I love the way you compared Jesus’ life to Israel. In Christ we have all things. He has finished His work and we do nothing to work for His forgiveness.
Yet His call to follow Him remains the call for us to heed. I have seen many who thought they were “resting” in His sufficiency and just waiting for some sort of magical zap to change their lives, all the while continuing to walk in sinful habits and finding no release.
And so we really need to have the discussion as to what it means to “abide in Christ”. It is an action, but that does not mean “works righteousness”. There is a cooperation God asks of us, otherwise would not Jesus’ call and commands to us have no meaning?
Dallas Willard left us with his thoughts on this that have been insightful. And so his legacy continues through others like John Mark Comer who are very careful to maintain that the things we practice do nothing to change our standing in Christ. And yet there is a walk with God to be walked, that we might be like our Master.
Teaching that clarifies all of this is really important. Otherwise there are many who live defeated lives, disappointed that Jesus isn’t changing them just by their mental trust in Him. And the fruits of unrighteousness flourish, harming many in the Body of Christ, including children who are made to stumble.
Thanks for continuing to proclaim the message of “Jesus plus nothing”. So very few people teaching His message of GRACE. Blessings to you and your family. Joe Nunn
Wade, I have never thought of Jesus like this compared to the nation of Israel. Love it. And then maybe a church could be both Old and New Testament, at least appearing on the outside since no one knows the heart of man but God. Speaking of and walking in the necessity of Grace for our position in Christ and God’s requirement of a blood sacrifice for sin, since He is unchanged in His character, while the believer lives by faith in pleasing His Father and pursuing Holiness as led by the Spirit? Since we are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, can’t a child of the Most High walk in forgiveness while pursuing obedience for His pleasure, not for our “works” for atonement since we’ve been already atoned. Of course, Grace comes before works or it’s done in vain. In my life I’ve cheapened Grace by not pursuing obedience at the same time and I get angry at the old man I used to be. If he were standing in front of me today I’d probably spend myself in anger and violence against him. Anyway, thank you for your words as they always bring life and liberty to me. We pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas this year.
I am so blessed (Wayne as well) to set under the teaching of our good friends, Brother Wade and Rachelle. Such hope I have never known. So happy to feel hope for the lost and the wandering and encouraged through the Word of God.
I love the way you compared Jesus’ life to Israel. In Christ we have all things. He has finished His work and we do nothing to work for His forgiveness.
Yet His call to follow Him remains the call for us to heed. I have seen many who thought they were “resting” in His sufficiency and just waiting for some sort of magical zap to change their lives, all the while continuing to walk in sinful habits and finding no release.
And so we really need to have the discussion as to what it means to “abide in Christ”. It is an action, but that does not mean “works righteousness”. There is a cooperation God asks of us, otherwise would not Jesus’ call and commands to us have no meaning?
Dallas Willard left us with his thoughts on this that have been insightful. And so his legacy continues through others like John Mark Comer who are very careful to maintain that the things we practice do nothing to change our standing in Christ. And yet there is a walk with God to be walked, that we might be like our Master.
Teaching that clarifies all of this is really important. Otherwise there are many who live defeated lives, disappointed that Jesus isn’t changing them just by their mental trust in Him. And the fruits of unrighteousness flourish, harming many in the Body of Christ, including children who are made to stumble.
May we learn of our Lord Jesus. 🙏🏻
Yes and Amen.
Thanks for continuing to proclaim the message of “Jesus plus nothing”. So very few people teaching His message of GRACE. Blessings to you and your family. Joe Nunn
Wade, I have never thought of Jesus like this compared to the nation of Israel. Love it. And then maybe a church could be both Old and New Testament, at least appearing on the outside since no one knows the heart of man but God. Speaking of and walking in the necessity of Grace for our position in Christ and God’s requirement of a blood sacrifice for sin, since He is unchanged in His character, while the believer lives by faith in pleasing His Father and pursuing Holiness as led by the Spirit? Since we are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, can’t a child of the Most High walk in forgiveness while pursuing obedience for His pleasure, not for our “works” for atonement since we’ve been already atoned. Of course, Grace comes before works or it’s done in vain. In my life I’ve cheapened Grace by not pursuing obedience at the same time and I get angry at the old man I used to be. If he were standing in front of me today I’d probably spend myself in anger and violence against him. Anyway, thank you for your words as they always bring life and liberty to me. We pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas this year.
I am so blessed (Wayne as well) to set under the teaching of our good friends, Brother Wade and Rachelle. Such hope I have never known. So happy to feel hope for the lost and the wandering and encouraged through the Word of God.
Well presented Bro. Wade. When I pastored, I always preached a New Covenant relationship with Jesus!
I attend a church that is built on The New Covenant, The Grace Church in Irving.
That is beautiful and fits so amazingly well with Isaiah 65. It’s like the first Revelation of Jesus Christ.