THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE -- Tomorrow:
"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor 3:15-18, KJV)
EVERYONE: BUT WE ALL
"But we all . . . "
Other versions read, "And all of us" (NRSV), and "But we Christians" (LIVING).
It is imperative that we see what follows as a common experience among "the elect" (Col 3:12). This is not something for the leaders of the church, or for some especially gifted members of Christ's body. There is no such thing as a segment of the body of Christ that is exempt from what follows. Further, this is not an option that is available if any of the people are interested.
It ought to be noted that we are living in a time when Christianity is being neutered so that it has no power. In order to make room for specialists in behavioral analyses and counseling, the Lord, who is "that Spirit," has been relegated to the role of a non-active Chancellor. He is, for all practical purposes, "Lord" by name only. A convenient theology has been adopted that allows for the Scribes and Pharisees of the land to maintain their positions, and do so with respect and dignity. For this reason, the church is really not noted for a fundamental and lasting "change" in its members. All of this is nothing more than religious pretense. There is no sincerity or reality in it – not so much as a weightless mote. This will be seen from what is now stated – something that is occurring to "we all." Wherever this is not occurring (and to one's own master he stands or falls) there really is no participation in the New Covenant, all profession notwithstanding.
As soon as you read these words ("and we all"), it will at once become apparent to you that the experience is not at all common within the professed church. Of course, it was not common during the first century either. Early in the history of the church, a couple misrepresented that they were giving to the Lord, and lost their lives because of it (Acts 5:1-13). Shortly after that, murmuring broke out among the disciples (Acts 6:1). Out of seven Asian churches Jesus assessed, five of them had serious flaws.
1. Ephesus had left their first love, and stood in danger of being removed (Rev 2:4).
2. Pergamos allowed some among them who taught the doctrine of Balaam, casting stumbling blocks before the people. They also had some among them who held to the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which doctrine Jesus hated (Rev 2:13-14).
3. Thyatira permitted a false prophetess to seduce the people into committing fornication, and eating things sacrificed to idols (Rev 2:2-23).
4. Sardis was a church that had a name that it was alive, but it was actually dead. Only a few people there had not defiled themselves (Rev 3:1-4).
5. Laodicea was lukewarm, and was so nauseating to the Lord that He was going to vomit them out of His mouth (Rev 3:15-16).
WHY DO THESE CONDITIONS EXIST?
Why did these conditions exist? Was it because the New Covenant is also "weak through the flesh," as was the Old (Rom 8:3)? Can it be that, like the Law, the New Covenant "makes nothing perfect" (Heb 7:19)? Is it true that under the New Covenant God still "finds fault" with the people as He did under the Law (Heb 8:8). Is God still holding forth His hands to a "disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom 10:21)? Is the New Covenant also one of fading glory, that begins with a blaze, then gradually dissipates into a state of normalcy?
Considering the state of the average American church, one might think that all of these questions could be answered in the affirmative. It might be surmised that the preachers and teachers are right who say, "We are just like those Israelites." Or, "You know how we all are – we want our own way, and really do not want to obey the Lord." Maybe you have heard someone say that the only difference between Christians and the world is that we are not condemned – "we are just forgiven sinners." Of course, all of this is a carnal attempt to justify the miserable condition of the average American church – whether it is mega-church or a mini-church.
However, consider the impact that immature and ignorant Christians have upon our text. If the New Covenant does not produce a better people, then how can it possibly be a "better covenant?" How can its promises be "better promises" if they do not yield better results? How can a covenant with a glory that excels and remains produce a people like Israel of old, with an impure conscience, a lack of discernment, and thoughts that are not the thoughts of God?
Our text has affirmed, "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there IS liberty." It has declared that the new covenant ministers both life and righteousness. In this covenant, the veil is removed from the heart, so that spiritual obtuseness no longer exists. It only remains, therefore, for the people to take advantage of the liberty produced by the Spirit. This is something that "WE ALL" do. If what follows is really not being done, it is not because the New Covenant has not made provision for it. It is rather because the people have their attention fixed on the wrong thing!
I am going to wax bold and affirm that God makes no provision for anyone in Christ to fail to do what follows. There is not a syllable of Scripture that remotely suggests any person can remain in a state of Divine acceptance where this is not done. Thinking themselves to be merciful and kind, some religious men excuse the miserable condition of wayward professing Christians. But this is not the manner of Jesus, as confirmed in His letters to the churches in Asia. It is also corroborated by Paul's letters to fledgling churches who had been juvenile too long, and were not bringing forth fruit as they should.
When we read the words "we all," we are being subjected to something that is intended for everyone whose sins have been remitted, and who are in Christ Jesus! If they are old enough to believe and be baptized, they are old enough to this. It is time for the church to expect what follows from its members. Jesus does, and so should they!
This is the means by which we become like Jesus, or are conformed to His image something that is the unwavering determination of God Himself. This is not one of the ways this happens, but is the exclusive and appointed means of being "changed."
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the marvelous consistency of Your great salvation.