“The Hope That Saves And Sanctifies The Soul.” By Brother Robert Cobb I want to consider two main texts that have to do with the development of supernatural hope. James 5:7 –James 5:8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. What a blessed affirmation!” 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; James writes, “The coming of the Lord draweth nigh” Peter writes, “the revelation of Jesus Christ” James writes, “Be patient unto the coming of the Lord” Peter writes, “hope to the end for the grace” They’re both writing about the same event! But I want to focus on what I consider to be the heart of both these text – or the underneath reason why they both wrote concerning this event. Even though the coming of the Lord, or the end of all natural things is written about in these text, the real power for us is to see and benefit from is the “dominating hope” that will be produced in all those who believe. There is a very real satisfaction that is enjoyed by everyone who has “gone on” to be with the Lord. In fact, we are taught by scripture to be confident of this truth, and willingly so. 2 Corinthians 5:8 –9 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. Paul is writing to encourage the brethren that there is a very real satisfaction that is enjoyed in “being with the Lord” after our death, but this does not mean that what Peter and James is teaching has been fully realized by those who have already passed over to the other side! A whole host, whose number far outweighs the number of the present living, have entered into a place “where the wicked cease to trouble” – but even though they have “entered into rest” from their labors, the full benefits that await those who are in Christ have yet to be fully realized. These who have gone on ahead “wait with us” – they, with all who are in Christ “hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” God has given us, in the scripture, several accounts to help us understand this truth. The Souls under the Altar Revelation 6:9 –Revelation 6:11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. The point is that they are waiting for the “end gathering” – the time of the “full harvest” – so, in some sence, these souls under the alter as “waiting with us” In Hebrews 11 - We are given to see a concept in the kingdom of God – God has allowed some to go through trouble in order that others not yet born could learn something about the nature of God. Those who have gone on before us have joined that “great cloud or witnesses” Hebrews 11:39 –Hebrews 11:40 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Now if “they” who had lived by faith before us, were not “made perfect” without us, then why would it be hard for us to realize that they who have already passed into the heavens have not yet entered into the fulness of glory without us! We have the example of Jesus to consider. Hebrews 12:1 –3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus overcame in the same manner as we are exhorted to overcome! – BY LOOKING TO WHAT HAS BEEN PROMISED!! I do not believe that there is any greater constraint than the promises of God! If what God has promised is not personalized through your desire to someday possess it, then you will not be able to patiently wait. “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Even God is waiting! ALL the children must be brought home before the completeness or fulness of salvation will be realized! Paul reveals to the Thessalonians what I consider to be one of the most persuasive or compelling arguments concerning the truth that “they who have already passed into the heavens have not yet entered into the fulness of glory without those who are “alive and remain”! Paul’s teaching on the “resurrection of the dead” also included the fact that God is going to bring all those who are “in Christ” with Him when He comes. – 1 Thessalonians 4:14 –18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (or proceed) them which are asleep. (Those that are alive are not going to be changed first, but those who’s bodies are in the grave) 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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. When we speak of those who are “sleeping” or “have shed this earthen vessel” we are speaking of those who’s bodies have died. They are those whose earthly bodies have been buried in the earth, yet their souls are not found in the grave; but they are “in Christ” Jesus told the thief on the cross that “this day” he would be with Jesus in “Paradise” – but they buried his body in the earth. The point that Paul is making here is that these personalities were not languishing in the grave! “Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” Those who die “in the Lord” are with Him. Revelation 14:13 –16 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. This picture is a very powerful consideration; those who have gone on to be with the Lord are not idle! There works do follow THEM – Their works do not follow US, but THEM. John gives us a vivid picture in the Revelation concerning the fact that even Jesus is “waiting with us” And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. What a wonderful picture concerning the “fellowship” between the savior and those who are saved! What is the point??? Wherefore comfort one another with these words. There is a vital connection formed in all those who believe that Jesus is coming! James was diagnosing a problem, but He is also providing hope to those who believe! James 5:7 –James 5:8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Before this hope can dominate, you must first know about it! Paul knew what to pray for the Ephesians Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, Paul was very concerned that the Galatians had lost this vital “life saving hope”! Galatians 5:5 –Galatians 5:9 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Those who forsake the waiting, forsake the HOPE Even the creation is waiting with those who believe. Romans 8:22 –Romans 8:25 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. We groan, not moan! This “dominating HOPE” is our anchor Hebrews 6:18 –Hebrews 6:20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. There is a grave danger associated with forgetting that Jesus is coming again. Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. This hope, that James, Paul, Peter and John are referring to, is not generated by knowing all the details that surround the coming of the Lord, but on the fact that He is coming! Hope that saves is built on that which is firmly rooted in the knowledge and belief that Jesus will come back, just as He said. James 5:7 –James 5:8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. In this James text (5:7) – James, in the first six verses, has just delivered a very powerful rebuke to those who were oppressing the saints. – But, James writes those things in order to point out and prove the effectiveness of faith in every circumstance of life. Notice how the illustration that James gives highlights or proves the utter futility of being impatient. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. James, or more precisely, the Holy Spirit writing through James, sets forth a very simple lesson in farming. First, the seed must be planted. (the husbandman then waits) Next, that which was planted needs to be watered. (the husbandman then waits) Finally, God must give the increase. (the husbandman then waits) It is in the process of “waiting on the Lord” that we are “renewed, changed and fitted for glory” 1 Corinthians 3:6 –8 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. Waiting is the hardest part! The fact that we have to wait for the Lord to give the increase will prove or try our faith. Flesh is not good at waiting. We need grace to be able to “wait on the Lord” James drives this point home again Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James is telling us to follow this example of the farmer! How strange would it be to plant seeds and then be discouraged because we couldn’t pick corn tomorrow? We would think someone was a little strange that gave up farming a week after they planted the field, right! Peter is exhorting us along the same line of reasoning. 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Hope to the end “for the grace” The saints are going to need grace to make the transition from this world to the next one. The grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11 –Titus 2:15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. The same grace that has “worked in” all those who believe will also help us to keep our eyes “fully fixed” on the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. “The Hope That Saves or sanctifies the soul” is the same hope that has been generated by considering and believing that Jesus will come again! Those who are “in Christ” are waiting for the culmination of the “full or complete salvation” that is to be brought to all those who “love” His appearing. 1 Peter 1:13 –21 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 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. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Psalm 116:12 –Psalm 116:17 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. The Lord has been very merciful in the giving of His Son, we then, that have believed on Him, need to be fully engaged in the pursuit of the object of our hope, Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:1 –Colossians 3:4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. This is not merely a “look” but a full forward posture, one that requires the flesh to be fully contained on a cross, a forward “gaze” as it were, unobstructed by the distractions of this world that will cloud the heart and mind. The “if you be risen” is a call for us to always remember who it was that freed us from the pit, we cannot create or maintain faith, we can “keep” or “protect” the faith that was once delivered unto us by Christ, but only as we submit and follow the Lamb, wherever He leads. Only those who Christ has “authored” faith in will see the need to press into this work, it really doesn’t make any sense to the flesh. If we are to make it to glory, then we must be actively “making our calling and election sure” – this is only possible as we “set our affection” on the things that are above! Christ gave a sobering word to His disciples. Matthew 6:19 –Matthew 6:21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. We have been called to do things that cannot be accomplished by those who walk in the flesh; yet, those who are “in Christ” have been given grace to have a focus on Christ that brings them abilities and desires that the natural man cannot comprehend. We are actually “laying up for ourselves” treasures in heaven. We are right now, as we walk in the Spirit, having a profound effect on both men and Angels! The truth that the Spirit is opening up to us, as we “imbibe Christ” are not only being seen by us, but as we stand and minister in the body of Christ they are being perceived by those in the heavenly realms. The Elect Angelic order is very desirous to see “Christ in you” the Hope of Glory! – So, as we “put our hand to the plow” let us be ever mindful that God is working in us, not to accomplish mundane things, but to show for the mighty works of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. Salvation is not a small project, and as we labor to “set our affection” on the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, let us ever be mindful of the great cost to purchase us for God, and enter into the “patient waiting” for our savior from heaven.
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 06:45:50 +0000
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