January 15

CREATION, REDEMPTION, AND COMPLETION

-The following quote from A. P. Adams causes us to take a look at the true basis of man’s creation, redemption, and completion … “The redemption of man is the completion of his creation, and depends for its final accomplishment on God and not on the individual.” A statement such as this causes us to reflect on the GREATNESS OF ALMIGHTY GOD. It introduces us to the idea that our Heavenly Father is all-powerful and SOVEREIGN. This would then mean that God is in TOTAL CONTROL of the destiny of the human race. When we recognize THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD, we are set free from the foolish notion that we are responsible "to make ourselves" in the image of God. Many people do not recognize that God is responsible for their creation, redemption, and completion. The result of this is a life of condemnation, frustration, and failure. They place all the emphasis of their Christian walk on their “so-called” free will. In doing this, we absolutely strip God of His power and sovereignty, making His Spirit and His Word of none effect.

-The scriptures are actually very plain concerning this subject. All we have to do is READ THEM AND BELIEVE THEM! Ephesians 1:11 tells us that God works ALL things after the counsel OF HIS OWN WILL … Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship … HOW PLAIN CAN IT BE??? God is the One Who is working on us, FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP! Philippians 1:6 tells us ... to be confident of this very thing, that He which has BEGUN a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT until the day of Jesus Christ : … Who started the work? GOD! Who will finish the work? GOD! What work? YOU! YOU ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP!!! As well, Hebrews 12:2 states, … looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; … Many people do not realize that it is God Who is responsible for authoring and finishing their faith. WHERE IS THERE ANY ROOM FOR MAN TO BOAST? HOW CAN WE TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR THE WORK THAT IS BEING ACCOMPLISHED IN US, FOR WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP?

-It must become clear to us that GOD is responsible for, in charge of, and in total control of the creation, redemption, and completion of man ( mankind, the entire human race ). This will result in a race that has been totally and completely conformed to the image of its Creator. It will also result in man having DOMINION over all things ( except for God of course ), for this was the purpose of God from the very beginning ( Genesis 1:26 ). It is God Who has purposed the creation, redemption, and completion of man, AND IT IS GOD WHO WILL BRING IT TO PASS! The only part we play is one of recognizing, believing, and submitting to the very Spirit of God. WE CANNOT DO THE WORK! If we were able to bring this to pass, then why would God have sent His Son to be the Savior of the world? But rest assured, for our final outcome of being made into the image of our Creator depends on God, not the individual. This is good news!

-BE CONFIDENT OF THIS VERY THING!-