Yes, great post Jimmy and a very good one from Andrew, too.
Modern theology has separated Christ from His gifts, when in fact, they are one and the same. Christ is the gift(s). He is all in all. He is whatever we need. Christ does not dispense gifts, He is the gift. We receive Him. Christ is Salvation, Christ is grace, He is comfort, He is Deliverance, He is Holiness, Sanctification, Justification. He is everything. He is the personification of everything good that comes down from heaven.
We don't have to hold the Bible up to Jesus and tell Him to prove His word to us. Or remind Him what He said. He came, suffered, died and was resurrected and then gave us the deposit of His Spirit. I would say, He has proven all He needs to prove.
We are bought with a price, and we are now to glorify God in our body and our spirit. We are "slaves of love" to Christ and as "He was in the world, so are we." He was obedient unto death not making demands of His Father, and we are to walk in the same way.
We have Christ, so we have everything!
There are so many people through the centuries that became Christians and their short life after their conversion was one of pain and suffering, yet they knew they had everything in Christ and lived and died expressing that belief in their behavior. Today, we don't think we have everything. We want "health, wealth and prosperity" and (nothing about more of Jesus, mind you) if we don't have that, then we are doing something wrong.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: that maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psa 16:5-9, 11)
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Tim 6:6) |