Living Hill 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