Author: Grace Kingdom Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | The Law, Door of Wrath |

We saw from our last discussion that by faith in Christ Jesus we have become heirs of the blessing of Abraham, heirs of the world by faith and not by the law.

Then the apostle continues;

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:15

Observe carefully this statement “Because the law worketh wrath.” God’s Law releases the wrath of God. The law brings about curses and condemnation. It invokes God’s vengeance against sin.

Before the law was given Abraham married his half sister, and Jacob married two sisters which was punishable by death when the law was introduced (Lev.18:18).

Yet God’s wrath didn’t fall on them since there was no law against these sins, and they did not do it willfully “for where no law is, there is no transgression.”

Sin is the breaking of the law;

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.1 John 3:4

Sin was already in us, but was dead because there was no law, however, when the law was given, sin revived and death released through our disobedience to God’s law.

The law came to reveal sin and God’s wrath for sinners. Praise God for Jesus. He absorbed the wrath of God for all sins for everyone that would receive God’s forgiveness through him.

However, there are those who still seek to be justified before God by their own goodness. They revive sin and release God’s wrath into their lives.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Galatians 3:10

How do I know if l have gone back under the curse?

Do you always feel like you have to do everything perfectly or else God won’t bless you?

Do you feel so unworthy by your inability to keep God’s law that you feel he wouldn’t answer your prayers?

Guilt and condemnation come from an evil conscience. A conscience not purified by the blood of Jesus. Before the law the patriarchs never walked around in guilt and condemnation even though they weren’t perfect.

Christ died and put an end to the curse of the law that we should freely receive God’s blessings by grace.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Galatians 3:13-14

Our hearts are often not assured because of our false assumption that God won’t use a dirty vessel. Brothers and sisters God has no other vessel to use than dirty vessels.

We have all sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:10). The only way we can be sure of the blessing is to rest by faith in the death of Christ and receive all things by grace, even the power to walk in holiness.

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, Romans 4:16

The only place to be assured of the blessing is by faith in the grace of God “to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed.”

Many Christians are so afraid and beat down when they hear about the rapture. When they hear that the Lord is about to return they are so fearful and unsure because all along they’ve mixed their faith with their goodness which removed their confidence.

But when we absolutely trust in the grace of God our hearts are persuaded and the promise is made sure.

Confession

Father, thank you for your love and grace. Your wrath against all my sins fell upon the body of Jesus. The curse of the law removed and the blessing of Abraham is upon me today.

Where I have put confidence in my flesh, I repent and receive your forgiveness. I see your grace and my heart is assured as I walk in the fullness of your blessing over my life.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, in returning and in rest shall you be established. Be quiet and confident for it is in my death that you are glorified.

How long will it take you to realize that the miracle of greater manifestation is reserved in your death? You have been crucified with me, as your heart abides in my death, you will reign with me.”

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 2 Timothy 2:11

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

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God’s Grace in Romans | Heirs of The World Through Faith |

We saw from our last discussion that the man in Christ is blessed with the forgiveness of sins past, present, and future.

Then the apostle continues;

For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13

At a time the Jews thought the blessing of Abraham was only for their physical nation, however, God’s promise to Abraham is way beyond just a single nation.

When we accept Christ, the blessing of Abraham comes upon us and we become heirs of all things. God does not bless anyone by observing the law, the righteousness of God is not earned through the law.

When we trust what Christ has done for the unqualified, we receive the righteousness of God by faith and we become heirs of all the goodness of God. Heirs of this present world and heirs of that which is to come.

We are made joint-heirs with Christ, whatsoever Christ has is ours, for he is our inheritance.

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s and Christ is God’s. 1Corinthians 3:21-23

Mere religion preaches a Christianity of self-abasement, where we forsake all the prosperous advantages we would use to fulfill God’s will gloriously to accepting poverty as proof of true Christian piety.

This is foolishness to the max, we are heirs of the world, all things are ours, we are to establish the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven in all seven mountains of the society, and this can’t be done through giving away our prosperity and positions of power for living beggarly.

The believer’s prosperity mattered to Jesus so much that he had to pay the price with his own very life that we would become rich in this life;

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Then the apostle continues;

For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Romans 4:14

Faith is abolished when we channel it in two different directions. It is either we are justified by faith in Jesus without faith in our works or we are justified by faith in our works without faith in Jesus.

The two are direct opposites, one in action invalidates the other.

When we trust in our goodness to inherit the blessing, faith is neutralized and the promise of Abraham made void.

Today many Christians believe our eternal salvation is based on the death of Jesus, but to be blessed here on earth, to be used of God is based on our goodness.

This was the error Paul addressed in his letter to the Galatians;

Christ becomes of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4

God by Grace has reserved the blessing for us, when we despise his grace and go to toiling to earn the promise, we fall from grace, Christ becomes of no effect to us, hence, we forfeit the full benefits of our salvation.

May our eyes be fixed eternally on the cross of Christ as the riches of his death continually flow to us.

Confession

Glorious father, I see your heart of love towards me, I see your desire for me to rest and receive all you have for me by grace through faith.

By my faith in Jesus, I declare I am an heir of all things, I reign in life through Christ Jesus over Satan, sin, death, poverty, and sickness. I have overcome the world. Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Why wonder in your heart how I AM going to bring the blessing to manifestation? Why are you occupied with the emptiness dear child?

Is there anything too hard for me? Is my hand too short to save? You shall see my greatness in this thing. As for me, I have blessed you, and my word is coming to pass.”

And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. Numbers 11:21-23

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Lining Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | Forgiven Past, Present, and Future Sins|

We saw from our last discussion the secret of Abraham, that he believed in a God who justifies the ungodly.

Then the apostle continues;

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Romans 4:6

Many a time when we hear the testimonies of the old testament saints we are inclined to think that they enjoyed some kind of a better relationship with God than what we have today in Christ.

However, this is not so, as blessed as David was, he wished to live in the reality of who we are in Christ today despite all his riches.
He foresaw the privileges of the man in Christ and began to describe “the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.”

He lived under the law of works and sought justification by the obedience of the law which cursed him several times. The law demanded perfect obedience and reserved curses for those who missed the mark.

The first man to die under the law went out on the Sabbath day to gather sticks, probably to make a fire and eat with his family, as good as this is, this man was cursed by the law and stoned to death (Numbers 15:32-36)

So David, sitting under the law looked with the eyes of faith and began to describe this man to who God estimates righteous without works…

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:7,8

In observing the description above, carefully note the tenses used.

Past sins — Past Tense = “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.”

Present and Future Sins — Future Tense = “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord —will— not impute sin”

David describes the blessing of the man in Christ, that this man is forgiven past, present, and future sins. That the Lord will never charge him of any sin. All his sins have been imputed to Jesus on the cross. David preached the gospel.

This is the mother of all blessings. The preaching of the forgiveness of sins is the gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation.

Then we hear;

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness .Romans 4:9

This blessing is for the entire world and not just for the Jews. The circumcision (Jews) and the uncircumcision (Gentiles) all receive this blessedness of none imputation of sins once they put faith in Christ Jesus.

This is the same way Abraham received the blessing. He received it 13 years before he was circumcised.

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. Romans 4:10

His circumcision was not to earn the blessing but a sign that the blessing or covenant was given to him.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 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. Romans 4:11,12

Our works are a seal of our faith in Jesus and not a criterion. They are the manifestation of the Christ in us. When we truly receive Christ, he lives in us and the fruits of his workings are seen in the way we conduct ourselves in holiness.

Because we have the favour of God upon our lives, we walk in the steps of the faith of Abraham, we forsake all kinds of ill conducts not to gain righteousness but because we are made righteous, eternally forgiven and highly favoured.

Confession

Father, I thank you for rendering me a partaker of your blessings in Christ. My sins past, present, and future are forgiven. I am the blessed of the Lord.

I reject the spirit of guilt and condemnation. I reject the tongues rising against me in judgment, and I declare, no weapon formed against me shall prosper, for my righteousness comes only from the Lord.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Dear Child, Do not be afraid, I have commanded supplies to sustain you until you are established in my promise. Day by day you will see my goodness.

Fret not dear child, in the midst of it all the heavens will always give unto you the due blessing until I bring you to the place of your inheritance.”

And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. Exodus 16:35

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

God’s Grace in Romans | The Secret of Abraham |

We saw from our last discussion that we establish the law in our lives by fulfilling its purpose when we accept its sentence of condemnation and run to Christ for salvation, and we also use it to do the same in the lives of others. This is the duty of the law.

Then the apostle continues in this next chapter by opening up something beautiful;

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as about the flesh, hath found? Romans 4:1

There is something the father of the whole Jewish nation even the father of faith found that made him experience the blessings of faith.

Abraham was very rich on earth (Gen. 13:2), he was blessed in all things (Gen. 24:1). Abraham walked in the miraculous, he saw an entire household of numerous maidservants healed, wombs opened through just one prayer (Gen. 20:17-18).

And Abraham has a special place in heaven even as Jesus said Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

Now to discover the secret of the father of faith I believe is one of the greatest things that would happen to anyone at this side of life.

So what did Abraham discover?

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Romans 4:2

If Abraham were accepted before the Justice of God by his goodness then he would have had an opportunity to boast.

Many times we have had problems with Paul’s high level of revelation with what James meant. The reason is that we take the word out of context.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? James 2:19-21

This is very simple to understand when you know how the old testament people exercised their faith.

The object of worship and acceptance under the old testament was blood. Without the shedding of blood, no one was accepted and the blood was the object they used to demonstrate their faith in Jesus.

His work of sacrifice was not to earn righteousness but to place his faith in the son of God who was to die for his sins. He wasn’t sacrificing Isaac to earn anything it was a prophetic picture of justification by faith in The death of Christ.

This is why in context we hear even the devil believes but he can never put faith in the sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of his sins.

All through scripture Abraham never did anything to earn righteousness or any blessing from God. When you observe the scripture…

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 4:3

God came to Abraham and made precious promises to Abraham, knowing that Abraham married his half-sister (Lev. 18:9), which is an abomination under God’s law (Lev. 18:26.).

He lied about his wife to save his neck twice, subjecting her to possible adultery Gen.12,20.

Yet God blessed him and came after him with a wonderful promise of redemption, through his seed. (Gen 15:1-6)

All Abraham did was to accept and believe in the power and goodness of God to do what he had promised and his faith pleased God and He counted it to him for righteousness,13 years before he even fulfilled the law’s demand of circumcision.

The word translated above for counted is from the Greek word logizomai which is an accounting term meaning to take inventory of, to estimate (G3049, Strong’s Concordance).

Abraham’s faith in the power and goodness of God made Him estimate or impute righteousness into his account without any merit on his side.

Then the apostle continues;

Now to him, that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but debt. Romans 4:4

The apostle here shows clearly that if we offer the works of the flesh to be justified, salvation will become a payment for our works and the grace of God completely nullified.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it is of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

Now, this is what Abraham discovered:

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:5

With everything in Abraham’s life that was wrong, he was persuaded that God is a justifier of him who believes in Jesus no matter his ungodliness, by this God counted his faith equal to righteousness.

God gave him the finished work of Christ for the sinner as his righteousness. As we all look to his goodness, we are blessed together with faithful Abraham.

Confession

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a good God. In my emptiness, I can still look to your love in hope and find satisfaction in who and what you have done for me.

By faith in Christ, my iniquities are not marked, rather you have estimated me righteous by the blood of Christ which has procured righteousness, health, wealth, joy, peace, and life in constant communion and fellowship with you.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Do not be deceived like Eve dear Child, there are boundaries you cannot reach. Even so, I have saved you the struggle and have placed your redemption in myself.

Rest from your efforts, look to me, and walk in the blessing. The heaviness, the bitterness, the dissatisfaction is coming from your struggles for perfection. Your flesh profits you nothing.

I Am God and there is none else, I have sworn and ordained that only in me is your righteousness and strength. I Am your glory and only in me are you justified. Beloved, rest and receive the blessings of righteousness.”

Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. Isaiah 45:22-25

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans | How We Establish The Law |

We saw from our last discussion Paul’s conclusion on justification, that a man is justified by faith without the works of the law.

Then he continues;

Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Romans 3:29

God is the God of both the Jews and Gentiles. He is the God of the whole earth. He is the Creator, preserver and governor of both the Jews and Gentiles.

And by covenant, Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and not just for a select few.

The middle wall of partition between the Jew and the Gentile has been broken down through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

All men have access only through faith in the cross of Jesus;

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.Romans 3:30

Then the apostle concludes this chapter, after showing that God’s way of justifying sinners has nothing to do with the works, by making a very profound statement concerning the law;

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:31

Is the law then useless? He answers, God forbid!

So if the law is not made void, what do we do with the law since we don’t earn justification by it?

We hear “we establish the law”

Now the question we all have to ask on how we are to establish the law is this, what is the purpose of the law?

You can’t establish what you don’t know the purpose. You can only fulfil a purpose known to you.

Therefore, what is the purpose of the law?

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:19

God gave the law that ” that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

The law was not given to give life nor righteousness, but it was intended to reveal sin in man, and his inability to live up to God’s standard of righteousness, so he would run to Christ for justification.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.Galatians 3:24

When we admit the sentence of the law, that by our works we are sinners in need of a saviour and run to Jesus for grace, we establish the law, just like the apostles did (Acts 15:11.)

After we are justified by faith in Christ, “we are no longer under a schoolmaster,” for we have become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2Corinthians 5:21.)

Nevertheless, the law is not totally useless, we still use the law after we are saved, however, is not to be justified by, but it is to establish it’s purpose in the lives of the unrighteous, (those who are not yet made righteous in Christ.)

“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man,…”1 Timothy 1:8-9

God’s method of showing people their need is through the law. But, the law is powerless in making provision for that need. It is the gospel that provides the power to produce salvation. (Romans 1:16)

So to establish the law is simple, admit its sentence of condemnation, run to Christ and be justified freely by grace, then use the law to help others see their need for Jesus.

Confession

Gracious father, thank you for Jesus who has come and has given me an understanding heart. Today I know your heart of love toward me. I rest in the loving arms of Jesus.

All you have ever desired for me in life is to rest and live in your love through faith in Jesus. I reject the spirit of condemnation, I receive joy in the Holy Ghost and Walk in divine strength.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “ My Child, I am for you, who can be against you? I did not spare my son but gave him for you even when you did not know me, how shall I not with him freely give you all things?

Those tongues of condemnation and the charges against you are not from me dear child. I have justified you and have given you this salvation in Christ, knowing your weakness I gave him to be your intercessor.

All you need say to yourself my beloved is that, I love you, and have made you more than a conqueror. “

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.Romans 8:31-34,37

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jafas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans

Faith Conclusion on Justification

We saw from our last discussion that Christ is our eternal Mercy Seat whose death paid for all sins forever, even the sins of all the old testament saints. And that today because he lives in us, we are vessels of mercy, forever enjoying God’s love and pardon.

Then we hear;

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.Romans 3:27

The apostle after thoroughly casting down the folly of the Gentile who looked to the law of nature for righteousness, and the Jew who looked to the law of works for righteousness:

Now triumphs over all by righteousness of God which annihilates merit of any kind, removing every kind of boasting and leaving man completely at the mercy of God.

Where is boasting? We hear “It is excluded.” “By what law? Of works?” Nay! How many works of the law did you keep to receive Jesus?

None I guess. We only received the forgiveness of sins through faith in the death of Christ.

If there is a little work from us to earn salvation before and after we receive Jesus then man has good grounds to boast but not before God.

By Grace; the undeserved, unearned, unmerited, unconditional and all empowering grace of God are we saved through faith. Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace so that no man should boast before God.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.Ephesians 2:8-9

There is the law of works and the law of faith. These are antagonistic, where the law of works is at work, boasting is eminent and the law of faith is vitiated

And where the law of faith is at work, boasting is abjured, only Christ is glorified. Remember these are laws, and laws are constants!

Then we hear;

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28

Now observe carefully the statement “we conclude.” He does not say ‘I conclude.’ but “we conclude” making it a unanimous decision.

There was a time in the days of the apostles even as it is right now, when there was a huge dispute among Jewish believers toward freely justified Gentiles as it concerns being justified by the law of works or by the law of faith alone in the grace of God.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.Acts 15:5

So when this dispute about grace and law went on so strong among the early believers, the apostles and elders had to sit together to consider the matter through scripture and the Holy Spirit;

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.Acts 15:6

Peter, Paul James with all the apostle and elders who were pillars came together and considered this matter. After a long dispute, Peter rose up and concluded,

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.Acts 15:6

Observe carefully Peter’s statement about the law being a yoke “which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?”

Peter declared that no one, not even their fathers that received the law were able to keep it, that they themselves, Holy Ghost filled, miracle working apostles were not able to keep it, but believed that “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,”

So the apostle Paul, after thorough scriptural examination by the revelation of the Spirit and the unanimous decision of the apostles, concludes that “a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Confession;

Heavenly Father I thank you for the gracious work of accepting the unqualified as I am.
Thank you for placing me under the law of faith where the law of the Spirit of life has silenced the law of sin and death in my life.

By faith I am justified, I have access through faith into the inexhaustible riches of God’s grace.

I enjoy the uninterrupted flow of God’s grace in my body, marriage, ministry, work, and every area of my life through Christ Jesus.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter of the Lord, I heard “Do not let go dear child, hold unto to the seed, the promise is my vision for you.

Keep the word, guard it, stay in my will, and let patience have it’s way in your life. After you have done this, you will receive the promise, for the time of patience is actually the time of growth.

As you keep my word, I assure you dear child, without effort you are receiving the promise, you will not be unrewarded”

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.Hebrews 10:36

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans

| Christ The Eternal Mercy Seat |

We saw from our last discussion that God’s righteousness has nothing to with the law. It is not an extension of the law, but a whole new independent economy where God has justified us all by grace through the redemption that in Christ Jesus.

Then we hear;

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:25

God made Jesus to be a propitiation for our sins. The word translated above for propitiation is from the Greek word hilastērion, and it means mercyseat or an expiatory place or thing.

Under the old covenant, the ark of the covenant was covered by the mercyseat upon which blood was sprinkled for the atonement of sins.

This was all foreshadowing the reality we now have in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 10:1). The mercyseat is no longer in an outward temple but right on our inside, which is the reason we are called vessels of mercy (Romans 9:23).

Through “faith in his blood” we have access to the mercyseat and as long as Christ is in us, we are forever in the mercy of God — for Christ is our mercyseat.

The everlasting mercy of God is continually rejoicing over judgment and releasing pardon, peace, atonement, justification and adoption.

Observe carefully this last statement “to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

Before the death of Jesus, no one was ever truly forgiven, for the blood of bulls and of goats couldn’t take away their sins.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Hebrews 10:4

Abraham, Moses, David all died in sin. The sacrifice of Jesus went back to the beginning of time and paid for all those that made animal sacrifices as a means of declaring their faith in Jesus.

Everyone before the law and under the law never got any of their sins remitted. This is why to trust in the law which never earned anyone forgiveness is utter foolishness (Galatians 3:23).

If Jesus did not pay for the sins of the giver of the law (Moses), he would have been rejected in heaven.

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Hebrews 9:15

Observe the statement “for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.”

Jesus had to redeem Moses and all those who put faith in Christ through animal sacrifices from their sins through his death, for it is not possible for the blood of animals to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4).

This is why the righteousness of God has nothing to do with the law. If the old testament saints died in sin but got admitted into heaven by their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus which was not yet effectuated, then sinless perfection as a means to heaven is a demonic bewitchment.

There is not even one perfect man in heaven except the Lord Jesus. Seemingly perfect people go to hell because their faith is in their goodness, only forgiven people go to heaven.

God through his longsuffering forbore the sins of all the old testament saints pending when they would actually be paid for through the death of his son.

If the blood of Jesus has paid for the sins of the past, right from the beginning of the world, then his sacrifice is eternal, and therefore has paid for sins for all time, past, present and future.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.Hebrews 9:12

Then the apostle continues;

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.Romans 3:26

The sacrifice of Jesus went back in time so that God may “declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just,”

Observe the statement “that he might be just”

It is not that God is not just but did all these to be just — for before the foundation of the world the lamb of God was already slain for all sins.

However, God did it to show forth his righteousness before principalities and powers that he is a truly just God.

If anyone was ever forgiven by any other means except the death of Christ, then God would have been unjust, and divine Justice would have been thwarted.

Others accepted by their goodness and others by Christ, God would have been unfair in his righteousness.

But praise God, our God is just God. By the righteousness of God manifested through the redeeming work of Christ, God is a “justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Confession

Blessed Father, the greatest gift a man can receive is the forgiveness of sins which guarantees every blessing from you. Thank you for freely Justifying me eternally.

I am a vessel of God’s mercy. Christ my mercyseat resides in me continually releasing pardon, peace, health, security, love and divine prosperity. Glory to God!

Prophetic Insight

In encounter with the Lord, I heard the Lord say “Dear Child, do not be engrossed in what you have not seen come to pass yet in your life, but humble yourself and see how faithful my kingdom has been growing in and through you.

If you will humble yourself and set aside the cares, you will see that my goodness has not left you.

Remember your days in Egypt and the wonderful deliverances you have received thus far. In the mist of your struggles you have seen my faithfulness day after day.

This is my will for you dear child, wear the armour of thankfulness, praising your God in all things and in patience watch how my kingdom grows and prevails over it all.”

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? ]It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. Mark 4:30-32

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:18

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans

Justified Freely

We saw from our last discussion that the Jew and Gentile alike are under sin, that the law was not given to make man holy, but to make all the world guilty before God.

That no man is justified by the law, for by the law is the knowledge of sin and not the knowledge of the righteousness of God.

Then we hear the apostle continue;

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Romans 3:21

The apostle, after showing the failure by the Jew and Gentile in attempting to be justified before God in their various ways, now goes on to show everyone God’s way of justifying mankind.

“now the righteousness of God —without the law is manifested,”

Observe the above verses carefully, God’s way of justifying men has nothing to do with obedience to the law. It has nothing to do with your performance.

God has made manifest his righteousness without the law. The law and the prophets are only witnesses to God’s righteous work in freely justifying sinners.

Then the apostle continues;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans 3:22

Observe the statement “even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ.” Right relationship with God comes by believing in what Jesus did for the sinner — before and after salvation.

When we put faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for us, the gift of righteousness — comes to us and upon us all without respect of persons.

Notice this statement “unto all and upon all.” It does not say ‘from all and in all.’

This righteousness comes from God to us all and covers us all (Proverbs 3:10). Whether gross sinners or sensible sinners.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23

You may never have murdered, cursed, committed any sexual or immoral sin, but we all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.

We have sinned in Adam, are guilty by his sin, polluted with it, and condemned for it; we all are sinners in ourselves. This is the case of the entire world.

We saw the glory of God in the face of Jesus, and all humanity is short of that glory. Actual sin, and sins of both omission and commission are upon us all.

Many a time when we hear about sin, we are quick to think of only the sins we commit. However, failing to do that which is good when we know it is good is also sin and the wages of all sin is death.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

Passivity or negligence is sin. Making disciples of all nations is a command from Jesus. However, many of us that see ourselves as being holy and good know this is good and God’s command, but we do not do it physically or financially.

Many of us do not realize that unbelief is sin. Anxiety, worry and doubting are manifestations of unbelief, proving that we are not in faith. But whatsoever is not done in faith is sin.

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23

Many of us live in fear of sickness, men, and death which the word declares the fearful will burn in hell fire.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

There are no good sinners and bad sinners. We have all sinned and have come short of the Glory of God. But we hear;

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:24

Glory to God. The cause of God justifying sinners is nothing but his love and free favour manifested through Christ Jesus.

The cause is the love of God, the method is the death of Christ, and the objects are sinners and ungodly men.

Through Christ we are redeemed from sin and it consequence which is death in all its forms (sickness, poverty, fear, depression, strife, failure).

Today Christ has redeemed us from sin and death having justified us freely by his blood.

We are accepted in the beloved, and all the blessings of grace are ours in Christ Jesus.

Confession

Father I thank you for your love and grace to me and upon me. Through your redeeming work I am rid of all imputations of sin, sickness and disease, lack, fear and every work of darkness.

I am a product of the love and grace of God. I am united to Christ and completely covered in his righteousness. A child of God with power! Hallelujah!

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the, I saw “deliverance.”

Then I heard “I am with you, I have not given you to the will of the enemy, so do not accept what you see as coming from me. This is not my good, acceptable and perfect will for you.

Don’t be weary, get up and resist the devil and he will flee from you. I have already delivered you, the gates are wide opened ahead of you.

Brace up, rise up and move steadily in faith, for your victory is right before you!

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

God’s Grace in Romans

The Purpose Of The Law

We saw from our last discussion the theme of the gospel, which is the revelation of the work of God through the death, burial and resurrection of the Christ from one degree of faith to the other, that the sinner may believe, receive, and be saved thereby.

Like we said earlier, what the apostle Paul intends to reveal in this grand epistle to the Romans is to declare against the Gentiles that it is not to the light of nature, and the works done in obedience to the law of nature, — And against the Jews, that it is not by the law of Moses, and the obedience of the demands that a man is justified.

He begins to rebuke the Gentiles (non Jews) that atheism is a lie, that every man has a God existence intuition on their inside.

God has revealed himself in all men, even his eternal power and godhead, and no man is without excuse. No one can actually say I don’t believe there is God. There is actually no need to debate with anyone on the issue of believing God exists.

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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: Romans 1:19-20

Atheism is a lie even the devil is afraid of committing. When men say they don’t believe God exists, they only lie against their consciences (Job 32:8).

Even the devil believes there’s only one God, and that he is not the one, and he trembles at the one true God;

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19

So the apostle explains to the Gentiles that through the light of nature they are without excuse to call out to the one true God for salvation.

Then he turns to the Jew who looked to circumcision and the keeping of the law in the second Chapter and said;

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29

Observe carefully this statement “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly “ Boy! This is a radical statement. By this statement he renders all that made the Jew Jewish to be vain. Every carnal ordinance of the law and every outward performance to earn the spiritual blessing a useless thing.

For it was normal for the Jew to trust in his rituals as being holy and accepted before God (Luke 18:9-14). You are not even a Jew if you think it comes by natural birth or by the keeping of the law is what the apostle is saying.

Circumcising the flesh earns you nothing, however, there is something only God can do, and that is a spiritual circumcision, the planting of a new spirit in you which comes with a new heart of flesh.

Something your natural ancestry (Jewish), together with circumcision and the law does not have the power to do (Romans 8:3).

After making these declarations, he turns to both the Jew and Gentile and declares all to be under sin.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:9-12

The Jew who has the privilege of the law and the Gentile who is without the law are altogether sinners in the eyes of God. All are under sin, for there is none righteous, no, not even one.

Outwardly it may look like the Jew is seeking after God with the law and its ordinances, however, the apostle summits that the Jew is not better than the Gentile. His religious works are not even seen as good works for “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Now you may ask, so what is the purpose of the law then? If the Jew with all the works of the law is deemed unprofitable before God’s throne. Why did God give the Law in the first place?

Here is the apostle’s submission;

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Romans 3:19-20

Observe carefully the reason God gave the law “that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

Notice it does not say God gave the law to make the world righteous, but that every mouth may be stopped. Every attempt to trust in our goodness or efforts to be blessed by God should be ridiculed by the standard of the law. The entire world by the law should become guilty before God.

Today it is taught the other way round. Many are seeking to be justified before God by their works. Most times we think God grades on a curve. That if our seemingly good deeds outweighs our evil works God will somewhat accept us. However, that’s a lie from hell. Observe the next verse;

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

No kind of flesh whatsoever will ever be justified before God by the works of the law. And why?
“for by the law is the knowledge of sin”

The law was not given to reveal God, but to reveal sin in us. Before Christ came, we thought we were righteous by our own standards. The law was given to show us how sinful and wretched we are so we would quit trying and run to God for the grace he offers freely through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

May we Quit trying to be justified by our own goodness and receive salvation and every spiritual blessing as a free gift from our loving father.

Confession
Father I thank you for your love and wisdom in my salvation. I recognize your love in showing me my true state as being insufficient in myself. I trust in your love and grace and accept salvation as a free gift for the unqualified even as I am.

I declare that the life and blood of Jesus has justified my body, finances, ministry, marriage, business and life as a whole. By the righteousness of Christ, I stand today Just-as-if-I-had never sinned before the throne of Grace.

Prophetic Insight
In an encounter with the Lord, I heard “Whatever your heart conceives, You will receive“

When the Lord spoke this, the Spirit began to reveal to me about the sons of God sitting down with the prophecies and dreams, meditating on God’s word until it forms a mental picture in their hearts. The Lord told me this is actually the believer’s spiritual womb.

That whatsoever our hearts will conceive through imagination prompted by God’s word, the father is set to bring to pass at this hour. But if we do not conceive, there will be no birthing. Until our hearts can see it, it won’t come to pass.
May we take this to the Lord in prayer.

Blessings in Christ,
Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church

The Substance Of The Gospel of Grace

God’s Grace in Romans

Today we shall begin a series on God’s Grace in the Book of Romans. The chief design of this epistle to the Romans by Paul is to reveal God’s love and grace for the Jew and Gentile.

Here the doctrine of justification by free grace is set in clear light. It is Paul’s grand delivery on the subject of grace.

Herein declaring against the Gentiles that it is not to the light of nature, and the works done in obedience to the law of nature, And against the Jews, that it is not by the law of Moses, and the obedience of the demands that a man is justified.

He evinces this by clearly revealing the wretched and sinful nature of both the Jews and Gentiles, and shows that both the light of nature and the law of Moses are meant to show the Jew and Gentile alike their wretchedness and their need for a saviour outside of themselves.

That the light of nature and the law of Moses are not so they can be made righteous by, but that it is by the righteousness of Christ imputed through the grace of God that men are eternally justified.

And that this grace is accessed through faith which yields the results of peace, joy in the soul, and holiness in life and conduct.

After his usual introduction and salutations, he opens up what the gospel committed unto the apostles is, right here in the sixteenth verse of the first chapter;

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

Observe carefully this statement “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:”

By making this statement he intimates here that the gospel is somewhat contemptible to the world and to his religious counterparts, however, he has made up his mind to preach it despite foreseen reproaches.

The statement is made in anticipation of opposition, for he knew what was ordained from the foundation of the world to occur wherever the true gospel of Christ is preached.

In his letter to the Galatians, he exposed that this was prophesied by symbolism through the life of Ishmael and Isaac.

That as the son of the bondwoman(Haggai) persecuted the son of the freewoman (Sarah), even so shall the sons of the law (bondage), those that trust in their works, persecute those that believe and receive salvation as a free gift of grace through Jesus.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Galatians 4:29

So he anticipated opposition in advance of what he was about to share in this epistle, but he emphatically stated that this is the gospel of Christ, this is the gospel Christ preached though his death, burial and resurrection which he had received by revelation.

Then he declares “for it is the power of God unto salvation “ it is not a power but ‘the power’ of God unto salvation.

God’s solution to humanity is the gospel of Christ. Essentially and instrumentally the gospel is what God has ordained should give the world full, total or complete deliverance.

The Greek word used above for salvation is the word sōtēria and it means rescue or safety, physically or morally. Strong’s Concordance G449).

This speaks of physical and Spiritual deliverance from sin and death.

The gospel of Christ is the power of God that sets free from poverty, sickness and disease, sin and death, procuring prosperity, health, wealth, blessings, righteousness, holiness and more for the believer.

This means in the gospel there is power to keep the believer from absolutely falling away from the faith for it is the power of God unto complete rescue and safety to all those that believe without respect of persons “to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Now you may ask, what is the main doctrine of the gospel of Christ?

We are told what the gospel is all about in this following verse;

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

In the gospel is the “righteousness of God — revealed from faith to faith”.

The word translated in the above verse for righteousness is from the Greek word dikaiosunē and it means equity (of character or act); specifically Christian ‘justification.’

In simple words it is the character, act or work of God in justifying sinners. So in this gospel the work of God in justifying sinners is revealed.

What God did to save sinners is the righteousness of God which is revealed from faith to faith and it is this revelation of what God did for the sinner that saves him totally.

In his letter to Corinth, Paul explains this righteousness of God revealed from one level of faith to the other;

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

So when you believe in what Christ has done, when you believe in the goodness of God expressed through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, you are saved; delivered, created righteous and the rest of the Christian walk is to live by faith in what saved you in the first place.

This is why we hear “the just shall live by faith.” You were saved from sin by faith, your works didn’t save you from sin, trying to quit sin by your efforts didn’t change your sinful nature, however, it was by your simple trust in the righteousness of God; the work of God for the ungodly.

Therefore, continue to walk in this way, rooted and grounded in the faith of Christ.

Confession

Thank you father for your love and grace, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for the wretched, I believe that through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ I am forever delivered from the dominion of Satan, sin and death.

I am delivered from sickness and disease, poverty and afflictions. I walk in health, prosperity, joy and peace by the life and nature of Christ at work in me. Hallelujah.

Prophetic Insight

In an encounter with the Lord, I saw as the Lord surprised many sons in the kingdom with the fulfilment of vision.

It was a supernatural grace of God in manifestation as many trusting God went on to see that things the Lord has laid on their hearts to do were already accomplished by grace and they were only receiving them as gifts of grace.

Coming out I was led to;

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” — Eph 2:10

Then the Lord said, “Beloved, I have commanded my blessings upon you even before you were born. My plans for you are self sufficient. Every item prearranged and ready for you to walk in.

You are a work of my hands, I have created you in myself, I have fashioned you for good works, even a prosperous destiny which I created for you to walk in right from the foundation of the world.

Do not be anxious, I have made all things ready, you are walking into favour upon favour, grace upon grace as you stand in awe of my goodness.”

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua

Living Hill Christian Church