Holiness unto the Lord:
Considering Romans 8:28
Our God has secured salvation for we who believe through the blood of His one and only son, Jesus Christ. This promise is revealed through the Word of God (Romans 10:17), and we do have many wonderful promises secured for us through the Holy scriptures. We find one of the best and most well known of these in Romans 8:28;
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Many is the time that I have leaned upon this promise. I have quoted and applied it for myself, and encouraged others by it. My intent here is not to diminish these wonderful words; but rather to enhance them; by proper application as found within the context of God’s Word.
Therefore we receive the promise that “all things work together for good to them that love God;” this is meant to encourage us in tribulation or persecution, and also even in respect to mistakes we make when sincerely doing our best for the Lord. This promise shows us God’s faithfulness, mercy, patience, and infinite power.
Yet today many people isolate this verse, and diminish the importance of holiness unto the Lord. This would imply denying yourself, daily crucifying the flesh, accepting Godly chastening with repentance, and fervently seeking the Lord in the pursuit of spiritual perfection. These are uncomfortable practices which we have no desire for in the flesh! Unfortunately, as a whole, the organized churches of today also do not encourage or promote this behavior. Once you have cast away the Word of God (Jesus, KJV) as an absolute authority, it becomes easy to “pick-and-choose” the doctrines that you are interested in complying with! It is a form of godliness, which has denied His power!
The first mistake often made comes from considering the term predestinate in verse 29. Many have taken the term predestinate (found 4 times in scripture) to mean eternally secure, or chosen by God for salvation. In other words, no matter what one would do, it would not interfere with their eternal destiny—which has already been decided by God.
Biblical predestination never refers to the choices we are all accountable to make of our own free will. Instead, it refers mostly to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ; and salvation only through Him (John 14:6). Many scriptural prophecies were given concerning Jesus, and the fulfillment of these verifies for us all that Jesus is the Christ, or Messiah; the savior of the world (Matthew 16:16, John 4:42). In this way salvation was predestined to be—through Christ; not for each individual regardless of their own choices.
Note how the term predestinate is used here in Romans 8:29; verse 30 also uses the term, but it is merely a referral back to the initial use in verse 29. “…he (God)…did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son…” This is only a referral to the plan of salvation which God brought forth to man. If you isolate these verses, or the other two in Ephesians 1:5,11, you can misread God’s intent toward us as one of having already chosen for us who will be saved, and who will not. Yet if you take these verses by every word written, in light of the whole Bible from Genesis through Revelation, it is clear that God, in His patient love, allows each person to freely choose or reject Him. Please see our section on Predestination and Eternal Security.
Remember also that terms such as “chosen” or “elect” do not ensure salvation. Israel was the elect of God; but then ultimately rejected Jesus Christ. Kings Saul and Solomon, as well as Judas Iscariot, were all chosen by God—but they rejected Him of their own free will, and were eternally lost. See our article entitled The Israel of God for a more in depth study.
Think of being the “elect” in this way; for example, the President elect of the United States. He has been nominated for that position, and is the elect of the people; but he has not yet taken office. After becoming the elect, he may choose to decline the office. Also, something may come to light which prevents him from rightfully obtaining the position he sought. Finally, even after he has taken office, he may be removed from that post due to inappropriate behavior! II Peter 1:10 admonishes us to give diligence in making our election sure.
All the best intentions that one could offer will not achieve holiness. As sinful, carnal creatures, the corruption runs deep inside of us. It is God’s desire to perfect us according to his holiness, so we need to be open to His leading—even if it is by chastening that He leads us!
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
A general observance of the “professing” organized Christian church today, reveals grave errors in applying Romans 8:28. Individuals are, by and large, refusing to be directed into holy living. They ignore the vast testimony of God’s Word, and choose to believe that God blesses and approves of all that they do! This promise was really just meant to be a reassurance for when we fall short. They have proudly adopted the attitude which the rebellious sons of Korah reflect in Numbers 16:3 by saying “…all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them…” It was not true for them, and they were destroyed (Numbers 16:32,33).
Jesus Christ is forever the same (Hebrews 13:8), and the Word reflects this same reasoning again in the New Testament, telling us to patiently accept the Lord’s rebuke.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons…Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:5-8…11
We see here that it is at times difficult to endure chastening; but if we do, God is dealing with us as His children. And that is a wonderful thing! If we reject this chastening, we do not belong to God. Verse 11 shows us that the purpose of the Lord’s rebuke is to yield within us the fruit of righteousness. Verse 14 goes even further in proclaiming that we must follow holiness; and that without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.
Too many times Romans 8:28 has been used to excuse unrighteous behavior, or sin. The Lord may have worked it out for the good, but does this mean that He actually planned and approved of what happened? The end does not justify the means.
So it has been with the direction of our lives; the Lord is taking time to correct my viewpoint about things which I have assumed to be approved of by Him. Because of our deep, sinful natures, our God is extraordinarily long suffering toward us; regarding His children with nearly boundless patience and mercy.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust…But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalms 103:8-14…17,18
We need to regard every word of God (Matthew 4:4), and be sanctified by it (John 17:17) alone.
It is only fair to begin with an example from my own life, though God’s revelation is ongoing and will continue to last all my life.
There was a time of severe chastening for me, when I had fallen away from the Lord during my college years. At this time I was engaged to a non-believer, and we had regular conjugal relations though not yet married (fornication). This was not the only sin that I had fallen into. My chastisement was severe; struck by a car while riding bicycle, my injuries required help and patience from a good many people. This included my fiancé.
Grasping the reality of what had happened took time, and so did my recovery. My wife-to-be was a patient and faithful friend throughout, but our sinful practice of fornication continued.
No one can read the Bible in any depth without realizing how God feels about sexual sin. It is the most addressed sin in God’s Word. But the chastening I endured was not because of this sin specifically; but rather, it was my overall fallen state which had led to that sin. And while my God still hated the sin, it was patiently tolerated until I had repented; and grown again to the point spiritually where it could be dealt with.
Jesus would not allow a relationship born of sin to be attached to His holy name. I began to sense great conviction that we should break up. Even so, I was too weak to comply. I had pledged my life to this woman, and she was a good companion. So I told the Lord that He would have to do it. Exactly one week later, she brought up the subject! And yes, I did repent of the sin in our relationship through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1,2
In terms of God’s Word, such sin happens because of our hardness of heart. Though we become new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), we must crucify the flesh daily (Luke 9:23); and continue growing toward perfection (Philippians 3:12-15). We simply cannot accept all of the deep aspects of holiness at one time.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. I Corinthians 13:10,11
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He restored marriage to the way that He intended it from the start of creation. The Pharisees came and tempted Him by asking if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause (Matthew 19:3). Jesus responded, and concluded with, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” They then questioned this;
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. Matthew 19:7,8
So in this we see that something which God did not want was allowed temporarily. It will not be put up with again, for now God has led us in a more perfect way.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17
See our section on The Mark of Divorce for more on that topic.
So whether it is thought of as spiritual immaturity, or hardness of heart, God continues to perfect us in holiness during our entire lives. Therefore we should not consider that God has led us to sin, or approved when we have walked contrary to Him. We must be humble before the Lord, and pray along with the Psalmist;
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23,24
Remember that every way of a man is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 21:2), and that if it were up to us we would not judge ourselves (I Corinthians 11:31). We need the Holy Ghost for these insights and convictions!
Many also tend to excuse themselves if they feel their intentions are good. But God’s ways are high above our ways, and His wisdom is immeasureably deep. Therefore we must submit our intentions also to the Lordship of Christ; and not try to further the Kingdom of God by our own wisdom and strength.
David’s walk with the Lord is incredibly close (David is alive and with Christ today!), and he is called the man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). David expressed his desire to build a house for the Lord, and was even granted initial approval through the prophet Nathan.
And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. II Samuel 7:1-3
Yet the Lord had another plan, and showed it to His prophet that night;
And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?... And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. II Samuel 7:4,5…12,13
Then read also the testimony of King Solomon who built the house;
But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart: Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name. II Chronicles 6:8,9
Here we are also shown that David’s intentions were good in his desire; but actual Godly obedience led in a different way!
We can also see the results of rebellion against God’s will in the book of Numbers. It was time for Israel to enter the promised land, and the Lord gave instructions to search out the land.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them…So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. Numbers 13:1,2…21
(So they went up, and searched the land)
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. Numbers 13:25
Ten of the twelve men returned with a fearful report; only Joshua and Caleb retained faith in the Lord.
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there…And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. Numbers 13:27,28…30-32
The result of this report had a devastating effect on the Israelites.
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!... And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Numbers 14:2…4
They had chosen to forsake God, in spite of all the great works He had done while delivering them from their bondage. Joshua and Caleb attempted to persuade them to have faith unto obedience, but were rejected (Numbers 14:6-10).
Moses had to intercede so that God would not destroy Israel. We read the end of this intercession as follows;
Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: Numbers 14:19,20
But now God renders judgment against Israel for their rebellion. He spared their lives, but still brought chastening in righteousness (Lamentations 3:22, Amos 3:2). When such things happen to us today, it is important to patiently endure; with faith in God’s everlasting mercy. Let’s see the verdict on Israel;
Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:… Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me. Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcasses, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. Numbers 14:22,23…28-35
Yet when Moses told these judgments to the people, they then decided to go and enter the land—but it was too late! First they disobeyed by not believing God to enter the land, then they disobeyed to try and correct their disobedience—see for yourself;
And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies…But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah. Numbers 14:39-42…44,45
Ultimately, God worked even these great rebellions for the “good” of His people—both Israel, and we today who have these accounts. But the Israelites had sinned against God, and that is not what He wanted! We are never directed to sin in fulfilling God’s purposes—that would be a kingdom divided against itself. He wants to teach us, and have us grow in holiness. Therefore we need to repent of sin, not try to justify it! Maybe we didn’t even know how wrong we were at the time, but now we do—let us acknowledge our wrong with humility, for there are wonderful promises which God has made for our restoration.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:7-9…18,19
Corrie ten Boom shared a story which pertains to this topic. When she was eight years old, one time she was traveling by train with her father. As they waited on the platform, she asked him where babies come from. Her father responded, “Before I tell you, could you please carry my travel bag for me?” She agreed, but couldn’t lift it—“It’s too heavy for me to move.” She replied. Her father then explained to her that to answer her question would also be overloading her with baggage that was too heavy. She would have to grow up into a time that she could bear it.
God also causes us to grow in this way, only allowing what we can bear ( John 16:12, I Corinthians 10:13). We grow into perfection while in our earthly bodies; therefore what God once tolerated from us in our immaturity becomes unacceptable, as we “grow up” spiritually. And simply because the Lord was patient as we grew, does not mean that anything we did or neglected was approved by Him! Remember that “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”—II Timothy 2:13
We are required by God to be holy and perfect in every aspect of our lives. Though we will not achieve this while in the flesh, it is our duty to pursue this course as the goal of our lives. The Bible is unwavering on this!
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Genesis 17:1
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 19:2
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 18:13
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
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. Romans 12:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. II Corinthians 7:1
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:15,17
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. I Peter 1:15,16
See also Leviticus 11:44-45; 20:7; 21:6; I Kings 8:61; I Chronicles 28:9; II Chronicles 16:19; Job 1:1,8; 2:3; Luke 6:40; Romans 6:22; Ephesians 1:4; 4:12-13; Colossians 1:21-22,28; I Thessalonians 3:9-10; Titus 1:7-8; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 5:10
We must seek the Lord diligently; to acknowledge and put away sin from our lives. Not all shortcomings in our lives are actually sin, so we should study the Word of God with prayer for discernment. But also remember that we must not only keep His commandments, but do those things that are “pleasing in His sight.” (I John 3:22)
This leads to the inspiration for this article; lessons that the Lord is teaching us currently in our lives. We have tried hard to seek and follow the Lord as He leads. Our closeness to Him has bloomed, as a flower might break forth from the ground! We have witnessed many specific blessings from His hand, as well. He has healed, revealed, provided, and given us a witness within our own family. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, for His mercy endures forever!
Still, there is a larger touch from God that we need; a blessing that has been withheld, for the purposes which God would fulfill in us. We have entered into some areas of deeper bondage, from which only our savior can deliver us. From the Holy Spirit within us, we knew to seek the Lord in prayer and wait upon Him.
Actually, the Lord has been purging us deeply in numerous areas, but this most recent one was revealed through Leviticus chapter 26; with a focus especially on verses 40-42, but the entire section including verses 14-45.
This section was written to admonish God’s people to follow after the Lord, and consequences of blessing or curse depending on which course they followed. The first twelve verses of this chapter spoke of the blessings; the last thirty-four tell us of the curses that will come because of disobedience, and how we should respond—returning to the Lord in repentance.
While it certainly is not true to say that my wife and I despise God’s statutes and judgments (verse 15), it is true that Jesus needs to be the Lord over every area of our lives; in other words, to do all of His commandments (verse 14). Even if something wrong was done unintentionally, God wants us to know, and grow—into holiness (Hebrews 12:11).
Throughout this chapter, the Lord shows us that things will continue to get worse as we continue on the wrong course (Leviticus 26:18, 26:23,24). Therefore it behooves us to find out what the Lord is saying, and respond as quickly as possible!!
And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. Leviticus 26:18
And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. Leviticus 26:23,24
There is an example of this found in II Samuel chapter 21. A three-year famine caused David to realize that something was wrong, so he enquired of the Lord (Please read the chapter, and the pertaining incident in I Samuel chapters 21 & 22).
So the Lord allowed my wife and I to come into this time of bondage. That we might be cleansed, and learn to depend on Him; bringing glory to the name of the Lord only (Isaiah 42:8). Interestingly enough, our own plans were steering us to avoid this bondage! Yet God led us here; because our priorities were not correct, and He wanted to grow our faith to depend upon Him according to His Word—not our own “arm of flesh.” (Jeremiah 17:5-8). The Lord also states this within our featured chapter in Leviticus 26:19 by saying “And I will break the pride of your power…”
We have observed how criteria for both God’s blessing and punishment are contained within this chapter. Our special verses of focus, 40-42, are a transition section which tells us how we can rid ourselves of the curse, and instead restore God’s blessing in our lives.
If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. Leviticus 26:40-42
These verses tell us that we must confess our sins; each specific sin, and accept the punishment/consequences that God has imposed for them. If we will humble ourselves and do this, God will have mercy on us and once again bring about the good promises He has made in us. For us it was simple; to acknowledge our sin—so that even though we had meant well, we had actually walked contrary toward God. As a result, our Lord had actually been walking contrary to us, as well. In doing this, we were brought into bondage to ungodly institutions by the Lord; and so we must accept this as His punishment for us. Having done this, God now remembers His covenant of blessings, restoring us in Him in due season (Psalms 145:15, I Peter 5:6).
George Mueller of Bristol was a great example of this principle. I have learned much through the life of this obedient servant of God, and patiently enduring God’s chastening was one of those lessons.
George Mueller lived to be 93 years old, and believed that God had a purpose to fulfill in him with every illness he received; and that once accomplished, healing would come quickly.
While in good agreement with him on this point, the fact is that George Mueller endured numerous long-term illnesses (6-12 month periods) during the prime of his life. It was hard for me to understand why the Lord would allow him to be so extensively sick…
Yet later in his life, he had a supernaturally strong health! He began travelling and preaching worldwide in his late 70’s and 80’s! He would typically preach some 250 times during an 8 month period (240 days); this meant numerous messages daily, as travel methods were quite lengthy in the days before flight. Boats, trains, and horses were the rule in this time. Even in our world today, I know of no one who would subject themselves to such a grueling schedule. But God had prepared him earlier in life, and sustained him with unusual vigor. As our Lord had done with Moses, so He did for George Mueller (Deuteronomy 34:7). It became clear to me that God had rewarded George Mueller’s patient obedience in illness with good health later on. In sickness or in health, George Mueller lived every part of his life to exalt Jesus Christ.
It is also our desire to glorify our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Therefore we must be sanctified for the Lord’s use (John 17:17); that is to say; we must be cleansed from our unrighteousness. We do thoroughly believe the Word of God, teaching others from it; so it is only fitting that we come to thoroughly live the truth in which we believe. Job testified to this by saying, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”
Even so, we also follow in our Lord’s footsteps by enduring. Jesus is the perfect son of God, and the perfect example to all mankind; but especially to those He has redeemed.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,… Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:9-11…17-18
Continue, therefore, to be steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ. Even when we fall short, God does work all things for our good—but He wants the best things for us; His love is so deep and sincere! Just remember all of your fellowservants in the Lord which have gone before, and know that you are now living the faith once delivered to all the saints of God.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9
Consider these truths carefully for your own life with prayer. If something you expect to receive in prayer seems held back, seek the Lord as to why. He will gladly meet the sincerely seeking soul.
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.