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Genesis chapter one outlines God’s creative process. The scope of this description quickly narrows to focus on the earth. Given that the purpose of the Bible is to provide a means for mankind to understand God, this focusing on man’s home, the earth, is understandable. As the development of the Earth progresses, the account breaks the developmental process into six distinctly labeled phases, or “days.” After the creation of mankind in verses 26-30, Genesis chapter one concludes with God looking over all of His creation up to that point, including mankind, and declaring it “very good” (verse 31). Genesis chapter two begins with the seventh phase or “day” of God’s creative process. Verses two and three declare that God “ended his work which he had made.” Other translations of this same verse read as “God finished his work which he had made.” Consider this thought with relation to chapter one: with God declaring His creation “very good” only after mankind’s creation, there is an implication that the creative process up to that point was intended to culminate in mankind’s creation. With that goal achieved, that phase of the creative process was successfully completed. With mankind’s creation, all previous creative phases, or “days” could also be considered completed. The seventh creative phase, or “day,” is described in Genesis 2:3-4. These verses describe God as “resting” twice and once as having “finished.” All three descriptions, however, include some variation of the qualifier “which He had made.” Some interpretations equate the idea of God “resting from His work which He had made” with creation being completed. Consider, however, an alternative interpretation, likening creation to a garden. The gardener first marks off the area of the garden, then tills the soil, plants the various seeds, fertilizes the ground and provides water. At a certain point, the gardener completes the work of establishing the garden. The gardener may be seen as “resting” from the work of establishing the garden; however, the garden is not complete. The garden is only complete when the plants have fully grown to their final state. From this interpretation’s perspective, the creative act, as required by God’s plan for mankind, did not end on that seventh creative day. For the past six creative days, God oversaw and directed the creation of the earth, and all the surrounding universe and its laws, to result in the creation of mankind. With that process complete, a new phase in God’s plan could begin that marked a different level of involvement by God. In Romans chapter eight, the Apostle Paul discusses this notion of creation being currently incomplete, as well as the goal of the current creative phase. In verse 22, the Apostle Paul refers to “the whole creation groaning and travailing.” Through this description, he depicts not just mankind, but all of creation in a “painful” process of waiting, which supports the thought that “creation” is not complete. The surrounding verses describe exactly what the creation is waiting on, namely “the manifestation of the sons of God.” The scriptures are clear in declaring Jesus to be God’s “only begotten son” (John 3:16). Since the time of Jesus’ sacrifice of his perfect human life, God has been calling members of mankind to emulate Jesus’s example of living a life devoted to God (Philippians 3:13-15). The reward granted to those who God finds worthy of having kept their commitments to Him is the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4), which is a condition of existence previously only experienced by God and by the glorified Jesus. Sometimes referred to as “the church” (Colossians 1:18), this class is also referred to as “joint heirs” with Christ (Romans 8:16-17), as well as other descriptions. This is the class of individuals who the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans 8:19 as “sons of God.” In Romans chapter eight, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that “creation,” which may be seen as the current phase or “day” of creation, is waiting on the development of this group of mankind. Although this process has spanned centuries which from a human perspective may seem like a very long period of time, it is actually relatively short when compared to the previous phases of creation. Further, Paul stresses that Jesus provides the example for those who seek to be “joint heirs,” and that Jesus provided the way in which those called from mankind may seek to answer this calling. From this perspective, God may be seen as “resting” from the creative process, allowing the time for those of mankind who choose to answer His calling to develop according to the perfect example that Jesus left for them. John 5:17: “But Jesus answered them, my Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” God’s work would continue through the work of Jesus, finding and developing his faithful followers, his church. The time will come, however, when even this phase of God’s plan will be completed and the next wonderful phase of God’s plan for mankind will begin (Revelation 21:1-4). All mankind, past and present, upon being restored to the perfection that was lost so many centuries ago (Acts 3:21) will finally understand forever more the true breadth of God’s promise to bless all the families of the earth (Genesis 22:16-18, Genesis 28:14).

1 Samuel 17:40: He (David) took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine. The Bible does not specifically say why David chose five stones. It is likely he was simply being prepared. For example, Matthew Poole’s Bible Commentary says: “…that if one should fail him, he might make use of another.” If this is the case, David took a number of stones so that each could be used in turn, if necessary, as one could not be sure ahead of time whether the first shot would hit. Quote from the publication Israel Today: “David understood that in order to achieve full victory, Israel must cast out all the giants from the land. You cannot deal with just one stronghold (or sin), but must be prepared to go all the way. Better not to cast that first stone only to discover we are in a battle for which we are not prepared.” Others surmise David was prepared to fight Goliath’s four brothers if necessary, so he chose one stone per brother. However, did young David – who was not a warrior before his encounter with Goliath and likely not previously aware of Goliath – know the specifics about Goliath’s family members? The incident where David was almost killed by a giant named Ishbibenob in 2 Samuel 21:15-22 was years later. However, there may be a symbolic reason why the number of stones was five, and that the number was expressed to us in the record. (For it might have just said he picked up a few stones, without revealing the number.) Perhaps David’s victory over Goliath is symbolic of a victory of Jesus over the large statue of four world empires in Daniel chapter 2 — gold, silver, brass, iron. The same is referred to in Daniel 7 as four beasts representing four empires — lion, bear, leopard, dreadful beast with iron teeth — Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome. When David was preparing to encounter Goliath, he mentioned that God had delivered him before from the lion and bear (first two kingdoms symbolically), and Goliath is described as having weapons and shields of brass and iron (last two kingdoms symbolically) — so that all four kingdoms are referred to. (1 Samuel 17:34, “Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock.”) (1 Samuel 17:6,7 — “He had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron.”) In Daniel 2, a single stone was used, cut out without hands — representing the true church selected from this world, cut out by the holy Spirit, in order to overcome the kingdoms of this world.

The short answer to this question is that it is not yet time for sickness and suffering to end.  God has set a time to make things right. Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in his time.“ He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Man is given a sense of future and a longing for eternal blessing, but its beyond man’s ability to comprehend what that will be and how it will be accomplished. In the plan of God, suffering and death are temporary, but there are important functions and lessons to sickness and suffering, and the end result is an amazing opportunity for ALL to be blessed. All our human family born in Adam experiences sickness and suffering as part of the death sentence passed on by Adam’s sin. 1 Corinthians 15:21: By a man (Adam) came death….  1 Corinthians 15:22: As in Adam all die…”  Romans 8:22: For we know the whole creation (all born in Adam) groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  The suffering and death of Jesus makes possible a resurrection for all, and eventually the blessing of all people. God’s son Jesus was not at all spared the pain and cruelty of sin. He willingly offered to die as the ransom price to satisfy justice for Adam’s sin and all of mankind’s sin as we are Adam’s progeny. 1 Timothy 2:3-6: For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for ALL… 1 Corinthians 15:21-22: By a man came death; by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Philippians 2:8,9: …he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Therefore also God highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. True followers of Christ are also called to suffer in preparation for reigning with Christ for the purpose of blessing of all people people ever born to this earth.  This preparation takes place by a process of ‘suffering with Christ’—a process of surrendering to the will of God as Jesus did, regardless of the cost. 2 Timothy 2:12: If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. The suffering of faithful Christians leads to this privilege of blessing all people, the whole creation.  Romans 8:18-19: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:21: …the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. While it may be difficult to grasp right now, there will be a day when humanity will not be sick, and no one will be allowed to harm anyone, and all will have the opportunity for a loving relationship with their Creator. The end result of the reign of Christ and the faithful Christians will be the full restoration of humanity to human perfection and the headship of Christ. Ephesians 1:10: And this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it—the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one head in Christ: yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to find their one head in him. Isaiah 51:11 promises, Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Revelation 21:3: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. God is like a good parent. Hebrews 12:6 applies to Christians now and in principle to the whole world born in Adam. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves… God loves us all. Just like a good parent, God is loving us by allowing (not causing) a hard experience for all of us as humans. Loving us right now is the cause for Him allowing us to see what it is like to exercise free will without following His righteous ways. Love sometimes means being hands off until the due time to resolve a problem for the purpose of an unforgettable lesson. There is an unforgettable lesson from all the suffering. The unforgettable lesson of all the suffering since the sin of Adam will be the tragic cost of rebellion against the will and principles of God and Christ, and the wisdom and loyalty to choose to love and obey them for eternity in the kingdom on this earth. Isaiah 9:6-7: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of his government of peace…

The privilege of giving birth to the Savior of the world couldn’t be given to just anyone. Only a woman with outstanding faith, an extraordinary character, and pure heart would be appropriate for such an honor. We find information about Mary’s beautiful character in Luke 1:26-56, when she responds to the news from the angel Gabriel that Mary would give birth to the most important child in the world. Mary had humility – she was not full of pride. When Gabriel told her that she was highly favored by God, she was troubled and confused. If she was prideful, she may have immediately rejoiced and wonder how she might benefit from being told she was in favor. After the shock of this surprising news, she thoughtfully and intelligently asked how it would occur. Once told, she said in Luke 1:38, Life Application Bible, NLT, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants.” What a humble and appropriate response to this unusual but wonderful experience! Since Mary loved and respected God, she quickly decided to accept God’s plan for her life no matter how it might look to others. She had faith in God and trusted Him to work things out even though she did not have all of the information. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, was also going to have a son who would grow up to be John the Baptist. Elizabeth recognized Mary’s strong faith when she told her in Luke 1:45, Life Application Bible, NLT, “You are blessed because you believed the Lord would do what he said.” Mary went on to rejoice in God, calling him mighty and merciful, while acknowledging her low status. She then discussed some of Israel’s history, showing she was an intelligent and careful student. So, why was Mary chosen to be the mother of God’s son, Jesus? Because of her strong faith, humility, trust in God, and extraordinary character. She submitted to God’s will even under seemingly impossible circumstances and readily agreed to follow God’s will for her life, whatever it would be. Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, not because she had any social standing or wealth or influence. She was chosen because she had a heart for God and an unquenchable desire to serve Him. From Mary we learn that we, too, must realize that our gift of being chosen is because God sees something in us that is not necessarily evident on the outside. Let us embrace His choosing and serve Him with our heart, mind, soul and strength! To be responsible hardly seems like a gift, and yet it is a gift of major proportions. Joseph had the unique and difficult privilege of protecting and nurturing the Messiah. We also have the unique responsibility of protecting and nurturing the prospective body of Christ. As with Joseph, such an important responsibility shows God’s trust in our ability.

It is overwhelming to see how Jesus has cared for us and how he continues to care for us. Jesus is our Precious Savior and loved us so much he was willing to give up everything to surrender to the will of God even to the death of the cross, so that all people could be blessed—faithful Christians with a heavenly reward, and all the rest of our human family born in Adam in the future kingdom here on earth.  Philippians 2:7-11: He stripped himself of his glory, and took on him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly human, he humbled himself and even stooped to die; yes, to die on a cross. (Weymouth) Therefore also God highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (New American Standard Bible) He gave his life for us: John 10:11: I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He knows us personally and he helps us know him personally: John 10:14: I am the good shepherd; and I know my own, and my own know me, even as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. His continual presence and watch care is with us: Matthew 28:20: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. The Father continually provides for our needs through him: Philippians 4:19: But my God—so great is His wealth of glory in Christ Jesus—will fully supply every need of yours. He is our source of continual forgiveness and growth: 1 John 1:7: but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 2:1: …And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous… He is our continual inspiration as we meditate and focus on his example: Hebrews 12:1-3: …let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think about the one who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you may not become tired and give up. He was tested and sanctified—made holy—so that we also could grow in holiness: John 17:19-20: As Thou didst send me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.  Jesus prayed for us to share the oneness and closeness he had with the Father: 1 John 17:20: I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in us… God works through Jesus to provide us with every blessing: Ephesians 1:3-8: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Crist, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us…. The end result is the blessing of all in the kingdom in heaven and the kingdom on earth: Ephesians 1:9: In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purpose in him. Ephesians 1:10: And this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it—the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ: yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in him. Hallelujah, What a Savior!

The accounts of the baptism of Jesus are found in Matthew 3:13-17, John 1:29-34 and Luke 3:21-22. The only individuals we know for sure who attended Jesus’ baptism was Jesus himself and John the Baptist. It is likely, however, that there were many other unnamed individuals who were present (See Luke 3:21). The account says that many others were baptized just prior to Jesus’ own baptism. It is reasonable to assume that many of these witnessed Jesus’ baptism and, along with John, may have also heard the voice from heaven and saw the dove descend upon Jesus.

Jesus was begotten of the spirit at his baptism. However, the context of Psalm 2 is in keeping with the Apostle Paul’s application that the statement, “this day have I begotten thee” describes Jesus’ resurrection. Psalm 2 opens with the heathen raging and the kings of the earth setting themselves against God and His anointed (verses 1, 2). In other passages, Satan is described as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). He rules this heathen world and governments. But it is part of God’s plan to destroy his empire and establish Christ’s kingdom. This is described in Psalms 2:4-6. “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” The king described here is Jesus. His reign will see the end of Satan’s kingdom. This is the context that immediately precedes verse 7, which says, “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, ‘Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee.” Although Jesus was begotten of the spirit at Jordan, he was born of the spirit at his resurrection. He then received full authority to carry out all the other features of God’s plan. One aspect of that is described in Psalm 2, the removal of Satan’s empire. This authority is stated in verse 8, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Then in Acts 13:12,13, Paul is reassuring fellow Christians that the promise made to Abraham would be fulfilled because Jesus was raised from the dead. “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, ‘Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.’” There is a lot implied in Paul’s statement. Jesus’ resurrection proved that his sacrifice was acceptable and God’s promises would become reality. In Psalm 2 that meant Satan’s empire would be removed. In Acts, it means that God’s promise to bless all the families of the earth would also be fulfilled. They are the two great benefits that we will see because Jesus was raised from the dead and is now at the right hand of God.

It may be hard to understand, but nobody made God. Psalms 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” “Everlasting” means that God was always there. He has existed forever. He had no beginning and has no end. As imperfect human beings, our brains have a hard time understanding spiritual things. We do know that God created the earth, animals, humans, and the entire universe. Psalms 121:2, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” God never changes, so we can always trust Him and rely on Him and His word. James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” We also know that God has four main qualities: WISDOM, JUSTICE, LOVE, AND POWER. God is very wise. He sees all things and knows all things. He is “just,” or fair. He is loving and merciful. He is powerful and strong. Talking about God and all that He is, Isaiah 40:28, says, “Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured.” So, while it’s difficult for our imperfect, human brains to understand, God was always there, and He always will be. Regarding God’s name, we invite you to listen to an eye-opening 3-part podcast series from Christian Questions called, Who is God? https://christianquestions.com/category/series/who-is-god-series/ The details are powerful and require additional explanation in order to get the full import. There are several names and descriptions given to God, especially in the Old Testament. Each of them gives us a different way to grasp the Almighty’s character. For instance, the first five words of the entire Bible set a tone about who He is. Genesis 1:1 simply states, “In the beginning, God created…” This beginning refers to the creation of the earth as a habitable planet. The Hebrew word Elohim used to describe God here in this creative context is specific. Right away we know He was the initial force to make things happen. It was His plan, His power and His authority that put the development of planet Earth into motion. Elohim is commonly used to describe God when His power and authority are being referenced. This gives us a hint as to how to understand God through Scripture. Because His character is so vast, there is no way to sum it up simply, so the Bible reveals Him in steps. When another aspect of God is being referenced or sought for, another name or description appears. In this way, we can learn to appreciate the depth of His character as our own minds become ready to receive it.

This verse refer to is part of a series of parables Jesus gave beginning in Luke chapter 15. There, in verse 2, the scribes and Pharisees murmured because Jesus received sinners and ate with them. Because of their superior attitude, Jesus went on to give the Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son. The recurring theme in these is the recovery of something lost – a sheep, a coin and a son. Rather than feeling superior to the sinners Jesus ate with, they should have appreciated the work of recovering them from sinful lives. He continues his point in chapter 16. There, he speaks of a rich man who had given the management of his wealth to a steward. However, this steward had “wasted his goods.” When the rich man heard of his poor stewardship, he called him said he would no longer be his steward. The steward determined to recover some of the rich man’s lost wealth and contacted those who owed the rich man. He reduced what they owed by 50% (verse 6), and then another by 20% (verse 7). The borrowers gladly complied. After seeing this, the rich man of the parable commended the steward (verse 8). The second part of verse 8 is significant. It says, “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” This is supported by Romans 3:2 where it says, “unto them were committed the oracles of God.” The point Jesus was making in all four parables was the unfaithfulness of the Pharisees. They were the children of light and were represented as the steward of this parable. However, unlike the steward of the parable, they did not attempt to recover any of the sinners that Jesus sat with. Rather than appreciating the privilege of being the stewards of God (pictured by the parable’s rich man), the Pharisees mismanaged their responsibilities. In verse 8, Jesus said the steward of the parable was wiser than the children of light (the Pharisees). The principle cited in verse 9 of using “the mammon of unrighteous” means to be faithful stewards of all the Lord has put in our hands. This includes a believer’s personal stewardship, the way we use our time, talents and resources. If we see them as really belonging to God and a privilege to be responsible for them, we will use them faithfully, for good and to God’s glory. If not, verse 11 asks, why then would He commit true riches to us? These riches are the reward offered to faithful believers, of glory, honor and immortality (Romans 2:7). The passage concludes by saying, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (verser13). God did bless Abraham, David and Solomon with wealth. But the point was, how did they use it? There is no inherent righteousness or unrighteousness in wealth. But a wise steward will use it to honor God. Jesus’ point in the entire parable is more about trust than about wealth. The rich man’s steward had misused the rich man’s wealth for his own benefit. Therefore, his gain became “unrighteous” wealth. In verse 9, Jesus was not commending the steward’s mishandling of his master’s wealth. He was conveying a general truth of using our present resources wisely, so when literal wealth fails, our investment in God’s service will bring future glory. In verses 10 and 11, he said if someone cannot be faithful and honest in the little things of this life, how can God trust them with future glory? He comes back to the lesson of the unjust steward in verse 12 and adds that if you cannot be faithful with another man’s wealth, why would anyone (in this case – God) give you your own wealth? He concludes the lesson in verse 13 that “No servant can serve two masters…you cannot serve God and mammon (or wealth).” The word “serve” means “be a slave to,” or “be in bondage to.” The point Jesus was making is not that wealth is evil, but that the steward had misused another man’s wealth and his gain became unrighteous. If used properly money, time, talents, etc., are tools for good. The goal of every dedicated Christian should be to use all the resources at their disposal to serve and honor the heavenly Father and His beloved son.

How do we get “in” Christ? The call to become body members of Christ is described in Romans 12:1,2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.”  Presenting our bodies as “living sacrifices” means to give up our own wills and dedicate ourselves to God’s service. Paul calls this a “reasonable service.” Romans 5 then describes the process for being acceptable to God. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). Later, in verse 9, the apostle says we are “justified by his blood.” We see here a two-step process. We draw closer to God through faith in Jesus. Seeing our faith and desire to be a “living sacrifice,” God then justifies us by the blood of Christ. This justification is a legal step that provides a standing before God. He no longer recognizes our sins, and He considers us His sons. This two-step process began with our faith in Christ and then receiving his atoning merit. We then become body members of Christ as described in 1 Corinthains 12:27. “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” How do we remain in Christ? Although we still must deal with our fallen flesh, and we unfortunately continue to sin and make mistakes, we remain justified in the eyes of God as long as our hearts are loyal to Him and we maintain our faith in Christ. The Lord knows that such a life can be a struggle at times. We are assured that Jesus is very sympathetic to those struggles. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15, 16). God is not looking for perfection. He is looking for our sincere and lasting commitment.  Once in Christ, we can be guided by the spirit of God. This is generally through a study of His word and is associated with very precious promises. “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9,10). Can we get “out” of Christ? Yes, Hebrews 10:26,29 reveals that our standing with God can be lost. “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins…Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”  To trample under foot the son of God means to reject his sacrifice after receiving its benefits. Only those who were once fully dedicated to God and justified by the blood of Christ can lose the spirit of grace described in this verse. This is a serious condition. The passage says that anyone who has fallen into this condition can longer have any type of relationship with God or Jesus.