TheGodkindChurch

The lesson delves into the parable of the talents, a story found in the Bible that illustrates principles of stewardship, obedience, and trust in God's provision. It's divided into three parts, each highlighting key aspects of the parable. In the first part, the speaker discusses the significance of the talents, representing resources and opportunities given to us by God. The emphasis is on faithful stewardship, utilizing our gifts and resources to their fullest potential for the glory of God. Moving on to the second part, the focus shifts to the attitudes of the servants towards their master and their responsibilities. Here, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that all increase comes from God, urging listeners to avoid comparing themselves to others and to trust in God's ability to bring growth and reward. In the final part, the discussion centers on the concept of striving lawfully as soldiers of Christ. The speaker highlights the need for disciplined obedience to God's commands, avoiding entanglement with worldly distractions, and striving with integrity in the Christian walk. Success is defined not by worldly standards but by faithful stewardship and obedience to God's instructions. Overall, the lesson encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of faithful stewardship, diligent obedience, and trust in God's provision and increase. It underscores the importance of focusing on God's commands, avoiding comparison with others, and cultivating humility, contentment, and trust in God's faithfulness throughout our Christian journey.

What Value Do You Place on Church? To what extent do you go to demonstrate the value of Church in your life compared to the value you place on your other relationships? This short exhortation is to charge you to hold the Church in high esteem.

The Reality of our Sonship, Part V One of the reality of life in Christ is our adoption into God's family through the finished work of Jesus Christ as children. This is one of the most vital truth a believer is first exposed to because it rests on identity. It is a unique calling specific to the Christian faith as this concept is not found in any other world religion. This calls for a study so that we properly identify, classify and carry ourselves with the dignity of the Lord our God.

The Authority of the Holy Scriptures, Part III 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Every believer owe the Lord Jesus the duty of knowing the gospel sufficiently to make a defense for it scripturally, yet intelligently. The purpose of this lesson and others to follow is to equip the man in Christ with biblical explanation for the exclusive devotion to the Holy Bible in defense of the gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The Lord taught the gospel out of the Holy Scripture, the apostles gave evidence of the Lord's resurrection from the Holy Scriptures. It is safe to conclude that the Bible remains the dependable official account of God on what He is doing in this world and must remain our go to evidence book to explain the kingdom of our God. Grace.

God's Ability to Cause Changes

Praying the Will of God The beginning of your journey in the life in Christ is knowing that nothing in this kingdom is of you. 1. God, the Source of all Creation And it begins with your understanding of how humanity as indeed all creation came into being, that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them creating them for his pleasure. Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. So, it is conclusively safe and biblically consistent to say we exist at God's pleasure. We owe him our life because he gave it to us, for it belongs to him. 2. Salvation Experience That we are saved by grace through faith and it is not of us. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 3. Call to Life in Christ Upon your salvation, you are inducted into life in Christ and you are empowered by God for that life. Under no circumstance are you left to yourself to figure it out alone. You are empowered by the Holy Ghost, planted in a church, and given a ministry gift to help you in your journey, to present you perfect at the appearing of Christ. All these points to one thing, it is not of you. Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Romans 12:3-6 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 4. Supply belongs to God Being humans not ordinary ones though but ones with hope of eternal life, we have interactions with this world, after all we live here. God has made adequate provisions for our time here with unfettered access to him to draw on his provision by our prayer. Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. This is possible because supply belongs to God. 2 Corinthians 9:8-10 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) In fact, Paul also prayed for supplies for the Philippian church and that is because supply belongs to God. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 5. It is not about you Having established that God is the source of all thing and to him all things belong, who and what we are today, in the spirit and flesh is of him, it is not unthinkable to say all things revolves around the counsel of His will. Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Ephesians 1:3-14 For the umpteenth time, it cannot be over emphasized that asking whatsoever you desire is not ungodly and should also be deemed praying according to the will of God. Nonetheless, how consistent is your "whatsoever" with what God is doing on the earth today? To desire for a befitting living condition is not evil in itself but for what purpose? To consumed it on your pleasures? Are you consumed with it that you relegate the will of God to the background? Your requests are all or mostly centered on your on pleasures, the next house, car, holiday, clothes, degree, your prosperity in the things of this world. James described this as asking amiss. To ask and not receive because the desire is out of lust, your sensual pleasures. James 4:1-10 If it is about God, then our prayers should be aligned with his will, his plan and program, what he is doing in the world today including our "whatsoever". God, with utmost fidelity, is committed to his will, plan and purpose. What is God doing in the world today? Galatians 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. The final instruction of Jesus to the apostles captured what is most important to him. It is what in contemporary times we call will, a man's last wishes, instructions on how things pertaining to him should be conducted while he is away. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Luke 24:46-47 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. When the Lord appeared to Paul too, the one born out of due time, his mandate was same as the first apostles. Acts 26:16-19 But rise , and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: So, the will of God today is the saving the souls of the lost. All that God is doing today, is to get the gospel to people so they can be saved. In fact, the church is given mandate to raise men to do the work of ministry. Ephesians 4:11-15 1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. At the end of the day, the people who love the Lord do his will, always! Mark 3:32-35 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. To know the perfect will of God, the bible says we need transformation by the renewing of our minds in which our minds are reconditioned to recognize and focus on what matters before God. Remember, you cannot run carnal race to obtain eternal prize. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. And follow biblical examples, imitating their faith. In fact, we have examples and instructions to pray in the direction of what God is doing. This one, God will reward.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Every believer owe the Lord Jesus the duty of knowing the gospel sufficiently to make a defense for it intelligently yet scripturally . The purpose of this lesson and many to follow is to equip the man in Christ with biblical explanation for our disposition towards God and faith in Christ. In this lesson, we make a biblical case for our position that all things in creation has a beginning, and that is God. The only biblical explanation for an intelligent, orderly, and purposeful creation is an intelligent, orderly and purposeful creator who made all things to perfection. The first verse of the Bible demonstrates this wisdom, "In the beginning God created...." Amen.

It is a Matter of the Heart Evil or good originates from the heart. No marvel faith/religion is of the heart also. The gospel of Jesus Christ addresses the deficiency of the human heart. Shalom.

In Hope of Eternal Life In our previous lesson (Expectation), we saw God's expectation for the world was to choose eternal life. He set life in array to drive mankind toward eternal life symbolized by the tree of life in the garden of Eden. Titus 1:1-3 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie , promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; Eternal life was God's everlasting plan for mankind. He promised this before the world began. Sin ruined what could have been. However, the Christian life is created by faith in Christ that grants unto us eternal life, sealed by the Holy Ghost, and given to us with a firm hope of perpetual presence in all the ages to come. This life is not just to live a full life in this age; it has an assured hope of the future in it. John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness , even so must the Son of man be lifted up : That whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have eternal life . For God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life. John 6:53-54 Then Jesus said unto them , Verily , verily , I say unto you , Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man , and drink his blood , ye have no life in you . Whoso eateth my flesh , and drinketh my blood , hath eternal life ; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 17:2-3 1 John 5:11-13, 20 Ephesians 2:4-9 But God , who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. With this in view, we look forward to the glorious appearing of our Lord when this hope shall crystallize and fully manifest. Romans 2:5-10 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God ; Who will render to every man according to his deeds : To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality , eternal life : But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth , but obey unrighteousness , indignation and wrath , Tribulation and anguish , upon every soul of man that doeth evil , of the Jew first , and also of the Gentile ; But glory , honour , and peace , to every man that worketh good , to the Jew first , and also to the Gentile: Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations , but now is made manifest to his saints : To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles ; which is Christ in you , the hope of glory : Whom we preach , warning every man , and teaching every man in all wisdom ; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus : Whereunto I also labour , striving according to his working , which worketh in me mightily. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 Therefore let us not sleep , as do others ; but let us watch and be sober . For they that sleep sleep in the night ; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night . But let us , who are of the day , be sober , putting on the breastplate of faith and love ; and for an helmet , the hope of salvation . For God hath not appointed us to wrath , but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ , Who died for us , that , whether we wake or sleep , we should live together with him . 2 Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes , that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory . It is a faithful saying : For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer , we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us : If we believe not , yet he abideth faithful : he cannot deny himself. Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for (/prosdechomai/to receive to one's self, to receive, to admit, to accept, to expect) that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Titus 3:3-8 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish , disobedient , deceived , serving divers lusts and pleasures , living in malice and envy , hateful , and hating one another . But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared , Not by works of righteousness which we have done , but according to his mercy he saved us , by the washing of regeneration , and renewing of the Holy Ghost ; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour ; That being justified by his grace , we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying , and these things I will that thou affirm constantly , that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works . These things are good and profitable unto men. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , To an inheritance incorruptible , and undefiled , and that fadeth not away , reserved in heaven for you , Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 2 Peter 3:12-14 (/Prosdpkāo/to expect in hope or fear; to look for) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us , even eternal life. 1 John 3:2-3 Beloved , now are we the sons of God , and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that , when he shall appear , we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is . And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself , even as he is pure. In fact, in Apostle Paul's treatise on resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, he emphasized this great Christian expectation, our hope of resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. So, our place in the ages to come is secured because our resurrection compared to other resurrection is glorious. Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Resurrection to life come with a new body. We get a body, a celestial one that fits into every succeeding age which as a permanent feature is given to us. 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 51-54 Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

The Power of the Creator 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Every believer owe the Lord Jesus the duty of knowing the gospel sufficiently to make a defense for it intelligently yet scripturally. The purpose of this lesson and many to follow is to equip the man in Christ with biblical explanation for our disposition towards God and faith in Christ. In this lesson, we make a biblical case for our position that all things in creation has a beginning, and that is God. The only biblical explanation for an intelligent, orderly, and purposeful creation is an intelligent, orderly and purposeful creator who made all things to perfection. By the creator's power, everything is sustained. Amen.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Light of the World One way we bring glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as I taught at our last end of the year service is virtuous living. What does this mean? This lesson is to help us understand it in precepts and the practice of it and its effect on the glory of God. We have previously indicated from a sound scriptural base that the work of God in the world is an operation of glory. God throughout history through His work has been demonstrating His glory to the nations. The purpose of His work of creation is to point to His glory, the majesty of His person. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. The heavens reveals the work of God. We have an example in Matthew 2:1-7. The wise men took notice of what God was doing through the stars. They took months long journey (possibly year long return trip) to pay homage to this new king born in Jerusalem. You can only imagine the greatness revealed in the stars of this king that necessitated their cross cultural visit to pay homage. They must have seen that this king has an eternal reign. If there is a being that can fashion this magnificent world we live in and its far and near environment, should that tell us that such being is greater than what He has created? Creation has to be a testament to the greatness and intelligence of the creator. And since He created all thing, seen and unseen, His greatness cannot be beneath his work, it has to excel beyond things. Even God, in affirming His own greatness swore by himself having searched everywhere to find someone greater He could swear by for an oath confirmation to Abraham but He could not find any. You know it takes confidence to search out anyone greater than you. Hebrews 6:13, 16 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For men verily swear by the greater : and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. He could not swear by the heavens or the things in them neither could He swear by the earth and the things in it; for He is greater than the combinations of all seeing that He created them. John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The creation of human beings also points to God. He created man in His image and after His likeness, a clear pointer that we are not of ourselves. God's glory is well magnified when we carefully appreciate man as His work. 1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. In fact, God gave dominion over the earth to man another clear indication that He has power to it to determine its use, by who and for what purpose. Not just that, He has power over other elements in creation. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image,in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That was not all! He also left instructions on how the first humans should conduct their living on earth. He gave them a prototype living space, showed them how to use it and determined the boundary of their liberty so they can look up to Him for their sustenance. Every thing in the garden is usable except...showing man how to use the facility provided by God and at His instance. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Just like any asset we acquire, they come with user manual, giving instructions on how the product should be used. If we should be found to have carefully used the product, then we would have to use it according to the owner's manual instructions failing which we forfeit product warranty. Failure to use product as specified means any damage during warranty period would be borne by the owner-user. Like strong heads (but of course, through deception), the first humans failed to use the space - their home garden with careful consideration of the glory of God. They saw beyond the glory of God, that there is something attainable beyond what God said. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. The implication was that man fell into sin. Now, in degenerate state, he is fallen short of the glory of God. Oh God! The first obvious thing after sin was that the first humans noticed for the first time they were naked. For the years they lived in the garden, they never knew they were naked. There was no chance they would have known they were naked. Nakedness cannot be observed under the influence of God's glory. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. SIDE NOTE: Just as in the case of fornication and adultery, if you see a human being as the image and glory of God, you will not abuse them by taking sexual advantage of them including and especially the weak and vulnerable. Under the influence of God's glory, the only visible thing is God's glory. Moses was under this influence and their was no need for food to sustain his body. Upon descent from the mount of God having gotten tablets of the law from God (Exodus 31:18), he carried on his activities like he never left not needing food, at least not in the immediate. He spent a total 40 days and nights with God receiving the laws. Exodus 24:12-18. Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Interestingly, he did it a second time to get replacement for the tablets he destroyed in anger when the children of Israel created a molten calf to worship it. Exodus 34:28-30 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. Now in sin, rather than repent, they began their own independent operation to cover up their rebellion from God. First, they made aprons to cover their nakedness forgetting that leaves once plucked will eventually dry up creating a complexity of always replacing the aprons every time the leaves dries. This will leave you in a circus of helping yourself to deal with your own sins by covering it up instead of exposing it to God who can save you from them. This covering led to judgement which if carefully considered was painful but necessary and temporary in order to bring in God's everlasting righteousness. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Then, they hid from the presence of God, hiding from the same and only person that can save them for sin and its guilt. You know what, the guilt of sin if not dealt with will always make you a prisoner of sin and the glory of God that should be revealed in that fellow is denied and deprived because of sin. Isaiah 1:18-19 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: In between, let us consider the deception through which sin came into the world. In the first instance, man was not created to be independent. Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The first man knew clearly his source - his origin, he had regularly interaction with God. If he would live successfully on earth he must stay within the bounds of God's order. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He did so for a time until another character came visiting the garden with an opposing view of how man should live but not under God's order - man should be like the gods. How could God have said you will die? He was only flipping. Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Unfortunately, man did not realize the life he had was a higher one compared to the gods - he was given authority over the earth. He was given the control over the earth, to use it and it's resources. Psalm 8:3-8 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. These gods were to serve men to achieve God's purpose. Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? So, back in Genesis 3, this serpent who is actually the devil - Satan deceived the woman and led man astray. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Man has been introduced to a new order - life apart from God. Away from God, man would descend into darkness, a sinful place where the mind cannot make godly choices anymore. Romans 1:21-32 Ephesians 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. So, the deception is the work of darkness, the work of Satan. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Darkness ruins everything bringing sin into the world. Sin degrades the human nature beneath the glory of God. Isaiah 5:20-24 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Darkness is to live outside the light and counsel of God's word. Isaiah 8:19-22 Darkness can be disguised in ordinary activities. There will be no obvious element of evil in the activity, having seemingly harmless form. Just like the arrest of Jesus, it was orchestrated like the arrest of a traitor, an enemy of the state. Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. People find darkness naturally appealing because it conceals their evil works. John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And by it, sin came into the world. You must know that sin does not work alone, it as an evil twin called death. They work together. Sin cannot work alone, it works with death. Death cannot strike on its own, it derives its power from sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death is passed to all men. The work of darkness has reached its full potential, through deception has brought death upon people because they did not stay within God's boundary with death as consequence. God who will never deprive Himself of His glory shining forth in all the earth took immediate position to remediate sin, remove it from humans so that His glory operation can go on unhindered. He announced His plan in earnest to fix the sin problem. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This plan culminated in Jesus Christ who died for our sin and on the third day was raised to life again by the glory of the Father to give us a new life, one with power over sin to work the glory demands of the life in Christ, who is the image of God. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Jesus, our Jesus is the pass out of darkness into light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Our past life, the one short of the glory of God because of sin is confined to a forgotten past. A past God has moved beyond in Christ, never to be reckoned anymore. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Darkness now in the world through the work of Satan, it began to work all manner of evil in and among men in greater measure. Outside the garden, we see the first manifestation of evil in Cain who killed his brother. He committed murder! 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. This work of darkness was not a one-off event. Darkness having tasted evil would seek more room for manifestation until it achieves preeminence. So, a descendant of Cain would shed blood, killing a man. He would boast saying God would avenge 77 fold against whoever made a revenge attempt on him. Genesis 4:23-24 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. Just like his great ancestor, he would not repent. With more bloodshed, they ruined the earth, subjecting it to more and more influence of darkness. Genesis 4:9-12 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. In fact, Cain would depart from the presence of God to continue his life elsewhere building cities. Genesis 4:16-17 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Of course, you would not expect the cities they developed to have its social order steep in God consciousness. Lawlessness multiplied and became the order of the day. Many years down the line, godlessness had spread, wickedness had increase, evil was the reigning monarch not only on the streets but in their hearts and chiefly so. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. God had to begin again with the only ray of hope he found, Noah. After the flood, people began to multiply on the face of the earth and then Satan was back yet again. How do we know that? The elements of the antediluvian world was back post flood. The giants were back and a social order that had no God in it. Rather, they had a tower at the centre of this city. Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. So, God called Abraham out of this dark civilization to start a new city, the City of God on the earth. Although Abraham moved into a physical land, Canaan, in obedience to God but had his eyes on something better, the heavenly Jerusalem because he wanted a city that has foundation who's builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God vouched about Abraham he would teach his descendants to obey Him. Abraham did! He taught his descendants about his God and showed them His ways. Genesis 18:17-19 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So, Moses came along and brought divine order of God into this new city Abraham founded with an eye on the heavenly Jerusalem to separate them from every other nation on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 4:5-10 Behold , I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons , and thy sons sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. So, also in Christ, when a man is turned to the Lord, he becomes a part of the Father's city, a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. It is a new reality, different from the order of this world. Nothing like it ever existed. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. As a member of this divine order, it is in us to bring its reality to the earth shining this light in the midst of this dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. A new life we were given by the surety of this new covenant, Jesus Christ the high priest of our profession, who gave Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sins instead of the blood of animals like the high priests of the old covenant. Who himself as our high priest whose priesthood is based on the power of an endless life not vulnerable to this present decaying world has given us life and immortality. The glory of God is restored. Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. In the operation of God's glory, sin is consumed, fully remitted in Christ. People who have experienced this grace of God approach and are subsumed into the glory becoming an expression of God's glory as He originally intended - the image and glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Moses is an example. Exodus 20:18-21 The glory of God that Moses experienced here is nothing compare to what is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, 16-18. In Christ, the veil is removed, we have unhindered clear line of sight into God's glory Now that we are exposed to the knowledge of the glory of God as indeed we are the glory of God, we demonstrate the quality of our spirit in the content of our character. This is what the bible calls good works, putting on goodly virtues on as garment in every relationship, as husband, wife, child, worker, employer, citizen, church member etc, etc. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:14-15, 16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. How do we show forth this new reality? The bible teaches how. Do good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. It is not only to do good works, you also separate from darkness and evil. They cannot coexist in the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God , and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. How to do it? Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Ephesians 5:8~ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Php 2:12-13, 14-16 Wherefore , my beloved , as ye have always obeyed , not as in my presence only , but now much more in my absence , work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 1 Thes 5:5-8 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 5:10, 25 Instructions for the families and widows. 1 Timonthy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Titus 3:4-14 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 1 Peter 3:1-9, 16 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; Listen carefully. It is Christ who saves to the uttermost. He gives eternal salvation to those who come to Him, saving the, to the uttermost. Hebrews 5:5-9 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest ; but he that said unto him , Thou art my Son , to day have I begotten thee . As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec . Who in the days of his flesh , when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son , yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him ; Hebrews 7:22-25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Uttermost /pantelēs - all complete, entirely, utterly, perfectly, fully ended/ This clearly put a clear separation between us and those who don't believe and this we have explored in apostolic instructions in scriptures. Yet, one more scripture clearly captures this separation. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them; and I will be their God , and they shall be my people . Wherefore come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you , And will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be my sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty . 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises , dearly beloved , let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit , perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So, we see that separate is an active word - it is something that we must do because we are not of the same stock with the unbelieving world. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be ? not deceived: neither : fornicators, nor , idolaters, nor , adulterers, nor , effeminate, nor , abusers of themselves with mankind, , Nor thieves , nor covetous , nor drunkards , nor revilers , nor extortioners , shall inherit the kingdom of God . And such were some of you : but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. Ephesians 5:3-7, 11-13 But fornication , and all uncleanness , or covetousness , let it not be once named among you , as becometh saints ; Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , which are not convenient : but rather giving of thanks . For this ye know, that no whoremonger , nor unclean person , nor covetous man , who is an idolater , hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God . Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience . Be not ye therefore partakers with them . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness , but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth make manifest is light . 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins : keep thyself pure. Revelation 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from heaven , saying , Come out of her , my people , that ye be not partakers of her sins , and that ye receive not of her plagues . For her sins have reached unto heaven , and God hath remembered her iniquities . Reward her even as she rewarded you , and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double . How much she hath glorified herself , and lived deliciously , so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a queen , and am no widow , and shall see no sorrow . Proverbs 1:10 My son , if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. We see two clear things in this - to demonstrate the light that we are, to illuminate this world, God wants us to take this message to the world, preaching the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. And the second is to maintain good works, which is the product of our new God nature. Examples John 5:33-35 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Expectation A Panacea to a Victorious Christian Life The easy part for us to say is our Lord is God manifest in the flesh, the Son of God, the Word incarnate etc, etc. And this is true of Him who brought us reconciliation with God by taking our sins away. Taking our sin away means He has to go through the cross and that is not an easy thing to do. You are staring death face to face, death on a cross involving torture - a very brutal one, the highest form of punishment of that era with its attendant public humiliation. This is starkly different from dying immediately from gun shot or any other form of instant death. Death on the cross is slow. It is designed to inflict the maximum pain possible on the convict with the aim of gradual death. How could the Lord being 100% human have gone through this kind of pain in the hand of political and religious elites of that era in obedience to the Father and for the benefit of rebellious humanity? Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The Lord had expectation, he turned away from the pain and shame of His execution to the glory in His resurrection. This is not about Him. It is about us - the number of people who will now be able to share in His glory, seating with Him in the throne of His glory, ruling and reigning with Him. This glory is in His resurrection. Luke 24:25-26 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Hebrews 2:6-9, 10-12 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 1 Peter 1:10-11 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. God sets His expectation before us. The first humans had the tree of life, the partaking of which will lead them into life eternal. But they missed! This expectation fell on Jesus to help us attain the high calling of God. God gave Him the mission to help humanity receive eternal life. John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. What is the work of the Father here? John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Yet, we see the Lord also create an atmosphere of expectation for His followers, "...tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Upon His physical departure, He left instruction, stay in Jerusalem until power comes upon you. Luke 24:46-49 (see also Acts 1:6-8) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. What is the need for power? He had told them earlier... Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. These miracles, signs and wonders will aid their effectiveness in ministry. The Lord created in them expectation for manifestation of power to aid their work. In fact, we immediately see the impact upon being filled with the Holy Ghost. Mark would further testify... Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Evidential experience of life in Christ is built firmly on adherents' expectation which is built on assurance we have in Christ. This assurance we have because of His resurrection that communicate victory over sin, death and Satan. Now, He reigns. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. There isn't much God can do for us without expectation. God's power married with our expectation...

The Resurrection Life There is no one who can tell the purpose of the Lord's coming and the relevance of it to mankind better than the Lord himself. Jesus our Lord came for a specific purpose, and it is to give us abundant life. This much He told us in John 10:10. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What kind of life is this that Jesus offers? Is it not the same as we now have? If it is, it would have been a waste of our time. Would He have died to give us the same as life as we have now? This life He offers cannot be well appreciated without reference to our pre-life state wherein we were under Satan who together with his cohorts and the system they have forged in this world has only one mission - steal, kill and destroy. John 10:1-11 It is the usual Satan's playbook tactic. The system robs you of your inheritance. Now, Peter rebuked the Lord for laying His life down. You dare not die! You that carry the hope of Israel. It will never be your portion. But He had to die to remedy the error of Adam. Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. Peter was not focused on the things of God. His mind is dominated by things of men, to live under your own hand, by your own power, on your own terms. This was the same approach with Eve in the garden. Jesus said, I have to die to fulfil the will of God. Peter influenced by Satan, on the other hand said you will live and not die, completely outside God's will though zealously attempted. Jesus responded, to live is to die first for the cause of God. The things of men leads to everlasting loss. Mark 8:35-36 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? No matter how successful you become in the things that pertains to this life, by giving the more earnest heed, you don't get rewarded with more life. Every passing day may bring you more success but the reality of death draws nearer with it. Most human activity as presently constituted are an attempt to steal human devotion to His creator orchestrated by Satan as profit to the detriment of your soul - that is its destruction. Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Psalm 49:6-14 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption, For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Under this influence, man is beaten down, robbed and cunningly deprived of his inheritance by shifting his focus away from his God to Satan through vain conveniences, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life, the end of which is death. Proverb 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Now, he wants wealth but would not give heed to what God says about wealth and how to apply it. He wants fame and affluence. The Bible call these things lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. So, without care for God being dominated by the things of this world, he uses his own vision just like Eve. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Her motivation to despise God's word was driven by the niceties of life she could experience fed into her mind by her deceived senses and influenced by Satan. All of a sudden, the forbidden stuff is now good for food...the end of which is certain death. Sin brings death in its wake. God said that in advance. They were aware. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. The first couple transgressed and would eventually bring pronouncement of judgement on themselves because sin and death go together. Not only would they die physically, they would also be removed from the paradise in which they lived, away from heaven so to say. Genesis 3:17-19, 22-24 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. It would be unfair on humans if God tempts them using Satan knowing that he is the adversary of man. The bible tells us how sin develops. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The seed of sin is lust. It is taken from the Greek word /epithumia/a longing usually for what is forbidden. So, Satan hides behind the desires of men to strike with sin deceptively driving mankind away from God. Considering biblical account of human history with sin, the following is observable: 1. Satan is not daft to reject God's existence. It would be silly because these folks met Him. Rejection of God is foolishness not Satan. Of course, Satan is glad to use extra hand. 2. God does not have the final say over creation affairs. His position can be questioned. 3. We see idea such as there are no consequences for contravening God's instruction. God is just bluffing. 4. There is a different reality attainable by taking advantage of hidden knowledge. 5. Man's free will is really free. Sin came then and death by sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death was given a legal foothold in the world. The sin of men gave it power. Adam had children under the sinful regime where death reign. Romans 5:14, 17 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) That victory is required over death is clear indication that it reigns over the people. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Death as we know is not an end that brings eternal closure, but only drawing a close on our sojourn here on earth but the beginning of our eternal journey either in life the one Jesus offers or (second) death. This second death is the eternal consequence of human rejection of God and the freedom He offers in His Son Jesus Christ from sin and death. When a person dies physically without the hope of resurrection in his/her heart, that is, who does not believe in the Lord Jesus, such person will die the second death, which is to a permanent, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day. This theme of separation in judgement, to be away from the presence of the Lord, is explored throughout the Bible, old and new testament. Let us consider them. Matthew 7:21-23 (Luke 13:27) Not every one that saith unto me , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven . Many will say to me in that day , Lord , Lord , have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me , ye that work iniquity . Matthew 22:12-14 And he saith unto him , Friend , how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless . Then said the king to the servants , Bind him hand and foot , and take him away , and cast him into outer darkness ; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . For many are called , but few are chosen . Isaiah 66:22-24 For as the new heavens and the new earth , which I will make , shall remain before me, saith the LORD , so shall your seed and your name remain . And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another , and from one sabbath to another , shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD . And they shall go forth , and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die , neither shall their fire be quenched ; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh . Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , some to everlasting life , and some to shame and everlasting contempt . Matthew 25:41, 46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand , Depart from me , ye cursed , into everlasting fire , prepared for the devil and his angels : And these shall go away into everlasting punishment : but the righteous into life eternal. Mark 9:43-49 And if thy hand offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter into life maimed , than having two hands to go into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thy foot offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter halt into life , than having two feet to be cast into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thine eye offend thee , pluck it out : it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye , than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . For every one shall be salted with fire , and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said , Son , remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things , and likewise Lazarus evil things : but now he is comforted , and thou art tormented . And beside all this , between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; ; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water , clouds that are carried with a tempest ; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. Jude 1:12-13 These are spots in your feasts of charity , when they feast with you , feeding themselves without fear : clouds they are without water , carried about of winds ; trees whose fruit withereth , without fruit , twice dead , plucked up by the roots ; Raging waves of the sea , foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars , to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Revelation 14:10-11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God , which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation ; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels , and in the presence of the Lamb : And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever : and they have no rest day nor night , who worship the beast and his image , and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 20:13-15 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them : and they were judged every man according to their works . And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire . This is the second death . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful , and unbelieving , and the abominable , and murderers , and whoremongers , and sorcerers , and idolaters , and all liars , shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : which is the second death. Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments , that they may have right to the tree of life , and may enter in through the gates into the city . For without are dogs , and sorcerers , and whoremongers , and murderers , and idolaters , and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. That people die is a clear indication of an impending judgement of God for sin, the second death which will come in its due time. Summarily, we see three strain of separation as consequence of sin. There is the ultimate judgement of eternal separation - being condemned to hell but this is preceded firstly by a separation - enforced departure from the presence of God from the garden of God. Genesis 3:23-24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. And secondly, physical death occasioned by living under the element of outside the garden earth which requires toil, sorrow, sweat with poor yield ultimately leading to death. Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. However, God, because of His great love for His creation would not allow man to perish. We know of God's great love for mankind because scripture discusses this. Psalm 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalm 86:5, 15 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 103:8-11 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Micah 7:18-20 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Ephesians 1:7-8 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, We would never outperform God in His lavish and extremely liberal demonstration of His giving virtue. It does not matter how much you give up to 100% of your income, you cannot outperform God. So, because of this grace, He would take on the responsibility to take away sin and it's consequence, death which cannot be done by fiat. If death is the wages of sin, it takes death to adequately atone for sin. Here, we must die to self/selfishness and trust God's wisdom and stay within. His boundaries. Romans 8:1-8 Having sinned, to go back into the garden where abundant life is requires going through the angels at the garden and their flaming sword. If you go through, you die. So, what is the point? This is the reason for atonement. We see the imagery in the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon wherein the blood of an unblemished animal is brought within the veil by a qualified priest. The life of this animal is given in place of man to give him access to live near God once again. The implication of this means shedding this now depraved human nature made subject to death by sin. To have permanent atonement, God became a man, sharing identity with us and living with us outside the garden, to make an entrance for and on our behalf into the garden of God to bring us near God once again but better even permanently. Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit: Not only did the Lord die for us to take away our sins, He also restored access to the Father by a new way. Now we can stand in the presence of God as it was in the garden without the fear of death. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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. The fact that the Lord rose from the dead is the clearest indication that the way to God is opened to all humanity. His claim to sonship is validated. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: The claim of scriptural redemption is true. Christ is risen, our preaching is true; we are not false witnesses, so is our faith in Him and our sins are forgiven. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. The life in the garden lost to all humanity from the time of Adam and Eve, now new to us is opened in Christ to all those who believe. The resurrection life is a now reality with a future component. Romans 6:4-10 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. In His resurrection, the power of death is stripped and live and immortality reigns. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: The future component of this now reality is a have glorified bodies same as the Lord, jesus Christ. it would be the beginning of eternal bliss for the man in Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

The Resurrection Life There is no one who can tell the purpose of the Lord's coming and the relevance of it to mankind better than the Lord himself. Jesus our Lord came for a specific purpose, and it is to give us abundant life. This much He told us in John 10:10. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What kind of life is this that Jesus offers? Is it not the same as we now have? If it is, it would have been a waste of our time. Would He have died to give us the same as life as we have now? This life He offers cannot be well appreciated without reference to our pre-life state wherein we were under Satan who together with his cohorts and the system they have forged in this world has only one mission - steal, kill and destroy. John 10:1-11 It is the usual Satan's playbook tactic. The system robs you of your inheritance. Now, Peter rebuked the Lord for laying His life down. You dare not die! You that carry the hope of Israel. It will never be your portion. But He had to die to remedy the error of Adam. Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. Peter was not focused on the things of God. His mind is dominated by things of men, to live under your own hand, by your own power, on your own terms. This was the same approach with Eve in the garden. Jesus said, I have to die to fulfil the will of God. Peter influenced by Satan, on the other hand said you will live and not die, completely outside God's will though zealously attempted. Jesus responded, to live is to die first for the cause of God. The things of men leads to everlasting loss. Mark 8:35-36 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? No matter how successful you become in the things that pertains to this life, by giving the more earnest heed, you don't get rewarded with more life. Every passing day may bring you more success but the reality of death draws nearer with it. Most human activity as presently constituted are an attempt to steal human devotion to His creator orchestrated by Satan as profit to the detriment of your soul - that is its destruction. Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Psalm 49:6-14 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption, For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Under this influence, man is beaten down, robbed and cunningly deprived of his inheritance by shifting his focus away from his God to Satan through vain conveniences, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life, the end of which is death. Proverb 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Now, he wants wealth but would not give heed to what God says about wealth and how to apply it. He wants fame and affluence. The Bible call these things lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. So, without care for God being dominated by the things of this world, he uses his own vision just like Eve. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Her motivation to despise God's word was driven by the niceties of life she could experience fed into her mind by her deceived senses and influenced by Satan. All of a sudden, the forbidden stuff is now good for food...the end of which is certain death. Sin brings death in its wake. God said that in advance. They were aware. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. The first couple transgressed and would eventually bring pronouncement of judgement on themselves because sin and death go together. Not only would they die physically, they would also be removed from the paradise in which they lived, away from heaven so to say. Genesis 3:17-19, 22-24 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. It would be unfair on humans if God tempts them using Satan knowing that he is the adversary of man. The bible tells us how sin develops. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The seed of sin is lust. It is taken from the Greek word /epithumia/a longing usually for what is forbidden. So, Satan hides behind the desires of men to strike with sin deceptively driving mankind away from God. Considering biblical account of human history with sin, the following is observable: 1. Satan is not daft to reject God's existence. It would be silly because these folks met Him. Rejection of God is foolishness not Satan. Of course, Satan is glad to use extra hand. 2. God does not have the final say over creation affairs. His position can be questioned. 3. We see idea such as there are no consequences for contravening God's instruction. God is just bluffing. 4. There is a different reality attainable by taking advantage of hidden knowledge. 5. Man's free will is really free. Sin came then and death by sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death was given a legal foothold in the world. The sin of men gave it power. Adam had children under the sinful regime where death reign. Romans 5:14, 17 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) That victory is required over death is clear indication that it reigns over the people. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Death as we know is not an end that brings eternal closure, but only drawing a close on our sojourn here on earth but the beginning of our eternal journey either in life the one Jesus offers or (second) death. This second death is the eternal consequence of human rejection of God and the freedom He offers in His Son Jesus Christ from sin and death. When a person dies physically without the hope of resurrection in his/her heart, that is, who does not believe in the Lord Jesus, such person will die the second death, which is to a permanent, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day. This theme of separation in judgement, to be away from the presence of the Lord, is explored throughout the Bible, old and new testament. Let us consider them. Matthew 7:21-23 (Luke 13:27) Not every one that saith unto me , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven . Many will say to me in that day , Lord , Lord , have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me , ye that work iniquity . Matthew 22:12-14 And he saith unto him , Friend , how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless . Then said the king to the servants , Bind him hand and foot , and take him away , and cast him into outer darkness ; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . For many are called , but few are chosen . Isaiah 66:22-24 For as the new heavens and the new earth , which I will make , shall remain before me, saith the LORD , so shall your seed and your name remain . And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another , and from one sabbath to another , shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD . And they shall go forth , and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die , neither shall their fire be quenched ; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh . Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , some to everlasting life , and some to shame and everlasting contempt . Matthew 25:41, 46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand , Depart from me , ye cursed , into everlasting fire , prepared for the devil and his angels : And these shall go away into everlasting punishment : but the righteous into life eternal. Mark 9:43-49 And if thy hand offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter into life maimed , than having two hands to go into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thy foot offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter halt into life , than having two feet to be cast into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thine eye offend thee , pluck it out : it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye , than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . For every one shall be salted with fire , and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said , Son , remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things , and likewise Lazarus evil things : but now he is comforted , and thou art tormented . And beside all this , between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; ; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water , clouds that are carried with a tempest ; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. Jude 1:12-13 These are spots in your feasts of charity , when they feast with you , feeding themselves without fear : clouds they are without water , carried about of winds ; trees whose fruit withereth , without fruit , twice dead , plucked up by the roots ; Raging waves of the sea , foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars , to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Revelation 14:10-11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God , which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation ; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels , and in the presence of the Lamb : And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever : and they have no rest day nor night , who worship the beast and his image , and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 20:13-15 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them : and they were judged every man according to their works . And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire . This is the second death . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful , and unbelieving , and the abominable , and murderers , and whoremongers , and sorcerers , and idolaters , and all liars , shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : which is the second death. Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments , that they may have right to the tree of life , and may enter in through the gates into the city . For without are dogs , and sorcerers , and whoremongers , and murderers , and idolaters , and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. That people die is a clear indication of an impending judgement of God for sin, the second death which will come in its due time. Summarily, we see three strain of separation as consequence of sin. There is the ultimate judgement of eternal separation - being condemned to hell but this is preceded firstly by a separation - enforced departure from the presence of God from the garden of God. Genesis 3:23-24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. And secondly, physical death occasioned by living under the element of outside the garden earth which requires toil, sorrow, sweat with poor yield ultimately leading to death. Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. However, God, because of His great love for His creation would not allow man to perish. We know of God's great love for mankind because scripture discusses this. Psalm 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalm 86:5, 15 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 103:8-11 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Micah 7:18-20 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Ephesians 1:7-8 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, We would never outperform God in His lavish and extremely liberal demonstration of His giving virtue. It does not matter how much you give up to 100% of your income, you cannot outperform God. So, because of this grace, He would take on the responsibility to take away sin and it's consequence, death which cannot be done by fiat. If death is the wages of sin, it takes death to adequately atone for sin. Here, we must die to self/selfishness and trust God's wisdom and stay within. His boundaries. Romans 8:1-8 Having sinned, to go back into the garden where abundant life is requires going through the angels at the garden and their flaming sword. If you go through, you die. So, what is the point? This is the reason for atonement. We see the imagery in the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon wherein the blood of an unblemished animal is brought within the veil by a qualified priest. The life of this animal is given in place of man to give him access to live near God once again. The implication of this means shedding this now depraved human nature made subject to death by sin. To have permanent atonement, God became a man, sharing identity with us and living with us outside the garden, to make an entrance for and on our behalf into the garden of God to bring us near God once again but better even permanently. Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit: Not only did the Lord die for us to take away our sins, He also restored access to the Father by a new way. Now we can stand in the presence of God as it was in the garden without the fear of death. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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. The fact that the Lord rose from the dead is the clearest indication that the way to God is opened to all humanity. His claim to sonship is validated. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: The claim of scriptural redemption is true. Christ is risen, our preaching is true; we are not false witnesses, so is our faith in Him and our sins are forgiven. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. The life in the garden lost to all humanity from the time of Adam and Eve, now new to us is opened in Christ to all those who believe. The resurrection life is a now reality with a future component. Romans 6:4-10 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. In His resurrection, the power of death is stripped and live and immortality reigns. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: The future component of this now reality is a have glorified bodies same as the Lord, jesus Christ. it would be the beginning of eternal bliss for the man in Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

The Resurrection Life There is no one who can tell the purpose of the Lord's coming and the relevance of it to mankind better than the Lord himself. Jesus our Lord came for a specific purpose, and it is to give us abundant life. This much He told us in John 10:10. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What kind of life is this that Jesus offers? Is it not the same as we now have? If it is, it would have been a waste of our time. Would He have died to give us the same as life as we have now? This life He offers cannot be well appreciated without reference to our pre-life state wherein we were under Satan who together with his cohorts and the system they have forged in this world has only one mission - steal, kill and destroy. John 10:1-11 It is the usual Satan's playbook tactic. The system robs you of your inheritance. Now, Peter rebuked the Lord for laying His life down. You dare not die! You that carry the hope of Israel. It will never be your portion. But He had to die to remedy the error of Adam. Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. Peter was not focused on the things of God. His mind is dominated by things of men, to live under your own hand, by your own power, on your own terms. This was the same approach with Eve in the garden. Jesus said, I have to die to fulfil the will of God. Peter influenced by Satan, on the other hand said you will live and not die, completely outside God's will though zealously attempted. Jesus responded, to live is to die first for the cause of God. The things of men leads to everlasting loss. Mark 8:35-36 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? No matter how successful you become in the things that pertains to this life, by giving the more earnest heed, you don't get rewarded with more life. Every passing day may bring you more success but the reality of death draws nearer with it. Most human activity as presently constituted are an attempt to steal human devotion to His creator orchestrated by Satan as profit to the detriment of your soul - that is its destruction. Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. Psalm 49:6-14 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption, For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. Under this influence, man is beaten down, robbed and cunningly deprived of his inheritance by shifting his focus away from his God to Satan through vain conveniences, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life, the end of which is death. Proverb 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Now, he wants wealth but would not give heed to what God says about wealth and how to apply it. He wants fame and affluence. The Bible call these things lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. So, without care for God being dominated by the things of this world, he uses his own vision just like Eve. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Her motivation to despise God's word was driven by the niceties of life she could experience fed into her mind by her deceived senses and influenced by Satan. All of a sudden, the forbidden stuff is now good for food...the end of which is certain death. Sin brings death in its wake. God said that in advance. They were aware. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. The first couple transgressed and would eventually bring pronouncement of judgement on themselves because sin and death go together. Not only would they die physically, they would also be removed from the paradise in which they lived, away from heaven so to say. Genesis 3:17-19, 22-24 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. It would be unfair on humans if God tempts them using Satan knowing that he is the adversary of man. The bible tells us how sin develops. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The seed of sin is lust. It is taken from the Greek word /epithumia/a longing usually for what is forbidden. So, Satan hides behind the desires of men to strike with sin deceptively driving mankind away from God. Considering biblical account of human history with sin, the following is observable: 1. Satan is not daft to reject God's existence. It would be silly because these folks met Him. Rejection of God is foolishness not Satan. Of course, Satan is glad to use extra hand. 2. God does not have the final say over creation affairs. His position can be questioned. 3. We see idea such as there are no consequences for contravening God's instruction. God is just bluffing. 4. There is a different reality attainable by taking advantage of hidden knowledge. 5. Man's free will is really free. Sin came then and death by sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Death was given a legal foothold in the world. The sin of men gave it power. Adam had children under the sinful regime where death reign. Romans 5:14, 17 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) That victory is required over death is clear indication that it reigns over the people. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Death as we know is not an end that brings eternal closure, but only drawing a close on our sojourn here on earth but the beginning of our eternal journey either in life the one Jesus offers or (second) death. This second death is the eternal consequence of human rejection of God and the freedom He offers in His Son Jesus Christ from sin and death. When a person dies physically without the hope of resurrection in his/her heart, that is, who does not believe in the Lord Jesus, such person will die the second death, which is to a permanent, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day. This theme of separation in judgement, to be away from the presence of the Lord, is explored throughout the Bible, old and new testament. Let us consider them. Matthew 7:21-23 (Luke 13:27) Not every one that saith unto me , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven . Many will say to me in that day , Lord , Lord , have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me , ye that work iniquity . Matthew 22:12-14 And he saith unto him , Friend , how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless . Then said the king to the servants , Bind him hand and foot , and take him away , and cast him into outer darkness ; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . For many are called , but few are chosen . Isaiah 66:22-24 For as the new heavens and the new earth , which I will make , shall remain before me, saith the LORD , so shall your seed and your name remain . And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another , and from one sabbath to another , shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD . And they shall go forth , and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die , neither shall their fire be quenched ; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh . Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , some to everlasting life , and some to shame and everlasting contempt . Matthew 25:41, 46 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand , Depart from me , ye cursed , into everlasting fire , prepared for the devil and his angels : And these shall go away into everlasting punishment : but the righteous into life eternal. Mark 9:43-49 And if thy hand offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter into life maimed , than having two hands to go into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thy foot offend thee , cut it off : it is better for thee to enter halt into life , than having two feet to be cast into hell , into the fire that never shall be quenched : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . And if thine eye offend thee , pluck it out : it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye , than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire : Where their worm dieth not , and the fire is not quenched . For every one shall be salted with fire , and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said , Son , remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things , and likewise Lazarus evil things : but now he is comforted , and thou art tormented . And beside all this , between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; ; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water , clouds that are carried with a tempest ; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. Jude 1:12-13 These are spots in your feasts of charity , when they feast with you , feeding themselves without fear : clouds they are without water , carried about of winds ; trees whose fruit withereth , without fruit , twice dead , plucked up by the roots ; Raging waves of the sea , foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars , to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Revelation 14:10-11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God , which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation ; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels , and in the presence of the Lamb : And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever : and they have no rest day nor night , who worship the beast and his image , and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 20:13-15 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them : and they were judged every man according to their works . And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire . This is the second death . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful , and unbelieving , and the abominable , and murderers , and whoremongers , and sorcerers , and idolaters , and all liars , shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : which is the second death. Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments , that they may have right to the tree of life , and may enter in through the gates into the city . For without are dogs , and sorcerers , and whoremongers , and murderers , and idolaters , and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. That people die is a clear indication of an impending judgement of God for sin, the second death which will come in its due time. Summarily, we see three strain of separation as consequence of sin. There is the ultimate judgement of eternal separation - being condemned to hell but this is preceded firstly by a separation - enforced departure from the presence of God from the garden of God. Genesis 3:23-24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. And secondly, physical death occasioned by living under the element of outside the garden earth which requires toil, sorrow, sweat with poor yield ultimately leading to death. Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. However, God, because of His great love for His creation would not allow man to perish. We know of God's great love for mankind because scripture discusses this. Psalm 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalm 86:5, 15 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 103:8-11 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Jonah 4:2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Micah 7:18-20 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Ephesians 1:7-8 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, We would never outperform God in His lavish and extremely liberal demonstration of His giving virtue. It does not matter how much you give up to 100% of your income, you cannot outperform God. So, because of this grace, He would take on the responsibility to take away sin and it's consequence, death which cannot be done by fiat. If death is the wages of sin, it takes death to adequately atone for sin. Here, we must die to self/selfishness and trust God's wisdom and stay within. His boundaries. Romans 8:1-8 Having sinned, to go back into the garden where abundant life is requires going through the angels at the garden and their flaming sword. If you go through, you die. So, what is the point? This is the reason for atonement. We see the imagery in the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon wherein the blood of an unblemished animal is brought within the veil by a qualified priest. The life of this animal is given in place of man to give him access to live near God once again. The implication of this means shedding this now depraved human nature made subject to death by sin. To have permanent atonement, God became a man, sharing identity with us and living with us outside the garden, to make an entrance for and on our behalf into the garden of God to bring us near God once again but better even permanently. Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit: Not only did the Lord die for us to take away our sins, He also restored access to the Father by a new way. Now we can stand in the presence of God as it was in the garden without the fear of death. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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. The fact that the Lord rose from the dead is the clearest indication that the way to God is opened to all humanity. His claim to sonship is validated. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: The claim of scriptural redemption is true. Christ is risen, our preaching is true; we are not false witnesses, so is our faith in Him and our sins are forgiven. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. The life in the garden lost to all humanity from the time of Adam and Eve, now new to us is opened in Christ to all those who believe. The resurrection life is a now reality with a future component. Romans 6:4-10 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. In His resurrection, the power of death is stripped and live and immortality reigns. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: The future component of this now reality is a have glorified bodies same as the Lord, jesus Christ. it would be the beginning of eternal bliss for the man in Christ. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

One Mind

How to Entrench the Influence of the Spirit in the Church The early Church was an assembly with strong influence of the Spirit from their first convocation setting apostolic precedence for local churches that should hereafter come. What are the elements of such intense atmosphere of the Spirit present in their time? This lesson explores this.

Everything by Prayer Prayer remains the only veritable way to express our desires to God. Whatever the desire or circumstance we are faced with, by prayer we lay it before God. This short lesson shows this from scripture.

Jealous for the Glory of God, Part II God is decidedly jealous for his glory. His glory will another (an impostor god or men) not take nor partake in. It will never happen! Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD : that is my name : and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. So, everything starting with creation is out to make him visible to all creation and magnify His glory especially among men who seem to be the only part of creation that debates God as the source of creation. Psalm 8:1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. When we learn of God in the ways he has made himself visible, we accord him the glory due to his name, his person, worshiping him in the beauty of holiness. This is the end objective of the knowledge of God, you worship him. Psalm 29:1-2 (Psalm 96:1-13) Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. In his work of creation, he jealously curated all things to achieve this end. 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. When nations would descend into lawlessness, it starts with a corrupt view of God. Jeremiah 2:4-13 Meanwhile, the beginning of a solid civilization and it's preservation lies in their understanding of God. Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Romans 1:18-32 (19-21, 23) There refusal to acknowledge God and confer the honour of being God on Him extricated them from God. This separation led to human depravity on every shade of evil starting with idolatry - they began to depict God in the image of man and animals of every kind, creating God of their own liking. Romans 1:23, 25 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen Then, they descended further into more depravity. Their descent into uncleanness because lusts in their hearts found manifestations in vile affections, in which they began to dishonour their bodies. Men began to see the use of a man instead of a woman. Women saw the use of a woman instead of a man, both unseemly combinations turning God's order on its head. Romans 1:24,26-27 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. That is not all. Their refusal to glorify God resulted in all shades of depravity, their minds descending into a reprobate state where doing things which were hitherto inconvenient became the norm. Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; When the glory of God is not the central theme and objective, self is magnified, carnality is enthroned, lust in diverse manifestations is given expression. Psalm 4:2-5 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed , and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Jealous for the Glory God Isaiah 42:5-8 In all the realms of God, things functions because He holds everything together, sustaining them all by the word of his power. Everything owe their existence and continued existence to him. The determination of things, their end thereof also lies in His hands. He called the beginning, fashioned every thing in creation by His mind and might, determined every specie of plant and animals that inhabits the earth. Humans are the creation of His, male and female he created them. Why would this be so? The end of the story tells why. God is all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. John 7:17-18 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 The glory of the Lord is paramount. So, in God's offer of salvation to the world, he offered it in a very simple way so that it is easy for all to comprehend and would trust him. The gospel is a leveler, the rich, poor, wise, foolish, mighty and weak would be assessed to the same standard. The intention of God is to eliminate redemption by performance. Matthew 4:8-11 (Luke 4:5-8) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. The devil in his thinking thought offering Jesus the kingdoms of this world in their full glory was good enough to tempt Him to abandon his own play to take his offer. For proper context, it is the more important that we should consider why did Jesus come. 1 John 1:1 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 1 John 3:4-8 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. To add a twist, Satan's offer of course is not without price, the kingdoms of this world in their glories in exchange for worship. Who worships, the greater or the lesser? Who is worshipped, the greater or the lesser? The Bible certainly has an opinion on this. Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Nonetheless, the devil would still ask the Son of God that he would never be, to "fall down and worship" him. He came to verily destroy the work of Satan who offered Him the kingdoms of this world and theirs glories in exchange for worship. This was a temptation with substance because at this time even until now, Satan has all the kingdoms of this world under his thumb. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. So, the Lord stood for the honour of God. Only the Lord God should be worshipped and served. Only the will of God prevails on the earth. And at the end of it all, only God is glorified. How many times have you been in the shoes of the Lord and you yielded to Satan? Malachi 1:6-14 The priests in Israel did not hallow the God of glory by offering contemptible gifts on God's altar. Romans 1:18-32 (19-21, 23) There refusal to acknowledge God and confer the honour of being God on Him extricated them from God. This separation led to human depravity on every shade of evil starting with idolatry - they began to depict God in the image of man and animals of every kind. Romans 1:23, 25 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen Then, they descended further into more depravity. Their descent into uncleanness because lusts in their hearts found manifestations in vile affections, in which they began to dishonour their bodies. Men began to see the use of a man instead of a woman. Women saw the use of a woman instead of a man, both unseemly combinations. Romans 1:24,26-27 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. That is not all. Their refusal to glorify God resulted in all shades of depravity, their minds descending into a reprobate state where doing things which were hitherto inconvenient became the norm. Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;