Walking With God Today 07/29/08

“…Even in this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.  Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  2 Corinthians 3:15-17 (NKJV).

Those who turn to Christ and believe receive an understanding, knowledge, and a love for God and Jesus Christ which no one else can have.  It happens because of the grace of God.  The previous verses to those posted above, written by the apostle Paul to the Corinthian Church, were written speaking of a veil that was over the eyes of the Jewish people; in particular the religious leaders, and the nation as a whole.

Even in our day their eyes are still covered by a veil, which can only be removed by the grace of God.  How many others have veils over their eyes to the truth of Christ Jesus, His Word, and salvation?  Many do.

For some reason many a professing Christians take us to this verse to argue for “Christian freedom”.  The freedom of which Paul writes is the freedom God gives to see clearly the way of Christ; to see Christ Himself, the life He lived, the cross, and its meaning, His burial and its meaning, and the resurrection as a bodily resurrection; and then, hear and receive the precious promises of His coming again. 

In some ways the “veil” is partiallly over the eyes of some professing Christ.  If we truly saw Jesus for the righteous and holy Lamb of God that He is there would be nothing to discuss on the matter of “Liberty”.  As the apostle writes a little later, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (5:7). 

A good blogging friend of mine has a great article today over at Heavenly Heartburn; on the thought and matter of “Christian Liberty”.  As Christians, when the Bible has no clear declaration of some subject that is considered by some to be moral or immoral, then we must be merciful, patient and kind with one another, forgiving one another, forbearing with one another, and come to understand we will the freedom we have in Christ is not without responsibility.  Freedom wherever it be found is not without responsibility.

The matter of “Loose living” for a “Christian” is out of the question.  The matter of the “Liberty” of which Paul speaks here has to do with seeing Jesus Christ for who He is.  Jesus Christ, Son of God, God incarnate, crucified, buried, and risen – coming again.

It is exciting to be a Christian and to know that it is nothing I have done, but all He has done.  God be praised.

Walk With God Today.

-Tim A. Blankenship