understands it or not. Whether a person agrees with the law did not change the law. A man could plant a fig tree and in the first three years see a harvest of fruit. He was forbidden to eat of its fruit. The fourth year he still was forbidden to eat of its fruit giving the fruit rather to the Lord. Planting a fig tree required waiting five years to eat of its fruit. Why? Because God said so. There are reasons given why this law was ordained; explaining the maturity of the fruit is not quite complete until after the three years. In reality it did not matter because the Law of Moses forbade a man from eating fruit from his grove until the fifth year. Refusing to obey this law was against the law of God. Moses concludes this law with the affirmation of the sovereignty of the Lord God. His law was not to be trifled with.

The Law of Moses is an example of law and obedience. It was abolished through the death of Christ but the law is preserved so that men today can understand the nature of God’s law. It is possible some could look at the law of the uncircumcised fruit and question whether it made any difference whether a person ate fruit the first, second or third year. What is so special about eating fruit and what moral law is compromised by eating fruit? There is a tendency to categorize sin at different levels. Looking at adultery as a terrible sin against God yet thinking eating second year fruit was okay would be an easy thing for people to believe. How can you compare adultery to eating fruit? The penalties under the Law of Moses were different but sin was still committed. If a man committed adultery he was put to death. Eating fruit the first three years was a sin and would come with its own penalty. The law was broken in both cases. Judgment came upon both examples of breaking the law.

Obedience to the Lord today is not measured by what level of consequence is implied. Keeping the law of God means that every effort is made to follow the will of the Lord in every part – big or small. The majority of the religious world rejects baptism as necessary for salvation because they do not see the purpose or design of being immersed in water. Arguments are made against baptism as a work and without merit because men cannot see why the Lord would expect anything beyond grace to save a man. Did it make a lot of sense to the human mind to wait until the fifth year to eat fruit from a tree? The law required it whether man understood it or not. Using instruments of music in worship may seem pleasing to the mind of man but the Lord forbids it. Assembling on the first day of the week is out of touch with the wisdom of man, taking some juice and eating unleavened bread does not have a context with human thinking.

The Christian is commanded to forgive one another and be kind to others but some say that is not their personality to do so. Being kind, humble, longsuffering and peaceful is commanded but again people decide to ignore the law and act in unkind and unforgiving ways. We have a way of picking and choosing which laws we keep based upon whether it appeals to our nature. I suspect if we lived in the days of Moses we would also eat the fruit of the trees the first three years because what is the big deal – right? Why was it a sin to eat of the fruit the first three years? Because God said it was. Does it matter what I think or what the religious leaders of the world believe? The word of God is true and its laws should not be tampered with. Obedience comes from a heart that is willing to obey everything the Lord instructs with no question. His grace and His mercy will guide my heart to serve Him because His laws are true and righteous – even when it comes to picking fruit.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

How To Have An Elect Marriage

Vance Havner said, “Christians are defeated in daily living because they have fought the devil with the weapons of earth: their own resources, will power, and moral stamina.” Marriages struggle and are empty because couples try to solve their problems with their own resources, will power and moral stamina. When the Lord gave His word to the people, it was an all-purpose design that applied to every part of life. The applications that are enforced for day to day living are very important to mold into the fabric of the relationship of a husband and wife. Many passages do not speak directly to the character of marriage but the principles are absolute in their teachings of how the husband and wife are to regard one another. This is especially true of marriages that are built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. These marriages are unions of the elect.

It is very special to be called the elect of God. There is a distinct calling Christian’s share with the Father as they are holy people and called His beloved. The strength of a marriage will increase greatly when we see the application of the elect of God to the union of hearts formed in marriage. Building the relationship of a husband and wife upon the teachings of Christ reinforce the individual characteristics of the person to teachings of righteousness. Marriage is designed to bring the utmost happiness to the man and woman. This can only be done when men follow the design given by the Lord.

A marriage is what God intended when there are tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. Husbands and wives should strive every day to exercise a tender spirit toward one another and to express through words and actions a kind spirit. Love should not wane in the years of marriage but grow deeper. Doing kind things for one another solidifies the feelings of mutual love. A humble heart realizes the true love comes through sacrificing offerings of love for the other person. Husbands must put on the mantle of humility as leaders of the home. Submission is best suited from wives who humbly follow the leadership of the husband. Meekness is not weakness but strength. Having a meek spirit will temper disputes and arguments. Bearing with one another is not only an important mark for the Christian but especially for the marriage. The husband is no more perfect than the wife. Faults can and will be found on both sides. Mistakes will be made. Having a spirit of longsuffering will seek the welfare of the other.

One of the most important parts of marriage is the act of forgiveness. We cannot receive forgiveness from God if we are unwilling to forgive others. In the marriage bond there will be times that it does not matter who is right or wrong but a spirit of forgiveness will determine our relationship with the Father. Without forgiving our husband or wife we will not stand whole in the sight of God. Christ died to create an elect people that know the power of forgiveness. Paul says we must forgive. In the marriage union forgiveness is a requirement not an option. It will create a happy and beautiful atmosphere of love when we love one another so much to forgive one another.

Love should be the prominent factor in our marriage. We made a covenant with God when we said our vows and His peace should rule our hearts in our love for one another. The reasons marriages are filled with disharmony is a lack of God’s word. Letting the word of Christ dwell in our hearts as husbands and wives will give us to tools to build a loving, lasting and eternal marriage. Everything done in the marriage is done in accordance with the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If the Lord God is not the center of the marriage universe there will be failure. The elect of God have different marriages than the world. Our love for one another is greater than the love of those in the world because our marriage is built on holiness. The true relationship of the beloved is found in the Lord.