Alright, well praise the Lord! There are some really good posts here. I thought the scripture that jiggyfly gave about "this treasure in earthen vessels" was great. It is amazing when you think about the fact that we are vessels and we either contain treasure (Jesus Christ) or fools gold (abhorrence/abomination). There is not a third choice. Since the creation of man there has always been two choices for man. The Tree of Life or Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Life or Death, Good or Evil, Blessings or Cursings, Jesus Christ or Satan. Since we were created as contingent and derivative creatures we derive our character from a spiritual source outside of ourselves, either Jesus Christ or Satan. New Age religionists would tell you that man can look within themselves and find goodness within. But without Jesus Christ one only finds a deception within. If the "prince of the power of the air (Satan) is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, then one is only looking at how Satan can convince our minds and dress up our "flesh nature" to look quite wonderful and Satan hides himself so that people would be aghast at the mention that Satan is working within them. That would be quite rude also, to go around telling people that. But it is the reality that the word of God teaches. There are one of two spirits working in men to bring forth their very own fruit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit or the fruit of the Unholy Spirit (works of the flesh - Gal 5).
We were created to look to someone else for our spiritual source and identity. Of course, most people would take umbrage at the suggestion that the spirit of this world is working within them. Hence, we have this "treasure" in earthen vessels or "abhorrence/abomination" in earthen vessels. One or the other. We are, in the simplest of terms, a CONTAINER for the Holy Spirit or the spirit of the World.
Eph_2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
And what is the "spirit of the world" but everything that opposes Jesus Christ in the world weaved into all the systems of men. It is the character and personage of Satan within all the systems of men. Education, Political, Religious, and Commerce systems to name a few.
Just to recap so far:
1. Righteousness is the basic quality of God's character and His character is to be formed in man.
Psa 11:7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright
2. The formation of His righteousness does not come instantaneously.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
3. Those who seek His kingdom must seek His righteousness.
4. Righteousness is found in the creation of the world. God brought the world forth on a principle that established righteousness in everything He made. Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
5. God brought forth everything on the principle of separation establishing and order in creation that preserverd everything that He made.
6. There is order in righteousness that maintains life.
7. Mixture is contrary to righteousness. In all of creation, mixture was not found except in a tree called the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
8. Evil comes through mixture. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the place of man's fall.
9. Evil comes through mixture. This is the first principle of evil. It is the nature of evil to break down order and cause disintegration. All kinds of disorder come until all the life support systems of one's life are destroyed.
10. It is the mixture of good and evil that destroys righteousness. How many of God's people are feeding on mixture?
11. Through mixture, one loses the discernment of evil. In looking upon evil, one comes to accept evil to experience evil and one loses the discernment of evil and when discernment of evil is lost, evil has overcome.
12. Not following the first principle of righteousness (separation) allows evil to enter.
13. The second principle of righteousness is found in the formation of a nation.
Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exo 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
14. The formation of righteousness comes under authority. (2nd principle of righteousness)
15. Lawlessness is contrary to righteousness. (2nd principle of evil)
The Law was not only a revelation of God's righteousness, but also an instrument to bind the people to Him in covenant. One cannot say he loves God and not keep His commandments. God's people must not be a lawless people.
Lest we despise the Law, Jesus said:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:17-19)
16. Righteousness is not confined to law and authority, it also becomes the basis of relationship. In relationship to God, righteousness brought forth reconciliation.
17. The 3rd principle of righteousness is found in reconciliation operating through grace and truth.
18. Grace does not work apart from truth.
19. Forgiveness is the key to maintaining the spirit of reconciliation. By forgiving we permit God's grace to flow into us; by releasing others, one releases himself.
20. Grace follows the Law. There would be no place for grace if the Law had not first established God's righteousness.
Each revelation of righteousness incorporates the preceding one. The principle of separation found in creation was incorporated by the Law to make a people for God. The principles of separation and authority are incorporated in Christ to bring forth disciples. The new does not do away with the righteousness of the old, rather it adds to it a new dimensions of God's righteousness.
The Purpose of Grace
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Next, I would like to talk about the Baptism of Fire. I appreciate all of your comments.
Axehead