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Contents - Spirit of the Word - Covenant Eschatology - Introductory Note - New Stuff
Whispers of the New Covenant
by Ray Prinzing
6 - WITH SHOUTINGS OF GRACE"This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." (Zechariah 4:6-7).
Not only was there a literal fulfillment of this Scripture, in Zerubbabel's day, but it also holds within it a PROPHETIC WORD, of the greater temple being built, and the establishment of the NEW COVENANT, of which Jesus Christ is both the Chief Cornerstone, and the Capstone. He is both Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, and without Him there would be no LIVING TEMPLE established. He is THE ALL!
The Dictionary defines a headstone as: the principle stone in a foundation, the cornerstone. JESUS CHRIST IS THAT STONE! Peter writes this very clearly, "To Whom we come, as unto a Living Stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious."
(1 Peter 2:4). Without this Stone, the next verse would never have been written. "You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (v. 5). All that we are, all that we shall ever become to His praise, is BY JESUS CHRIST. We are His workmanship, and we are to be conformed to His image. "Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a CHIEF CORNERSTONE, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded." (v. 6).In building, the cornerstone is of vital importance, for as it is put in place, all the rest of the building will be aligned to it, and must be measured by it. With Jesus Christ as this Cornerstone, we must believe INTO HIM, be joined to Him, and be brought "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13).
HE is the Standard, the Criterion! He is the Established Principle! "For other foundation can no man lay than is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11).
But He is far more than this foundational Cornerstone, He is also the CAPSTONE! As the Omega He is the Glorious Finale! It was promised to Zerubbabel that not only would his hands lay the foundation of the house of the Lord, but his hands would also finish it, and by the good providence of God, bring forth the topstone, amidst the joyful proclamations of the spectators. SO ALSO, Jesus Christ shall be seen as that glorious top or FINISHING STONE of the temple-- the temple which is His CORPORATE BODY, of which HE IS THE HEAD. From beginning to end, from bottom to top, it is HIS IMAGE, His nature, His character. Thus we shall "show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."
And what triumphant proclamations of victory will be heard. SHOUTINGS OF GRACE, GRACE! For this is the result of the new covenant which is surely wrought BY GRACE. As we have already noted, HE is the YES, the guaranteed security of this whole outworking. It is all THROUGH CHRIST, by His Spirit and the impartation of His grace so lavishly bestowed upon us. That is the NEW COVENANT --wrought by His grace through the Spirit! "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
"Not by might..." The Hebrew word for "might" is "chayil" and its meaning is seen by some of the ways it has been translated. In Genesis 47:6, the word is given as "men of ACTIVITY." It is not by all of man's activity that God's new covenant is fulfilled. Not by man's business, man-made programs, or anything engendered by human effort. IT IS WROUGHT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. True, He often uses human instrumentality in the outworking of His purpose, but only as these vessels yield to His sovereign control, to do His will, according to His plan, by the enablements of His grace, being ONE WITH HIS SPIRIT.
Often the word "chayil" is translated as "ARMY." This bespeaks of a militant, organized human strength. So often we hear men speak of the need of becoming militant, and they quote the verse, "The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12). Taking this completely out of its context, they speak of militantly grasping for the kingdom of God. Jesus fully clarified this, when He said, "Until John came, there were the Law and the Prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and every one strives violently to go in-- would force his own way rather than God's way into it." (Luke 16:16, Amplified).
That's the violence being done against His kingdom! Men are trying to force their own way into it! They would establish God's kingdom by their own efforts. "Not by might..." NOT BY THE MILITANT VIOLENCE OF MAN! Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32).
One does not have to violently seize that which the Father LOVINGLY GIVES. How rapidly God can bring to nothing all of the flesh's potential. It matters not how well organized man's efforts might be, they cannot fulfill a work that is spiritual in nature.Numbers 31:9 gives another facet of meaning, "and all their GOODS." While it is recorded in Revelation 3:17, that some will say, "I am rich and increased with goods," it also goes on to state that they know not that they "are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." All of our self -righteous works do not make us rich. "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6). No wonder Paul desired that he might "be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Philippians 3:9). We have no GOODS in ourselves whereby we can add to the kingdom of God-- "not by might..."
"Nor by power..." Literally the word means: ability. While the word "might" bespoke of physical exertion, the resources of the material world, the body realm, etc. "Ability" reaches into the soul realm, speaking of all that potential contained in the mind of man. It is amazing how man's mind can co-ordinate many details, search out many inventions, direct great programs. But the carnal mind cannot produce the inworkings of reconciliation between God and man. We thank God for knowledge, even for natural knowledge which serves its own realm, (certainly there is no special glory in being ignorant), but natural knowledge, gained through the mental processes of the unrenewed mind, is not the knowledge which shall bring real deliverance to a groaning creation. Victory is "BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord of hosts."
Therefore we would pick up, and join in with the shoutings of GRACE, GRACE, which is freely given to us by the holy Spirit!
"What shall we say then, Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness? Wherefore, because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone." (Romans 9:32-33).
What stood between Israel, with all their works, and the ultimate victory? THE STONE! The Chief Cornerstone, and capstone. To go through Him meant that they ceased to trust in their own works, and placed their faith in Christ, to receive BY FAITH, BY GRACE, BY THE SPIRIT, what they could not obtain by their own efforts. How they stumbled over Him! And how men continue to stumble over Him--trying to believe, and yet "feeling that somehow their own works are needed too.
It is amazing that this GLORIOUS HEADSTONE is also a "stumbling stone" for so many, and a "Rock of offense." The Greek word for "offense" is "skandalon" from which we get our English word "scandal," which is defined as: That which offends established moral conceptions. In this case, we would say, spiritual conceptions. Those who would establish themselves in the strict observance of the first covenant, with all its self-works, become highly offended at THE CORNERSTONE OF THE NEW COVENANT. Shoutings of grace disturb them! The moment you say "by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts," they practically go into convulsions. They stumble OVER HIM who comes to dwell within us, to be that PERMANENT YES, fulfilling in us all the will, purpose, command of God.
But there are also those who rejoice in His life, liberty, and victory. They are delighted that "The Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (now in us), full of grace and truth." And they praise God that "of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
(John 1:14, 16). Because He is FULL OF GRACE, we receive from Him most abundantly. Furthermore, He possesses a rich variety of graces, therefore He gives to us "grace answerable unto" all the graces which He possesses, though in a humble distance, to be sure, in respect of measure and perfection. For that which is finite can never attain into that which is infinite. But He will fill us to overflowing-- whatever our capacity to receive, and in that sense then, we, too, shall be "full of grace." And the quality thereof is as perfect as that which He possesses, for HE is the Source thereof, and the quality is the quality of HIS LIFE!John 1:17, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." He was the great depository, and the only channel of revealed truth and grace to man. IF we refer to the law of Moses as the MORAL LAW, it had no grace. "The soul that sins, it shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4). And if we refer to the CEREMONIAL LAW, it had no truth, that is, no reality, for it was only "the shadow of good things to come." (Hebrews 10:1). But in Christ we find GRACE WITHOUT MEASURE, and a REALITY THAT SATISFIES!
We are to receive "grace for grace." The word "for" is the Greek word "anti" meaning: over against, answering to, upon; (or, if used negatively, as instead of; such as in anti-christ, being that which is instead of Christ). Since He is FULL OF GRACE, and freely giving to us, it is "grace over against grace." Or, as one song writer expressed it, "Grace upon grace, like the waves on the shore," continuously rolling in, ever fresh grace according to the need. No wonder the New Covenant is a FULL ARRANGEMENT, and guaranteed of success. He Himself was THE TRUTH, and the supreme manifestation of grace, giving Himself for us.
Paul knew well what it meant to stumble over the Stumblingstone, until that day when he had a personal encounter with Him, and there began an inflow of revelation on the GRACE OF GOD, with a GOING ON from the condemnation and death of the first covenant, into the more abundant life of the NEW. "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the WORD OF HIS GRACE, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (ACTS 20:32). How upbuilding is the word of grace, positive, reassuring, as it works in us to transform and redeem.
Hebrews 13:9 offers us an excellent admonition. "Be not carried about with diverse and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein."
The wild winds of strange doctrines will blow, but they will not disturb those who are being ESTABLISHED, made sure, firm, and strong IN THE GRACE of our Lord. Phillips translation puts it in the language of our day. "Do not be swept off your feet by various peculiar teachings. Spiritual stability depends on the grace of God, and not on rules of diet-- which after all have not spiritually benefited those who have made a specialty of that kind of thing."
We find it interesting that, though a man will concede that he is no longer a slave to that old ministration of condemnation and death, along with all of the extra bondages of the traditions of men, yet he will turn around and get carried away with some modern version thereof-- rules of diet, or whatever that proponent insists that you MUST DO, if you would be spiritual. Some insist on keeping various "feast days" which they redesign for their own convenience. If they keep "the Passover" they will enjoy a "leg of Iamb," but certainly not "his head with his legs, and with the purtenance (inwards) thereof." (Exodus 12:9). If it is the "feast of tabernacles" they conveniently forget "You shall dwell in booths seven days." (Leviticus 23:42). It is much more comfortable to come together for a convention, stay in nice hotel rooms, than to pitch tents and sleep on the ground. By no means would we infer that we ought to go back and carry out to the letter all of these feasts. We believe they are fulfilled IN CHRIST, and will be in us as we are IN HIM. We would go on to the reality thereof, not remain in a repetitious cycle of shadows, however much we readjust them to fit into our modern lifestyle. It has been well stated that, "At best, these feast days are a type and shadow pointing to the reality of the true in Christ, (that would be the positive side), and at worst, they become idolatry, (that would be the negative)."
"SPIRITUAL STABILITY DEPENDS ON THE GRACE OF GOD," not on self-imposed-works. Certainly a proper diet will keep you healthier, but it won't make you spiritual. And if it becomes out of balance, it will so fill your day and thinking, that spiritual matters will be forgotten in the maze, and you will end up thinking you are spiritual because of what you are doing, eating, etc. Then men begin to teach for doctrine all these various practices, while the GRACE OF GOD IS EXCLUDED for this new system of works.
The subject of NEW COVENANT GRACE is so immense, we feel we must borrow words from Ezekiel 10:12, for it is as "wheels within wheels, full of eyes round about, and looking every way." Any attempt to know must be in part, as but a whisper, and of that part there is even less that we are able to express. But as one has well stated, "To be born, it is not needful to know how we were born, it is as we come to manhood that we learn such things." So also, to receive of His grace is one thing, even if we cannot begin to comprehend its heights and depths, and then we can "GROW IN GRACE and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18).
To apprehend the truth is good, but far better to BE APPREHENDED BY HIM for these things, for He will work them in us, and establish us, confirm us, bring us to the full reality. We do not first lay hold of Him, but HE lays hold of us, chooses us, draws us, and then, having received of His grace, we can be diligent to "apprehend that for which we have been apprehended." (Philippians 3:12).
The Greek word for "grace" is "charis" and means: favor.
In giving forth some definitions, E. W. Bullinger writes:"Favor shown to the miserable, we call MERCY.
Favor shown to the poor, we call PITY.
Favor shown to the suffering, we call COMPASSION.
Favor shown to the obstinate, we call PATIENCE.
Favor shown to the unworthy, we call GRACE!"Grace is the spontaneous generosity of the heart without any expectation of return-- no strings attached. Truly grace is divine in its Source and in its Character.
The Hebrew word is "chen" from the word "chanah" meaning: to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; thus to attend and assist one with kindness. He who is "FULL OF GRACE" has surely stooped very low to minister of His life to us who are so unworthy. Let us pursue that for a moment-- not our unworthiness, we already know that, there is no need to belabor the obvious, but HOW GRACIOUSLY HE REACHES OUT TO US. "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24).
Note the word "freely," from the Greek "dorean" meaning: without a cause. When something is freely given, it is totally without a cause, there is no thought of return, no giving in order to receive. No cause involved, it is not merited, not as a payment, not because it is due, NO CAUSE whatsoever.
Not so with the world's concept of free giving. A store might offer a "free balloon," or some little gadget, but there is a CAUSE-- it is to allure you into their store so that while there you will buy other things. However subtle the approach might be, there are strings attached. Because in this world there is no such thing as a "free lunch." Even the Gospel Mission that serves the "free meal" to the hungry, does so as a means to also "present the Gospel" to them. We are not passing condemnation on this, simply pointing out that it is quite difficult to think of something as absolutely FREELY GIVEN.
This same word "dorean" is used in John 15:25, where it is translated as, "They hated Me WITHOUT A CAUSE." There was absolutely no cause in Christ for them to hate Him. He had done them no harm when He healed their sick, cured their lame, raised their dead. He was the HOLY, BLAMELESS, Lamb of God-- and therefore to hate Him was totally WITHOUT A CAUSE.
On the other hand, neither is there any cause why God should justify us. We do not merit His kindness. We have done nothing to lay claim to His goodness. There is no reason, no cause on man's part, whereby God should show us mercy. But, HE HIMSELF IS THE CAUSE, AND THE CAUSE IS HIS GRACE to do something for us who are totally unworthy. It is out of the spontaneous generosity of His own heart that He FREELY justifies us. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved)."
(Ephesians 2:4-5). Rich in mercy-- great love-- causes GRACE!Many cannot accept this "totally without a cause, freely given," and so they try to dilute it with some input by man. So they say, "By grace you are saved," BECAUSE YOU believe, and thus they subtly insert "a cause." It is THEIR faith which becomes the cause. Salvation becomes experiential WHEN we believe, but not because. HIS GRACE IS THE CAUSE, our believing is a response. Even the faith whereby we believe is not our own self generated faith. "For by grace are you saved through faith; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8). When HE imparts faith, you believe! What else can you do when it is HIS FAITH WORKING IN YOU? He is the Cause (Source) for our faith. It is not of (out of) ourselves!
A man, lame from birth, was daily carried to the gate of the temple. One day Peter and John came to the temple at the hour of prayer. The man hoped to receive alms of them, but "Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (Acts 3:6-7). TO RECEIVE means that it was GIVEN to him. Immediately he leaped up, and walked-- the result of receiving strength. Later, explaining this, Peter said, "His name through faith in His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know: yes, THE FAITH WHICH IS BY HIM has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (verse 16).
"The faith which is BY HIM..." that is the secret. When FAITH COMES TO US, and we receive it, FAITH BRINGS THE VICTORY. The credit does not belong to our receiving, but to the FAITH which came to us. "And what do you have that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7).
"So then FAITH COMES by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17). GRACE GIVES, FAITH COMES, then we receive it and enjoy the blessings of its working in us. That is the basis of the New Covenant-- it is a God-wrought blessing all the way. No more dare we take the glory to ourselves, with the idea that God had to do it for me because I WAS DOING something-- fasting, praying, claiming, etc. and therefore God has to reward my efforts. That's not grace! Grace is the favor of God FREELY GIVEN WITHOUT A CAUSE.
The principle of grace is revealed in Paul's statement, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved." (2 Corinthians 12:15). IF one was responding to this situation, and acting in kind with the treatment that was being returned for this expression of love, it would be to NOT DO ANYTHING, since love was unwelcome, and their love grew less the more he did for them, why bother with them? BUT GRACE does not need a cause, it JUST IS! Thus it continues to spend and be spent-- freely, lavishly, because it is GRACE!
But there is much more to grace-- for it is THE DIVINE INFLUENCE upon our heart resulting in its reflections in our life. It is so adjusted that the one who receives it will turn from sin to serve the Living God, to live a holy life, for, grace includes the BESTOW AL OF RIGHTEOUS- NESS which we then proceed to live out to His glory and praise. Grace brings about an inward transformation, implanting the Divine nature which empowers us to live His life.
The very first time the word "grace" is used in the Scriptures, is in Genesis 6:8, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Here is God stooping to man, showing favor upon him. Grace, BEGAN IN THE LORD, and reached to Noah, imparting to him a faith to believe, a word for his direction, and the enablement to obey that word to the saving of his household.
The second time the word "grace" is used in the Scripture, is in regard to Lot, when he, having "found grace in Your sight," (Genesis 19:19), presumes upon that grace to offer his own direction for his life, to flee unto a little city, rather than to the mountain as he had been instructed. If that isn't a sad reaction to the grace of God. God comes to lift us up into mountain heights of glory, and we counter with plans of our own, and ask Him to allow us to USE HIS GRACE for our own ends.
Nine more times grace is spoken of in the Book of Genesis, and it is in reference of grace from one man to another.
But as we come to the book of Exodus, grace is mentioned six times, always between God and man. Moses experienced it in a profound way, and dares to ask for even more grace for himself and the people. "If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You, that I may find grace in Your sight; and consider that this nation is Your people." (Exodus 33:13).
Hallelujah! Lord, impart Your grace, establish me in Your grace, because I have an intense desire to KNOW YOU, and Your way. Surely grace is to be RECEIVED, and then acted upon, and here is the highest and best-- that by His grace we might come to KNOW Him more, know His way, know the secrets of His heart, and come into oneness with Him.
"If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance." (Exodus 34:9).
Stiffnecked, rebellious, wayward, self-seeking, how could God ever GO AMONG, be in the company of such people? BY HIS GRACE! Grace that will pardon and cleanse from sin, and make us so pure that He might dwell among us, tabernacle with us, and we with Him. This was never fulfilled in the first covenant dispensation. But in the NEW COVENANT it shall be a blessed reality, when He has fully purged His people.
Jesus gave the promise, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and WE WILL COME UNTO HIM, AND MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM." (John 14:23).
"I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3).
Grace is much more than just forgiveness for sin, and pardon for iniquity. He gives us the grace of forgiveness, and then grace GIVES US CHRIST TO BE OUR LIFE. Thus we are saved by grace, walk on by grace, and are daily KEPT BY GRACE. Grace does not just means that we live FOR God, but that we literally LIVE OUT OF GOD. He IS the Source of daily grace for daily living! It is thus that out of our weakness He is made strong. "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect (comes to full expression) in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).
This is the tremendous contrast between the old and new covenants. In the former we had to live up to our part, and God would fulfill His part. But the weakness of man proved that he could never hold up his end of the agreement. Therefore, God purposed a FAR BETTER ARRANGE- MENT, established upon His grace, wherein He unites Himself with our weakness, comes to dwell within us, to live out BOTH HIS PART AND OURS. Grace takes on the responsibilities for both parties, God and man.
How beautifully Jesus revealed this, when He said, "A bruised reed shall He not break, and a smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory. And in His name shall the nations trust." (Matthew 12:20-21).
When He comes to a bruised reed, He does not break it, but the frailest of all creatures shall receive of His mercy, yea, His healing. "To set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18). There are none so bruised and battered and torn, as to be beyond His restoration! However sorely bruised in spirit, soul, and body, till they appear absolutely hopeless in the eyes of other men, yet His grace shall tenderly reach out and make them whole again.
And the "smoking flax"-- this bespeaks of a wick whose flame has expired, which still burns faintly, though almost extinguished. When the oil is gone, all the resources have been used up, nothing left to fuel the flame, just before the fire is entirely out, it begins to smoke, for there is not enough flame to rightly burn the residue on hand-- and it smells. This is a vivid example of "BURN OUT." A term that is most relevant to these days. People find that their work has exhausted them, the cares and pressures, the constant need to dredge up new ideas and create additional programs-- finally they run dry, and suffer burn out. Then it follows, the more people are "burned out," the harder they are to live with, their disposition becomes smelly, smoky, they are easily irritated, distressed, gloomy, etc. But what does God do with these "charred ones?" Cast them out? Throw some more problems their way until they are deluged, and the last spark is quenched? NEVER! "The smoking flax He will not quench." HE POURS IN FRESH OIL, a new supply, and then the breath of His Spirit blows upon them with anew, quickening flame, renewed into His life. THAT IS THE GRACE OF THE NEW COVENANT!
Praise God, His grace can move upon every charred, burned out situation, and pour in the OIL OF HIS SPIRIT, rekindle the flame, and give a whole new expression of victory, to His glory and praise.
Another significant illustration of grace is found in the life of Abraham. "The Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be perfect. And I will make My covenant between Me and you..." (Genesis 17:1-2). ALMIGHTY --Hebrew, El Shaddai, meaning: the breasted one, thus, literally, The All-Sufficient One, the Bountiful One, the ONE ABLE TO SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS. That's grace!
Abraham, you just "WALK BEFORE ME..." You are answerable only to ME! Jesus gave us the same command, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). There is an established priority-- GOD FIRST!
"And be perfect..." Perfect-- the Hebrew is "tamim" meaning: plain, upright, whole. This requires a singleness of eye, of heart and mind toward God. That which is "whole" is UNDIVIDED. You cannot rely upon God's grace, and at the same time try to draw support from any other source. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8). Our covenant relationship is solely with the Lord Himself. Abraham was barren, and he could not look to the creature for any fruitfulness, but only to the Almighty-- The All-Sufficient One. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19). Praise His Holy Name!
Then seven times (number of perfection, completeness) God repeats His promise of "I WILL..." -- "I WILL make My covenant with you, and I WILL multiply you, and I WILL make you exceeding fruitful; and I WILL make nations of you, and I WILL establish My covenant with your seed after you; and I WILL give to your seed the land wherein you art a stranger, and I WILL be their God."
Not once does God make any of His "I WILL" conditional upon what Abraham would have to do to qualify for its fulfillment. It was the "I WILL" of His superabounding grace. It was out of His ALL-SUFFI- CIENT SUPPLY! Not by any effort of Abraham's flesh, nor by any of maid-servant Hagar's help. Indeed, "Which were born, not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man, BUT OF GOD."
(John 1:13).The inheritance would be neither earned nor deserved, nor would he have the strength to win it for himself-- but it was assured because God said, "I WILL give it you."
There can only be one response to grace such as this. "And Abram fell on his face..." (Genesis 17:3). WORSHIP and submissiveness. Not up and doing, not initiating more work programs to help fulfill the covenant. But in utter surrender, in deep humility and worship, we fall on our face before the Lord, to magnify Him for such grace to us-ward. And while Abram was thus in worship, "God talked with him..." God covenanted with him, breathed upon him, changed his name. It was grace upon grace, so freely given!
Next we find that THE INFLOW OF GRACE necessitates changes, purgings, etc. so that grace might remain unsullied by the works of the flesh. And so God said to him, "This is My covenant, which you shall keep... you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between Me and you." (Genesis 17:10-11). Now Abraham must suffer in his flesh, testifying that his hope is not in his flesh, nor its many energies. There is a depth of truth here that is far too often ignored by those who would like to emphasize only the grace of God in his blessing aspects. That all of His blessing comes to us because of HIS GRACE, is a tremendous truth. But to help us remember that it is ALL BY GRACE, and not of ourselves, there is a path of suffering, being stripped, of His "weakening our strength in the way,"
(Psalm 102:23), and then we say with the Psalmist, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." (Psalm 71:16).Well, I thought that if I received God's grace, all my troubles would be over. Ah, grace does not mean escapism, it means SUFFICIENT RESOURCES FOR OVERCOMING! It also means that we go through processings which are designed to bring us to the end of ourselves, so that we rely entirely upon His grace. This cannot be repeated too often, for we are heavily programmed with the "works of the first covenant, plus the traditions of man," and we keep trying to carry this over into our walk in the New Covenant. We continually want to "help God out" and to combine our energies with His. Thus the need for a true circumcision.
"And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin." (Genesis 17:24). As Andrew Jukes wrote: "To the eye of sense such an operation seemed not only dangerous to life, but one which, when performed in years, even if the patient survived, would probably preclude all fruitfulness." Yet there must be a mortification of the flesh, that we might truly WALK IN THE SPIRIT, BY THE GRACE OF GOD. We face the need of circum- cision, not to win the promise, but AS A RESULT OF THE PROMISE. God first and freely gives us of His promise. He says, "I will multiply." Then He adds, "Therefore you shall circumcise." Again, "For you are bought with a price: THEREFORE glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Paul transfers all of this natural illustration into spiritual truth, when he writes, "Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter; whose praise is not of man, but of God." (Romans 2:9). "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3). Yes, and what processings we have gone through while He removes every confidence we once had in the flesh. But the result is to His praise, for we come to trust fully in His grace, and seek to walk only by His Spirit.
Significant also that God instructed Abraham that they were to wait till all the males born in their house were eight days old, before they were circumcised. There must needs be a time of growth and adjustment to this NEW LIFE, before there begins a cutting away of the flesh. Truly, "Love suffers long, and is kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4). Therefore in His mercy He often allows a new believer to continue with certain fleshly indulgences, but as they begin to "GROW IN GRACE, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," then He begins to cut away more and more of the flesh, that we might be free to walk in His Spirit.
Jesus said, "Every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit." (John 15:2). A newly planted vine does not immediately bear fruit, it takes growth and maturity. Start cutting away immediately and you would kill the vine, the tree, or whatever it is you are pruning. But, "The Husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it..." (James 5:7). Thank God for His patience with us. And we praise Him also because HE knows just when to start cutting away this excess flesh, that we no longer put our trust in ourselves, and our fleshly endeavors, but our trust is wholly in HIS GRACE. "For it is God Himself whose power creates within you both the desire and the power to execute His gracious will." (Phil. 2:13).
GRACE IS A LIFESTYLE-- of the flesh crucified, and of CHRIST RISEN IN US, to live out His life through us. The new covenant way of life is from the inside out. God dwelling within, expressing through us of His life, character, nature. "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. I do not frustrate (think down, belittle) the grace of God." (Galatians 2:20-21).
"For you are the temple of the Living God; as God has 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 separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
The very first time that the name "ALMIGHTY" is used in the New Testament, is in reference to the grace of God that fulfills the New Covenant. As He said to Abraham, so He says to us today, "I WILL... I WILL... and YOU SHALL... (because) I WILL." Thus He promises both for Himself, saying, "I WILL," and for us, saying, "YOU SHALL," because HIS GRACE will bring us into a relationship where HE is our Father, and we are His sons and daughters, and He is the Almighty-- the ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE, with an unlimited supply for our every need. That's grace!
Furthermore, where grace abounds, righteousness will be found. He makes His promise out of HIS GRACE, and then says unto us, "WHEREFORE come out from among them, and be separate... and touch not the unclean." This is the RESULT of His grace, not a prerequisite for grace. Grace is not license to the flesh, for grace means deliverance from the desires of the flesh. That is why grace and circumcision go together, for where grace abounds, the stripping away of the flesh will result, that all might be to the glory of God.
It is also significant that while the word "grace" is used 156 times in the New Testament, of that, 110 times are in Paul's writings. And well he could write, "If you have heard of the dispensation (stewardship) OF THE GRACE OF GOD which is given me to you-ward."
(Ephesians 3:2). His message was of grace.And how expansive was his revelation concerning the grace of God. He declared a coverage and working of grace that to this day staggers the mind of many. That, "Where sin abounded, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND. That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might GRACE REIGN through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21).
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order." (1 Corinthians 15:22-23).
Indeed, that even "unto the principalities and the authorities in the heavenlies, might be made known through means of the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God, --According to a plan of the ages which He made in the anointed Jesus our Lord."
(Ephesians 3:10-11, Rotherham).Well could Paul teach the total restoration of every creature, both visible and invisible, both on earth and in the heavenlies, because God has revealed unto him the marvelous scope of His grace. Those who have not yet received such a divine revelation, would seek to limit the salvation of men to their own limited revelation, circumscribed by their creed and theology. But when God opens our eyes to see the reality of His grace, we emerge out of the darkness of the traditions of men, WITH SHOUTINGS OF GRACE, and we will fall on our faces before Him, to worship Him for such love and mercy to all His creation.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (Titus 2:11-12).
GRACE TEACHES-- teaches us to live godly! Teaches us not to lust, then there is no act, with its sorry consequences. Grace goes far beyond teaching us not to kill, for grace will enable you to lay down your own life for another. Grace will not only cleanse your mouth from bearing false witness, but will fill your mouth with blessing-- speaking good things for every man.
Yes, grace teaches-- the word "teach" is the Greek word "paideuo" meaning: to chasten, instruct; literally, to child-train, until we grow up into mature sons and daughters. It is His marvelous grace that shall bring us to that spiritual maturity where we shall share in His fullness. "He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I WILL be his God, and he shall be My son." (Revelation 21:7).
Overcoming is not an unobtainable fantasy, when we realize that it is GOD IN US that is overcoming. Yea, it is with SHOUTINGS OF GRACE that we shall surmount every obstacle until we shall stand before Him "more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:37).
How marvelous is the promise, "And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, THE SPIRIT OF GRACE and supplications..." (Zechariah 12:10).
Supplications-- The Hebrew is "tachanunim" meaning: to entreat for grace. Not only is God going to pour out "the Spirit of grace," but He is going to place into the heart of every man a deep desire, a prayer for that grace. When He imparts "a spirit of supplication," you will supplicate! When He gives you a prayer, YOU PRAY. When He imparts His faith, YOU BELIEVE. When He imparts of His grace, you will LIVE HIS GRACE. This is God's working in man! It is the reality of the New Covenant, God fulfilling all of His "I WILLS" and all of "YOU SHALLS" because He pours out of His Spirit upon all flesh, impelling them to and for, then receive, and then walk in the way of His grace.
"They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I WILL CAUSE THEM TO WALK by rivers of water in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel." (Jeremiah 31:9).
No wonder Peter admonishes us to "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13).
We have but tasted the first portions of His grace, there is MUCH MORE TO BE BROUGHT, and it shall finish in us the work which He has begun. For, "The God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1 Peter 5:10).
GRACE HAS APPEARED, and forgiven the sins of the past, and invoked the processings of the present time, with all its circumcision of the heart, purging, purifying, suffering. But there is a GREATER APPEARANCE yet to come, which shall bring us into our glorification. "The Lord will give GRACE AND GLORY: no good will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed in the man that trusts in You." (Psalm 84:11-12). Grace received and working in us certainly leads us onward to that glory-- THE REALITY. Freely given to us, by reason of His own will, fulfilling the purpose which He purposed in Himself. How wonderful is the grace of God!
I marvel at the grace of God
Extended to this worthless clod,
Frail human creature of the sod;
I marvel at the grace of God!I am amazed to see His love
Sent down to us from realms above,
With wooings like a gentle dove;
I am amazed to see His love.I look in awe, beholding peace,
That from all strife we'll have release,
Till every war in us shall cease;
I look in awe, beholding peace.I stand in rapture 'neath the cross
Where I am freed from earthly dross,
To find it gain, and not a loss;
I stand in rapture 'neath the cross.I'm overwhelmed, such life divine
Is giv'n to me when I align
My will to His, "forever Thine,"
I'm overwhelmed, such life divine.O wondrous glory of His grace,
Appointed for the human race,
He knows my time, He knows my place.
O wondrous glory of His grace.These words alone will ne'er express
The glory of His righteousness
That by His grace I now possess.
No! Words alone will ne'er express
Such unspeakable wonders of God!Contents - Part 7 - Spirit of the Word -
Covenant Eschatology - Introductory Note - New Stuff
Preface
1 - He Takes Away The First
2 - God Was In Christ
3 - Ending The Stone Age
4 - God's Commandments Are Promises
5 - Jesus, The New Covenant 'Yes'
6 - With Shoutings Of Grace
7 - A New Covenant Spirit
8 - A New Covenant Generation
9 - New Covenant Security
10 - A New Covenant Name
11 - Embracing The Choice Vine
12 - New Wine In The Cluster
13 - In That Day
14 - Kingdom Of The New Covenant
15 - Beholding--Near And Afar Off
16 - Summary