First it helps to have a historical understanding of why the 4 Spiritual Laws work. In the first book of the Bible the 12th chapter we read that God visited and talked directly to Abraham. God's purpose since creation was to have a people who would love Him and keep only to Him. (His covenant with man is the foundation for our wedding vows) Now lets examine how this covenant with Abraham transfers to us.
We sometimes forget the Greek word for "church" is "called out ones." In the Old Testament Abraham's children were told they were to be a "peculiar people," they were to come out from among the nations and cultures and be separate. In that same way, we want our spouse to be separated unto us only - to be committed to us.
We read God's proposal to Abraham in Genesis chapter 15. God first promised to be Abraham's shield (his protector); then to give him great rewards (verses 1 & 2). Then He promised to make Abraham the "father" of this "chosen nation." The numbers of which could not be counted - even as the stars.
Abraham asked, how would he be assured that this would all come to pass. We read God's response starting in verse 9 of that 15th chapter, God made a "Blood Covenant" with Abraham. Blood Covenant is the highest order of covenant. It states, "Until death do us part." When we put our hands, our agreement, to that covenant we are bound so intimately that the two become one. Which ever of the two becomes threatened the other is just as seriously threatened and will give everything in their possession and power even to their own life to save the covenant partner. (The consummation of the marriage vows required blood at consumation and was never to be broken until death)
cause a continual war for His "Chosen Children" (the promise was, remember, that Abraham's seedAn example of God's commitment is seen when when Abraham became impatient and listened to Sarah's counsel instead of God's. God still honored His promise even though it was not the original agreement. Even knowing Abraham's action would would be too many to count) so because of His promise He multiplied this offspring even though it was by the wrong woman, Hagar. At this point He again took Abraham out of his tent and showed him the sands of the sea as well as the stars; that both would be innumerable.
Understanding better, God's Covenant with Abraham, we can understand why God did not simply wipe out the Israelites in their rebellious times. Even in their sin God was committed to them - until-death-do-us-part. This gives us a deeper insight into the permanency of the Old Testament laws and blessings.
Now, our understanding of the New Covenant takes on a deeper meaning. God will never "replace" His chosen children; He is in "Blood Covenant" with them! As "adopted" children we (the non-Jewish) do not march into the dinner table claiming the children's seats as ours. Remember, Jesus taught we were to take a place at the end of the table; if there was a seat at the head of the table that was not filled we would be invited to come forward; and how much greater the honor, rather than risking going forward and being sent back.
We have said all of that to come to this point: (Galatians Chapter 3 verse 8) the Scriptures pointed forward to this time (our time) when God would declare the Gentiles (the un-chosen nations) to be righteous (as his chosen children) because of their faith... ...So all who put their faith in Christ (accepted Christ as their Savior and God) would share the same blessings Abraham received because of his faith. (this is the first steps in the 4 Spiritual Laws recognizing that we are outside the family and need to ask for adoption) SO - If Abraham had access in to the Throne of God -And we have accepted Jesus as our Lord - We have the same access as Abraham - thus ALL of the promises of the Scriptures are now yours and mine.
Step ONE: Hebrews 11:16 instructs us: one must believe that God exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, if we wish to accomplish anything. Without having/exercising faith nothing happens. A simple example of faith is when (without even thinking) you put your foot on the brake pedal and push to stop a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. For every driver there was a first time. You either believed what you were told and obeyed or you had seen it done before and watching others built your faith in the brake system.
Spiritually we are in the same position. We must in the beginning take His Word and simply obey. Then faith will begin to grow from our own experience until we just know it will work. We soon quit the "what-if" games. "What-if" God doesn't hear me this time? "What-if"...
Step TWO: We are the Children of Covenant through Jesus' Blood Covenant made on the cross. Jesus said He would NEVER leave us; nor forsake us. We now know we have every promise that was given to Abraham. All we have to do is dig them out and start claiming them.
Our roots have caused us to grow in four main directions. We need to analize our own attitudes and began making changes where needed.
1.Those who walk away and say, "no thanks, I will make my own way in the world and have a lot more fun without God. 2.Those who Believe in God - But didn't take Him seriously - outside attractions led them away and they became lost. 3.Those (due to no-fault of their own) were dropped through the cracks - they need to be found or find a leader and taught. 4.Those who have already surrendered their lives to Him-stayed focused - kept correcting their focus - and stayed obedient to His Word.
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