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“FAINT NOT”

Thesis: To encourage the hearer unto faithfulness through the hope of God’s help and promises as revealed in His word.

Text: 2 Cor 4:14-5:1

Introduction,
1. We can all thank God that He brought forth His Son, born of a woman (only, not a man; Isa 7:14; Mt 1:22-23), born under the Law (Gal 4:4), Who gave us a visible image of the invisible God (John 1:18) and consummated God’s eternal purpose, the church (Eph 3:11), He stated He would build it, and He did ( Mt 16:18), through hand chosen individuals who bound and loosed (Mt 16:19; 18:18) that which was settled forever in heaven (Ps 119:89), that living and active word of God (Heb 4:12), through which God revealed His salvation plan unto a lost and dying world on that 1st Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ (Acts 2).

2. These chosen men, referred to as the apostles of Christ (ones sent by Christ) brought the gospel into all the civilized world in the 1st century (Rom 1:8; 16:26; Col 1:5-6, 23), those who are disciples of Christ today are commanded to do likewise (Mt 28:19-20).

3. Faithful men are also to teach those who have the ability to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2), so that the pattern of sound words may be held (2 Tim 1:13), defended (Phili 1:16), contended for (Jude 3), and propagated as leaven throughout all the earth (Mt 13:33).

4. Yet the apostle Paul prophesied of a time when those who professed to be followers of God and Christ would pervert and deny the very gospel which saves them (2 Tim 3:1-5; 4:3-4), sadly that day is upon us in full force.

5. In fact perverters and poisoners of the gospel have been working as the agents of Satan since the establishment of the church (2 Cor 11:13-15); there was a brief time of peace (Acts 2:47), but when the religions of men heard what was being brought forth by followers of The Way, they took up arms against the truth on many differing fronts.

6. And this constant onslaught against the truth and the men of God who were commissioned by Christ to bring it forth is the topic of our text, those that teach that one faith (Eph 4:5), and declare it as such (for there is no other gospel; Gal 1:6-9), have all types of weights and pressures put on them by the enemies of God outside (and sadly) inside the church.

7. And there is none that can be compared to the apostle Paul in this respect, he suffered immensely for the cause of Christ (2 Cor 11:23-28), like all who follow the Lord in truth are called to bear in varying and likely lesser degrees (2 Tim 3:12).

8. Yet God kept him going, he may have been wearied, but God renewed his strength, he may have been pressed down, but God lifted him up; and just how did He do this, was it buy some miraculous direct operation upon his heart? No! God does it the same way today as He did back then, by giving those that love Christ and keep His commandments that faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13) that is able to drive one to accomplish the will of God in the face of innumerable enemies and odds.

9. Clearly one can see that this is the same situation we face today, therefore we also need to look to God’s power in order that we can accomplish His will on earth “to seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10) that we “faint not” but rather “be renewed” with the strength that only God can supply.

10. Therefore in the lesson we will look into our text and see how it brings forth . . .
1) The “Reassuring Renewal” (2 Cor 4:15-18)
2) The “Reality of the Resurrection (2 Cor 4:14)
3) The “Restoration to Righteousness (2 Cor 5:1)

I. THE REASSURING RENEWAL (2 Cor 4:15-18)

A. (v 15, we will skip v 14 and come back to it in the next section)

2Co 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

The entire plan of redemption, which was formed in the mind of God before the foundation of the world; from first to last was manifest by the love and favor of God towards the world (John 3:16), Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1. Yet God is not like man, who oftentimes angers and acts rashly, but rather before the creation account He foresaw the problem with man and put a plan into action (Eph 1:3-6).

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: Eph 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: Eph 1:5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:

a. This plan was purposed to save man and simultaneously glorify Himself, for God is glorified through the church (Eph 3:20-21).

Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Eph 3:21 unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

b. Therefore everything that the apostle Paul did and endured was for the elects sake and thus God’s glory, as he wrote to Timothy concerning this matter (2 Tim 2:10-11).

2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2Ti 2:11 Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him:

c. For when one obeys the gospel they figuratively put their self concerns to death, and put God’s will first and foremost on their list (Mt 6:33), and in doing such they reign upon the earth with God Who dwells in them, and works through them (Rev 5:10).

Rev 5:10 and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.

d. And it’s going to be a struggle (2 Tim 2:12).

2Ti 2:12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:

e. If we endure the hardships that come upon the faithful in Christ, suffering and struggling for the kingdom and its propagation on earth, we can look forward to that crown with all those that loved the appearing of Christ (2 Tim 4:8); but if we don’t, if we are ashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16) and what it teaches, we can only look forward to being separated from God eternally, we need to confess Christ and his teachings as a regular part of our lives, Christ stated (Mt 10:32-33; Luke 9:26) . . .

Mat 10:32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.

B. (v 16)

2Co 4:16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

Paul didn’t become inwardly discouraged even though his outward body was taking a beating, also it was just plain wearing out from age, but in his working for the Lord his inward man, his spirit was being invigorated, knowing that he brought people closer to heaven, and all the while glorified God

1. The same could be said for us today it’s a long way from Babylon to Jerusalem, in other words, it some took time and diligence to fashion out inner person to the standards of the world, and it is going to take some time and work to make the Christian the type of person God wants them to be (Zech 13:9).

Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.

a. This refining process takes place through trials and struggles upon this earth which come about in our every day lives; (1 Pet 1:6-7; 4:12-16).

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 1Pe 1:7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

b. It may come from those outside of Christ when we attempt to hold forth the word of truth (Phili 2:15-16)

c. It may take place through church discipline, or verbal chastisements from other Christians who might be aware of some area of our lives not aligned with God’s will (Mt 18:15-17);

d. But for the most part the refining and renewing process takes place through the Spirit delivered and confirmed word, His instrument of choice (that “sword of the Spirit” Eph 6:17), as we study and apply, thus feed and grow from God’s word (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18).

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.

e. Then when God’s law is written upon our minds, our biblical hearts (Heb 8:10; 10:16), it directs us on how to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to our Father, and when we do something contrary to it, our conscience chastises us until we bring our mind and actions in alignment with God’s revealed will, the conscience is an important part of this process and it is imperative that it be functioning properly and that it is formed by the Truth, not one’s personal preferences, beliefs, nor the creeds of men, (John 8:31-32; 17:17),

Joh 8:31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; Joh 8:32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

f. For it is by that same word that we will be held accountable on the Last Day (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12)

Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Rom 2:16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books (this is a reference to the books of the bible) were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books (so is this), according to their works.

g. This process is called the “renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Tit 3:5; Rom 12:2), it starts to work on us when we first hear or read God’s word, it convicts us of our sinful state before God and thus brings us to obey the gospel in the hope of redemption, and through the rest of our lives it continues to mold us and shape us unto the likeness of God preparing us for heaven (Eph 4:20-24; Col 3:9-10).

Eph 4:20 But ye did not so learn Christ; Eph 4:21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: Eph 4:22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; Eph 4:23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Eph 4:24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Col 3:9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, Col 3:10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

C. (v 17)

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

Let us look at some of that which Paul endured because of the gospel (turn to 2 Cor 11:24-28).

2Co 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 2Co 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; 2Co 11:26 in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 2Co 11:27 in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 2Co 11:28 Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

1. Yet he considered this a light affliction compared to the reward he was going to receive on That Day (Rom 8:18).

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.

2. And he also considered it but a moment in time compared to the eternality of heaven, we need to remember that time is something that exists in the physical realm, not in the heavenly places (Rev 21:25; 2 Pet 3:8).

Rev 21:25 And the gates thereof shall in no wise be shut by day (for there shall be no night there):

2Pe 3:8 But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

a. Seeing that just a speck of our existence is in this realm, yet what we do here will determine so large a part of our future, we ought to do that which is good for God, for others, and for our selves, and its summed up in this passage (Eccl 12:13-14).

Ecc 12:13 This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

b. Jesus says (John 14:15)

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

c. Do we have reverential fear for God? Do we love Christ? Our lives openly declare whose we are, the world’s, or God’s, it cant be the world’s for we supposedly have been called out of such (John 15:18-19; Ja 4:4; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Cor 6:17-7:1)

Joh 15:18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Jam 4:4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God. 1Pe 2:9 But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 2Co 6:17 Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, 2Co 6:18 And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

D. (v 18)

2Co 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul wasn’t primarily focused upon things of a temporal nature (such as material possessions, social standings or earthly advantages), but rather he was focused upon things that were eternal in nature.

1. We need to understand that we do have responsibilities upon this earth, and to not fulfill them is sin.

a. We are to work (1 Thess 4:11; 3:10).

1Th 4:11 and that ye study (strive) to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;

2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.

b. And we are to care for our families (1 Tim 5:8).

1Ti 5:8 But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

c. And all have their duties therein, fathers, mothers and children alike.

d. Yet God is to be involved in every part and in every aspect of out lives, and to not do so, is sin as seen in (Ja 4:13-17).

Jam 4:13 Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: Jam 4:14 whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Jam 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that. Jam 4:16 But now ye glory in your vauntings (arrogance): all such glorying is evil. Jam 4:17 To him therefore that knoweth to do good (which in this context the doing good is to include God in your business ventures), and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

2. We are to use our temporal blessings for eternal good (Mt 6:19-21).

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.

a. The point that is being made is that while on earth, suffering, striving, being diligent to do the will of God (because this earth is not a land where righteousness dwells; 2 Pet 3:13), we grow according to God’s will, doing things God’s way, bringing glory to God, we are day by day getting closer to our true treasure, leaving behind that which is a little more than a temporal testing ground, which will ultimately be done away when it has served God’s purposes (Gen 8:22; Ps 72:5, 7; Mt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:10).

Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Psa 72:5 They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, And so long as the moon, throughout all generations. Psa 72:7 In his days shall the righteous flourish, And abundance of peace, till the moon be no more.

Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

3. Concerning the things that are eternal in nature (God, the angels, Satan, and the many mansions (non-physical adobes); Heaven, Hell, Hades, and whatever else is not revealed; Deut 29:29) we can only see with the eye of faith (Heb 11:1).

Heb 11:1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.

a. And faith comes from God’s word (Rom 10:17).

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

b. God said it and we believe it! But we don’t have a blind faith, He gives us outward evidences that He is Who He says He is, as seen in creation (Rom 1:20),

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: (the design in the universe demands a Designer, only a fool looking at the world around us would state that this all happened by chance; Ps 14:1)

c. And within His revelation to man (the Bible) there are evidences that it is the Truth, there is . . .

i. Its unity

ii. Its moral standards

iii. Its agreement between the book and land

iv. Its alignment with archeological evidences

v. Its scientific foreknowledge

vi. Its revealed and fulfilled prophecies

vii. And its almost 10,000 documents of antiquity

d. Therefore in areas that we can’t test in a laboratory or examine under a microscope, we believe, as did the other faithful followers of God throughout the ages . . .

i. We believe “Concerning creation” (Heb 11:3)

Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.

ii. We believe“Concerning the flood” (Heb 11:7)

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

iii. And “Concerning Heaven” (Heb 11:9-10)

Heb 11:9 By faith he (Abraham) became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: Heb 11:10 for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

e. We in like manner do believe that which God has set forth, being reassured by these truths, as we walk faithfully, bringing the glory to God, being renewed in our inner persons, looking to the things above (Col 3:1-4), which enable us to endure while upon this earth and “faint not.”

Col 3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ (this raising looks back at Col 2:12 and speaks of our raising out of the waters of baptism which parallels our spiritual raising at that time, we being determined to walk in newness of life; Rom 6:4), seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. Col 3:3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.

f. We will likely have to endure quite a bit of trials and tribulations in this life, but at Christ’s 2nd coming it will be all worth it (Phili 3:20-21).

Phi 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Phi 3:21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

g. This is why I refer to this process as the “reassuring renewal”

II. THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION (2 Cor 4:14)

A. (v 14)

2Co 4:14 knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.

The word “knowing” here is “eido” it literally means “to see” and Paul literally did see the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, and this is a perfect active participle, which basically means Paul was still seeing that perfected action in his mind, and that was one of the main reasons he was able to do the Lord’s will in season and out of season.

1. Therefore seeing that we posses the divine account of what Paul saw, believed and obeyed (the resurrected Lord Jesus), we in like manner see Him with the eye of faith, and also “know” as if we are seeing Him ourselves for He is but the firstfruits of those who are raised (1 Cor 15:20), never to die again (Rev 1:18).

a. The “Reality of the Resurrection” is of the utmost importance, it confirms Christ to be whom He said He was (Rom 1:4).

Rom 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,

b. And sustains us in our faith giving us a hope that is alive as Christ is alive (1 Pet 1:3-4).

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

c. This is a fact we must believe if we expect to be saved (Rom 10:9),

Rom 10:9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:

d. Christ’s resurrection is not only a pattern for ours (1 Cor 15:20, 23), but also a pledge by the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Tit 1:2).

Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

e. This sustained Paul in all his troubles, it enabled him to continue to work for the Lord despite all that came upon him, and it is that which should sustain us in like manner (1 Cor 11:1).

1Co 11:1 Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. (Who also knew the Father would raise Him)

f. Just like Abraham was able to sacrifice his own son if it was God’s will, knowing that God could raise him (Heb 11:17-19), in like manner we can sacrifice ourselves to do God’s will, knowing He can and will raise us also (1 Cor 15:20, 23).

1Co 15:20 But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. 1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.

g. And He shall present us (Paul, Timothy) with you (congregation at Corinth, and all the saints in Achaia, in fact all the saints everywhere “To Himself” (Eph 5:27; for Jehovah is one; Deut 6:4) as the Syriac version reads; as a spotless bride (Rev 21:2, 9; the entire church; i.e. the faithful throughout the ages) unto God on that last day (1 Cor 15:24, 28b).

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

h. This is where “the Reality of the Resurrection” is to lead us.

III. THE RESTORATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 Cor 5:1)

A. (v 1)

2Co 5:1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

Again the word “know” here is “eido”; what is spoken of here is as real as if Paul were looking at it, these aren’t Paul’s opinions, this is that which he received by revelation from Christ (Gal 1:12; Eph 3:3); “if” our physical bodies die, “if” they go back to the dust whence they came (Gen 3:19; Eccl 12:7), it is no real problem, “if” here is brought forth because some will not experience physical death (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess 4:16-17).

1Co 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 1Th 4:17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1. This is the consummation of God’s eternal purpose, the redemption of man back to Him.

a. First He had to save him from sin (Luke 19:10).

Luk 19:10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.

b. Through which He put him in God’s kingdom on earth, the church (Col 1:13; Acts 2:47).

Col 1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

c. And to ultimately bring him into a place where righteousness dwells, the heavenly kingdom of our God (2 Pet 1:11; 3:13).

2Pe 1:11 for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2Pe 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2. Therefore we look forward to our true home, those many mansions (John 14:2-3).

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions (abodes); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

a. Knowing that ever since we obeyed the gospel, we, like that those of the hall of faith, look forward to that better country, eternal in the heavens (Heb 11:13b-16).

Heb 11:13b and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Heb 11:14 For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. Heb 11:15 And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly country,: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.

b. What was lost in the Garden, will be restored in Christ completely and fully, on that That Day (Acts 3:20-21a).

Act 3:20 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: Act 3:21a whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things,

c. Access to the tree of life will be regained (Gen 3:22-24; Rev 22:2),

Gen 3:22 And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever - Gen 3:23 therefore Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Gen 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Rev 22:2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

d. And most importantly intimate fellowship with God is restored (Gen 3:8; Rev 21:3; 22:3-4), in that heavenly land where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-7).

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.

e. Then all our work and trials will seem as nothing, they will likely be forgotten in eternal bliss, as we serve our God, and join together in eternal praises to Him, reigning in righteousness (Rom 5:21) literally with Him for ever and ever (Rev 22:1-5).

Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

f. This is where it all leads, this is the end, the goal of God’s eternal purpose, this is where it is going “the Restoration to Righteousness,” yet it all begins with that plan revealed almost 2,000 years ago.

One must . . .

1) Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24), and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6). Jesus said . . .

Joh 8:24 . . . for except ye believe that I am, ye shall die in your sins.

3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), repentance is a change in mind that results in a changed life, Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

4) Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .

Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5) Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13) which Christ promised to save (Eph 5:23).

6) And live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), fainting not, but rather being determined to follow God’s divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our hope in the RENEWAL, the RESURRECTION, and the RESTORATION, setting our sights on heavenly things, while serving our God with His earthly blessings


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

Contact us:
Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
715-866-4873
kensanwind@hotmail.com

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therefore if you would like to set up a house teaching session
or meet in a public place to discuss the gospel of Christ,
please contact us through any of the options listed upon this web site.

 Salute the church that is in their house . . .
The churches of Christ salute you. Rom 16:5, 16