Though most of us do not equate our state of mind in terms of work or rest, it is most certainly the case. If the mind is in a state of unrest, it is actually working overtime; which in turn affects our entire being. Ultimately determining such factors as to whether or not we live in gratitude, possess clarity of mind, or experience true peace. The minute we start to work at our freedom by observing the law, we become conscious of sin; and the minute we become conscious of sin, we become slaves to sin. The mind subconsciously working over time to eradicate that which is impossible; which of course is the indwelling sin of the flesh.
My friends, it is our Father's most sincere desire that we be free of the sin conscience; knowing that we have been cleansed and purified by the blood of the lamb should clear our conscience that we may boldly approach God unhindered by the accusation of sin; which in turn frees us to worship Him with a spirit of gratitude born of love. Phil. 4:6-7 states: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.
Heb. 10:1-4: For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
Heb. 10:11-14: And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices which could never take away sins. But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting til His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.
Heb. 10:17-18: Then He adds, there sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more. Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
Heb 10: 22-23: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
May God richly bless you in the abundance of His gracious rest!!
Commentary by:
G. L. Miller
Excellent. Thank you, G and L!
ReplyDeleteWow, Miller(s)! This is yet another example of what Christ has been gently telling me over the last several months. I thought I was supposed to become more aware of my sinfulness (or flesh, now that I know I am not identified with it any longer, since I am in Him and He in me)...the fact that I wasn't and haven't been fully aware or conscious of the wickedness (or as I used to say "my wickedness") gave me the idea that I was so proud and blind to the flesh that I thought I wasn't saved yet, and that since I didn't want to look at that ugliness and see that wickedness and be identified with it, I came to the conclusion that my heart was so hardened and I was still lost in sin. I see now that Jesus has been working in me to reveal to me that He doesn't want me to dwell on sin or be conscious of it because that is not my identity any longer. Here I was, thinking that I since supposedly I wasn't conscious of it enough, that I had to work at "convincing myself" that I had sin and wasn't good in and of myself so that I would turn/repent and then Christ would save me. Wow..what a tangled mess and web of lies the evil one had spun on me. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and passion for sharing the Good News of Christ and His sufficiency alone to reveal to us that we are so loved - so much more than we could ever imagine. Much love to you both, your fellow brother in Christ, Ben Thompson.
ReplyDeleteWell Ben...Praise the Lord that He confirmed some things in that new heart He gave you. The old covenant was full of sin consciousness, and it did nothing to help men draw near to God. But now we are able to draw near with a sincere heart, drawn by His incredible love for us, free from any accusation thanks to our wonderful Savior and Father. We love you very much for blessing us with your testimony, and look forward to spending an eternity thanking our Jesus together. We live in the Palm Springs area if you are ever near here and would like some fellowship. You are welcome to contact us any time! Blessings to you brother, and we hope you will be blessed in all of the messages we receive from the Lord. Please share as much as you want. The saints need edification on all sides! Grace and Peace...George and Lisa
DeleteAll the same to you both as well. We live in the Salem Oregon area and as you mentioned as well you are more than welcome up here also. I will "facebook" you and give you our number should you also ever want to talk! -Ben
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