The “In Christ” Motif Versus The “In Christ as well
as Christ in us” Motif
Click to go to our Home PageThe following concept of the
gospel was posted on an SDA Internet Bible Study group. It is no wonder folk hate Christians
and are confused about their “gospel,” when it is presented in
the self-contradictory, half-gospel manner as follows. I will insert my comments in this color font below paragraphs that need
correction. The In Christ Motif (Ephesians 1:3-8) Many years
ago, a Swiss scientist invented the quartz watch and offered it to the
Association of Swiss Watch Makers. They were horrified at his offer.
"What, no springs or internal moving parts?!! Don't you know that we are
the experts in watch making and have mastered the trade!! How can you insult
us by offering us a watch that has no internal moving parts." They were
right at the time. The Swiss were masters at watch making and 80% of the
world's market for watches went to This illustrates one of human's
major problems. We do not like changes and will often oppose anything new,
including new ideas in worship or theology. That is why traditional
Christianity is on the decline today while the nonconformist and the
nondenominational churches are flourishing. Ron’s Commentary: Scripture gives us the reason why true
Christianity is not flourishing and the nondenominational are flourishing: Mat 7:13
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad
[is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: When it comes to salvation,
scripture does not endorse the teaching that the masses eg., the flourishing
mega and giga churches are the ones that teach the truth. Man quite naturally gravitates to the
easy way, the broad
way. Ever since the 3rd Century A.D.,
the Christian church has assumed that all persons are born eternally lost and
only those whom the Bible declares will be saved will make it to heaven. The
Reformation of the 16th Century did not change this assumption. As a result,
both views of salvation that we discussed in our last study, i.e., Calvinism
and Armianism, still maintain these assumptions, even though they disagree on
their views on salvation. But is this the assumption of
the New Testament? When one carefully reads the epistles of Paul, with an
open mind, one begins to realize that this great apostle, whom God especially
set aside to expound the gospel of Jesus Christ, presents the very opposite
view: that God has already redeemed, saved, or reconciled to Himself,
the entire human race in Christ and only those who deliberately,
persistently, and ultimately resist the convictions of the Holy Spirit will
be lost. Ron’s Commentary. Scripture makes it plain that only a
remnant will be saved because the rest will indeed deliberately,
persistently, and ultimately resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This paradigm shift of the
gospel is the conclusion I have come to, when considering the central theme
of Paul's theology — the In Christ Motif. But the idea that the in
Christ motif includes the entire human race is a stumbling block to many
Adventists and, therefore, it has come under fire. It is one of the main
gospel issues in Adventism today. I would, therefore, like you to put aside
your preconceived ideas of salvation that you were raised up with, and
consider with me what Paul actually taught about the in Christ motif. Ron’s Commentary: You can always readily spot the
half-gospel toters. They always
use New Age terminology such as “paradigm shift” in the above
paragraph. Then you know right
where they have been focusing their attention. I agree that the In Christ Motif
is a fact of Scripture. But I
hasten to add that there is also a Christ
in us Motif that is always entirely ignored by the half-gospel
gracers. They want only the
pardon part of the free grace gifts of the Spirit. Col 1:27 To
whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery
among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory: Rom 8:9 But
ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,
he is none of his. Rom 8:10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead
because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. Do you begin to see a trend
toward very selective use of the Scriptures on the part of the author of this
document? Because of the assumption held
by the Christian church, that all persons are born lost, we as a church have
applied the in Christ motif only to believers. Since we hold to the Armenian
view of the gospel, that salvation in
Christ is only provisional, we have been teaching our people that only
after we have taken the initiative, by believing in Jesus Christ and
repenting of our sins, that God is able to put us into Christ and save us. Ron’s Commentary: Notice the word
“provisional.” Is
salvation conditional? Is there a
cooperative “striving” on our part? A striving that is taught by non other
than Paul Himself?! The striving
is subjective, while the writer of this document assiduously avoids all but
objective, legal, forensic justification (salvation). The In Christ Motif is more objective. The Christ in you Motif becomes
subjective. The In Christ Motif
peddlers do not want the subjective part of the free gift of grace which is
three fold: ·
The
free gift of faith given to all men. ·
The
free gift of love given to all who “buy,” by surrendering their
own will to Christ’s. ·
The
free gift of pardon for past sins and mistakes now and in the future, but not
for a continuum of willful, known sinning. ·
The
free gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling as the empowerment factor and doing
all the works that we submit to, lest any man should boast of his own works. Luk 12:47 And that servant,
which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according
to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]. Jhn 7:17 If any man will do his
will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I
speak of myself. Jhn 9:31 Now we know that God
heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his
will, him he heareth. Act 22:14 And he said, The God
of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see
that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Eph 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph 1:9
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to
his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Col 1:9 For
this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for
you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Hbr 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is
wellpleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1Jo 5:14 And
this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing
according to his will, he heareth us: As mentioned in our last study,
this is the main reason why so many Adventists have been robbed of the
assurance of salvation. Consequently, many are living subnormal Christian lives
or remaining nominal Christians, while others are leaving the church. After
all, why remain in a church that is constantly putting you on a guilt trip
and offering no peace with God? Ron’s Commentary: The Bible offers one proof test of
personal assurance of salvation.
Here are the admonitions concerning that proof test of assurance that
one loves God and is in relationship with Him by being fully surrendered to
His will. I fully warn you that
God is being a legalist in the following requirements (conditions) for
knowing that you are in a saved relationship with Him. I also fully warn you that you
can never keep one commandment on your own strength that will be of any value
whatsoever in “earning” salvation. Christ does it all in and through us
when we die to self, lest any man should boast. If you find yourself violating
God’s assurance tests in the following verses, you simply are not born
again. The tests are His, not
mine: 1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we
love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. Mat 19:17 And he said unto him,
Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but
if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Rev 12:17 And the dragon was
wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,
which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 14:12 Here is the patience
of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus. Psa 78:7 That they might set
their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his
commandments: Pro 7:2 Keep my commandments,
and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this
[is] the whole [duty] of man. Dan 9:4 And I prayed unto the
LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful
God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that
keep his commandments; 1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of
God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have
passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not
[his] brother abideth in death. Rom 15:30 Now I beseech you,
brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit,
that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me; 2Cr 13:11 Finally, brethren,
farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and
the God of love and peace shall be with you. Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have
been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the
flesh, but by love serve one another. Eph 6:23 Peace [be] to the
brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved
brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs
of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified
your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the
love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down
[our] lives for the brethren. On the other hand, I have
observed that, when God's people begin to understand that they were already
saved in Christ 2,000 years ago, a tremendous change takes place in their
lives. Suddenly they come alive and are on fire for Christ. That is why I
believe that it is this truth as it is in Christ that will be the means by
which God will turn our church around and use it to lighten this doomed world
with the good news of the everlasting gospel. Ron’s Commentary: There is one condition to being saved
and that is receiving the gold [faith and love] tried in the fire of His
obedience in and through us when we by His grace surrender our will to
His. The rich young ruler did not
want that condition! Do you? Don’t be like the foolish
virgins and deceive yourselves.
The heart of man is deceitful above all things and he is doing a good
job of deceiving himself with myriad false gospels—every wind blowing. But some of you may be asking,
"What is this in Christ motif you are talking about?" Ever since I
came to be the pastor of CMC, I have been harping on this truth. However,
there may be some here today, or who will be listening to this tape [or
reading this webpage], who do not know what this truth is all about. For
their benefit, let me give a brief explanation of this glorious truth which
constitutes the very heart of the gospel message, the good news of salvation. Ron’s Commentary: The author of this document has
obliterated the other half of the “good news of salvation.” He obviously accepts and teaches only
forensic (legal) justification—PARDON ONLY. He never once mentions the Christ In
You Motif—that will restore man back into the image of God, so that
when Christ comes, the reality of the following words will accrue: 11 He
that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be
filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he
that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come
quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work
shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the
first and the last. 14 Blessed
are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of
life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For
without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and
idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have
sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the
root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book,
If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall
take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away
his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the
things which are written in this book. 20 He which
testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come,
Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen. 1Jo 2:29 If ye know that he is
righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Eze 3:21
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous
sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul. 1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no
man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is
righteous. According to the apostle Paul, God
saved the entire human race in Christ in the same way Satan caused the entire
human race to be lost in Adam. That is why he uses Adam as a type or pattern
of Christ in Romans 5 [Rom. 5:14b]. Just as sin and death, says Paul, entered
the human race through one man, i.e., Adam; so likewise, justification to
life came to the entire human race through one man, i.e., Christ, the second
Adam [Rom. 5:18; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22]. When God created Adam, He did
not create just one individual, but the entire human race in that one man.
According to Acts 17:26, the human race is the multiplication of Adam's life.
That is why God called him Adam. In Hebrew, the word Adam, used some 510
times in the Bible, means mankind [note Gen. 5:1,2 (in the NKJV, Adam is
translated Mankind)]. Therefore, just as God created
all humanity in Adam, so likewise, in the incarnation, God united the life of
the entire human race to Christ. This is what made the God-man Christ to be
the last or 2nd Adam [read 1 Cor. 15:45]. This union did not save us but qualified Christ to be our substitute
and legally represent the human race in His work of redemption. Ron’s Commentary: Take care to note that the author does
not mention Christ as our EXAMPLE, but only our SUBSTITUTE. The substitute part is another of his
half-gospel notions. Notice also
that he admits to the legal office of Christ in being our substitute, but not
the legal function of His Holy Spirit in restoring us to the transcript of
His Character, His Holy Law. We
are not under the law when we submit to His obedience to it in and through
us, but when we are not receptive of the gift of full surrender to His Will,
we are under the law and will be so judged. The entire salvific process is
legal, and not just the forensic pardon part. The only way it would not have been
all based on legality is for Christ to have abolished the law, and Paul said
that grace does not make void the law.
Christ’s obedience in and through us is involved with the legality
of the means He chose to restore us to the image of God. All the means for achieving this end
are a FREE GIFT OF GRACE. Thus, by His perfect life in our
corporate humanity, which met the full demands of the law, and His
sacrificial death on the cross, which met the justice of the law, God rewrote
the history of mankind in Christ and changed our status from condemnation to
justification. This is the good news of the everlasting gospel. [Read 1 Cor.
1:30,31.] Ron’s Commentary: The common presumptuous theology of
the popular half-gospel is that Christ kept the commandments for us instead
of in and through us. That is the
essence of the substitute gospel they teach. The thus conclude that the behavior of
law keeping has nothing to do with salvation—EVEN WHEN IT IS THE HOLY
SPIRIT KEEPING THE LAW IN AND THROUGH US. That is nothing more, and nothing
less, than the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which God especially hates, Rev.
3. "...The doctrine of the
Nicolaitans appears to have been a form of antinomianism (see SDACom 7:957).
Nicolaitans of the 2d cent. seem to have continued and extended the views of
the 1st-cent. adherents, holding to the freedom of the flesh, and teaching that the deeds of the flesh
had no effect upon the health of the soul and consequently no relation to salvation." SDA Bible Dictionary, vol. 8 of
the Commentaries, p. 770, 771. The teachers of the doctrine of
the Nicolaitans always vehemently deny that they teach it, but it takes
little discernment to see that when they clearly say that the deeds,
behavior, (works of the flesh), have no effect upon the health of the soul, EVEN WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS DOING THE
WORKS, that denies the efficacy and very purpose of the Holy Spirit
gift to permit Christ to indwell us, and do His Will in and through us. To
say that such works as done by His Holy Spirit, have nothing to do with
salvation is pure blasphemy against the Holy Spirit’s office and
mission. Why do men teach the pardon,
substitute ONLY gift of grace in lieu of all the gifts of the Spirit? Because they love sin more than
Christ, in the same way that the rich young ruler loved his many possessions
more than Christ and following Him. Does this mean that because
Christ actually saved the entire human race at the cross all will go to
heaven? The Bible's answer is a definite NO! As I explained in our last
study, because we are by nature the children of Adam, all mankind inherit the
condemnation he incurred at the Fall. But what God did to us in Christ is His supreme gift to mankind.
And like any gift, it cannot be enjoyed if it is rejected or not received
[read Rom. 5:17.] Ron’s Commentary: Let me illustrate what Ellen White
says is God’s crowning good gift to mankind and maybe it will turn
lights on for you: "Christ declared that after
his ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take his
place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit,--the soul of his life, the efficacy
of his church, the light and life of the world. With his Spirit Christ sends
a reconciling influence and a power that takes away sin. In the gift of the Spirit [HIS
LIFE--THE SOUL OF HIS LIFE], Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow.... The Spirit was given as a regenerating agency, and without
this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail.... It is by the Spirit that the
heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the
divine nature. Christ has given his
Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies
to evil, and to impress his own character upon the church." E.G.
White, Review and Herald Articles, May 19, 1904, vol. 5, p. 42. When the author of this document
or anyone else teaches only the substitute gift of Christ’s pardon of
sin, they are negating the crowning, highest good that heaven has proffered
sinful man—the regenerating agency by which Christ overcomes our evil
tendencies in and through us, and thus cultivates His character, His Law, the
transcription of His character, in our minds. However, the objection I often
face regarding this glorious truth as it is in Christ is that Paul does not
apply the in Christ motif to all mankind but only to believers who have
experienced the new birth. But this creates major problems. If we insist that
the in Christ motif applies only to those who believe in Christ, then we have
to admit that there is no hope for millions of people who, through no fault
of their own, have never heard the gospel message. Ron’s Commentary: The author opens up a real can of
worms in the above statement. He
implies that Christ will save all who have not heard of Him and thus have not
had the opportunity to experience the new birth. This concept totally denies the power
of the Holy Spirit in the earth and its ability to woo and teach men. It totally denies the biblical
teaching that God has given to all men a measure of faith upon which to
receive or reject His Holy Spirit’s teachings. It totally denies the fact that
Scripture says that the Holy Spirit can teach us all things. Rom 12:3 For
I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not
to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think
soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure
of faith. Jhn 14:26
But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 1Jo 2:27 But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye
need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Can men receive the teaching and
anointing of the Holy Spirit without the gospel being brought and taught to
them by men? What about
Enoch? What about Noah? What about Abraham? What about Moses? What about: "A Firmament of Better think again friend before
you conclude that God is dependent upon fledgling man to deliver His gospel
to the world. He says that He can
make the rocks cry it out if necessary.
The main purpose for giving the gospel if for the benefit of the one
giving it! God does not NEED
anything: "The Lord Jesus will always have a chosen people to serve
Him. When the Jewish people rejected Christ, the Prince of life. He took from
them the God is not 'worshipped with men's hands, as tough he needed any thing' (Acts 17:25). E. G. White,
The Upward Look, 131. One reason Luk
19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these
should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Further, if the in Christ motif
applies only to believers, then the believer's faith becomes a subtle form of
works, since it is because of our faith that we are placed in Christ. But
nowhere in Scripture do we find that we are saved because of our faith.
Scripture tells us that we are saved through or by faith. Faith is only and
instrument or a channel by which we receive the salvation that God has
already obtained for the entire human race in Christ. Ron’s Commentary: James and Paul both say that we are
saved by faith, but we know that faith is one of the gifts of grace lest any
man should boast. So, as
important as faith is as a sign that we are in relationship with Christ, it
is of no merit to us wherein salvation is concerned. Abraham’s belief was imputed
unto him as righteousness, but lest he should boast, the righteousness was
that of Christ’s working in and through Abraham. Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by
works a man is justified, and not by faith only. We are justified by the faith
and works of Christ working in and through us—again, lest any man
should have cause for boasting. Rom 1:17 For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
shall live by faith. Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude
that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 3:30 Seeing [it is] one God,
which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through
faith. 2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving
all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and
charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the
last [to be] more than the first. 1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born
of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the
world, [even] our faith. Rom 4:12 And the father of
circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk
in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet]
uncircumcised. Rom 3:31 Do we then make void
the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 1Pe 1:7 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: 1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of
your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. Rom 4:16 Therefore [it is] of
faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to
all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is
of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh
not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted
for righteousness. Mar 2:5 When Jesus saw their
faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Luk 5:20 And when he saw their
faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. Luk 7:50 And he said to the
woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luk 18:42 And Jesus said unto
him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Rom 5:1 Therefore being
justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom 5:2 By whom also we have
access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the
glory of God. Rom 9:30 What shall we say then?
That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to
righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. Mat 9:2 And, behold, they
brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing
their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins
be forgiven thee. Mat 9:22 But Jesus turned him
about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith
hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Mat 9:29 Then touched he their
eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. Hbr 12:2 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. Rom 10:17 So then faith [cometh]
by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 11:20 Well; because of
unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded,
but fear: Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto
them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith
as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to
yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and
said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye
shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall
say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it
shall be done. Hbr 11:31 By faith the harlot
Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the
spies with peace. Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes
and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and
have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:
these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. And what about the lack of faith
in the rich young ruler? Will he
be lost because of his lack of faith? Act 3:16 And his name through
faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the
faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence
of you all. Act 11:24 For he was a good man,
and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the
Lord. Act 14:22 Confirming the souls
of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we
must through much tribulation enter into the Act 15:9 And put no difference
between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Act 26:18 To open their eyes,
[and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among
them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Rom 1:5 By whom we have received
grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his
name: Rom 12:6 Having then gifts
differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let
us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because
[they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For
they stumbled at that stumblingstone; The Jews sought salvation by
their own works, rather than by faith in and love for Christ. However, true faith and love will be
fulfilled by the works of Christ dwelling within. Jam 2:14 What [doth it] profit,
my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith
save him? Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it
hath not works, is dead, being alone. Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say,
Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I
will shew thee my faith by my works. Jam 2:20 But wilt thou know, O
vain man, that faith without works is dead? Jam 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought
with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Jam 2:24 Ye see then how
that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Jam 2:26 For as the body without
the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Jam 5:15 And the prayer of faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last
time. Again, others condemn the in
Christ motif because they conclude that if we obeyed in Christ than we become
our own saviours. No way! Just as we are not guilty for Adam's sin, the
heresy of Original sin, likewise, we get no credit for Christ's obedience. It is Christ alone who obeyed the
law in our place, and died for us. But because we were in Him by
God's act, we can by faith legally claim the benefits of what He did. When it
comes to our salvation, all the honor and glory goes to Christ alone [read 2
Cor. 5:18; Rom. 1:16,17]. Ron’s Commentary: Herein (above) is the crux of the
writer’s false gospel. It
is taught that Christ obeyed the law in our place, instead of in and through
us. Though this is true for sins
past and mistakes in the present and future, this is presumptuous theology
for anyone who believes that Christ does not indwell us and work His works in
and through us. We do not become
our own saviours because Christ obeys in and through us. We surrender to His
Will. Hbr 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is
wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory
for ever and ever. Amen. How is the above verse to be harmonized
with the following: Jhn 9:31 Now
we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God,
and doeth his will, him he heareth. If a man truly loves and
worships God, he receives the gift of dying to self and he does the will of
God because God is living within (God in us) doing His will. In concluding this most
important study, I would like to share with you the evidence that Paul's in
Christ statements include the entire human race and that this is what
constitutes the real good news of the gospel. OBJECTIVE TRUTH – THE IN CHRIST MOTIF We know that the apostle Paul
was called of God to evangelize the Gentile world; but we must keep in mind
that, unfortunately, none of Paul's evangelistic sermons preached to the
non-Christians or unchurched have been recorded or preserved. All that we
have are his epistles to believers. Ron’s Commentary: The OBJECTIVE TRUTH – THE IN
CHRIST MOTIF, is the author’s heading. Here again, he deals only in
objective—substitution theology of being in Christ, without the
SUBJECTIVE TRUTH OF CHIRST IN US, LIVING OUT HIS EXEMPLARY LIFE IN AND
THROUGH US. There is no such
thing as being in Christ without Christ being IN US. If Christ is not IN US, working His
works in and through us, we are not in relationship with Him. Remember His test: How do we know we love Him and the
brethren? We will love him enough
to receive the gift of full surrender to His indwelling presence and working
His will in and through us. In spite of this fact, there is
enough evidence in these epistles to show that Paul gave the in Christ motif
an objective application that included all of mankind. That is to say, Paul
does not limit the in Christ motif only to believers but includes the entire
human race that was redeemed in Christ. To Paul, believers are those who are
faithful to the truth as it is in Christ. Note, for example, Paul's
introduction to the Ephesians [Ephesians 1:1]. Here is my evidence that clearly
proves Paul gave the in Christ motif an objective application that included
the entire human race: Paul reminds believers that they
were redeemed or chosen in Christ before their conversion [Romans 5:6-10;
Ephesians 1:4; 2:5,6]. If we limit these statements only to
believers, then we would have to admit that Calvin's doctrine of
predestination is correct. But we don't. Ron’s Commentary: Of course Christ died for all
sinners. But the writer makes a
major error in logic above. The
fact that Christ loved us and died for us while we were yet sinners, has
nothing to do with predestination or not and whether or not Calvin was
right! All predestined means as
used in Scripture, is that God knew who would accept His free gifts of the
Spirit, and they were thus predestined (foreknown) because of His
omniscience. That is all
predestined means in the Bible.
Ellen White supports this definition also. Paul points out to the
Corinthian believers that just as "in Adam all die, even so in Christ
all shall be made alive," that is, resurrected to life [1 Corinthians
15: 22]. The point Paul is making in this passage is that Christ is the
source of the resurrection for the entire human race. The first resurrection
will be experienced by the saints unto eternal life, because they believed in Christ; and the second
resurrection will be experienced by the lost unto eternal damnation, because
they rejected the truth as it is in Christ. Paul refers to Christ as the
"last Adam" in 1 Corinthians 15:45. As already pointed out, the
word "Adam" in Hebrew means mankind. In the majority of cases, this
word is not used as a proper name but as a truth, i.e., the solidarity of
mankind in Adam. When Christ assumed our corporate humanity at the
incarnation He, like the first Adam, became mankind, i.e., the entire human
race was placed in HIm. That is why Paul calls Christ the last Adam, i.e.,
Mankind. Paul's universal texts indicate
an accomplished salvation for the entire human race in Christ. But since this
salvation is a gift from God, it is made effective by faith only to the
believers in Christ [Romans 5:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 1 Timothy 2:6; 4:10;
Titus 2:11; Hebrews 2:9]. In most cases, Paul's subjective
application of the in Christ motive to believers, as well as himself, is based
on an objective truth already accomplished in Christ [Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2
Corinthians 5:14. Ephesians 1:3-6; Colossians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:11]. Faith
does not put us into Christ but rather means abiding in Christ [John 15:4-
8]. Ron’s Commentary: We are not to go by “most cases
or the predominance method. We
are to take all the evidence and interpret so that nothing contradicts. Then, and then only can we know that
we are not in error. Finally, the writer mentions a
subjective application being involved with salvation, but misapplies and
misappropriates the subjective element.
He applies it only to the OBJECTIVE truth that was accomplished at the
cross, implying that Christ kept the law FOR us at that time, rather than His
victory making it possible for us to partake of His Divine Nature, so that He
can WORK IN AND THROUGH US NOW!
Faith means Christ abiding in us and well as us abiding in Him. There is no abiding in Him unless we
surrender to His abiding in us.
Teaching that we ONLY abide in Him, is the teaching that He did it all
for us as our substitute WITHOUT doing anything in and through us as our
SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLE. The former is
forensic objective justification, and the latter is very subjective. We are then the subject of His
restoration of His character within us. To Paul, baptism, as a
subjective experience, is always "into Christ." By it, the believer
is confessing his or her faith obedience to an objective truth that took
place some 2,000 years ago in Christ and Him crucified, buried, and
resurrected [Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-8]. Ron’s Commentary: The above statement is simply NOT
TRUE! Paul wrote Hebrews, and
here is his very SUBJECTIVE teaching (verse below) that involves Christ
working His will IN US NOW, making us perfect in every good work—2000
years this side of the Cross! But
you see, the author and most professing Christians prefer that Christ not
work in and through them NOW, but only that He did it all for them 2000 years
ago. That is much easier you
see! That way they can be saved
in their sins rather than from them! Hbr 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in
you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to
whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. All these facts point to the in
Christ motif as the very heart of the gospel message Paul preached in his
evangelistic efforts. When the good news of salvation is presented in the
context of the in Christ motif, men and women will come to the realization
that God has already reconciled them to Himself [read Jn. 12:32]. What is
left is for them to be reconciled to God through faith in His Son [2
Corinthians 5:18-20]. Incidentally, it is this goodness of God that leads to
true repentance and conversion [Romans 2:4.] Ron’s Commentary: The very heart of the gospel is Christ
IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. The
heart of the gospel is Christ’s Holy Spirit literally in our hearts (minds). That was the intent of the New
Covenant: Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come,
saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Jer 31:32 Not according to the
covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the
hand to bring them out of the Jer 31:33 But this [shall be]
the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days,
saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in
their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 32:40 And I will make an
everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them
good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from
me. Mal 3:1
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and
the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger
of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the
LORD of hosts. Hbr 8:8 For finding fault with
them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new
covenant with the house of Hbr 8:9 Not according to the
covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the
hand to lead them out of the Hbr
8:10 For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Hbr 8:13 In that he saith, A new
[covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth
old [is] ready to vanish away. So the New Covenant is the Holy
Spirit dwelling in the hearts and minds of men, doing the Will of God. That is very legal subjectively, while
the justification for sins we can do nothing about is very legal objectively.
Why is it legal
subjectively? Because God said
that under the New Covenant He would place HIS LEGAL LAWS in our minds and
hearts! That is legalism any
which way you slice it! Good
legalism! Because it is God’s legalism! We have nothing to do with it but
receive it as a free gift! If I
was teaching that we do the works, that would be bad legalism! But it is ALL LEGALISM, and anyone who
says it is not does not understand the basics, the first elementary elements
of the gospel and what it involved—the great sacrifice without which
Christ’s death on the cross would have been in vain, and would have
only sufficed to forgive sin forever. The great sacrifice I speak of
is the the gift of the Divine Nature of Jesus Christ, dwelling within to
restore us to the image of God and the transcript of His Holy Character, His
Holy Law, which is an absolute necessity to protect one’s every vital
interest, where tow or more individual exist. God bless, Ron Beaulieu |