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| Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me |
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“Time unto immemorial” is a statement I haven’t heard used since I was a kid.
In those days it was used often and I never knew just exactly what it meant and
even today the meaning is somewhat difficult to pin down. With just one definition as follows; A particular period or part of duration,
whether past, present, or future; a point or portion of duration; as, the time
was, or has been; the time is, or will be. [1913 Webster]
Jesus,
in answer to the question "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?" Luke 13:24 "Strive
to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and
will not be able.
This
view of receiving salvation by striving is in contrast to salvation full and
free by grace are you saved! I have it
heard it said; salvation is free but is not cheap for it came at great price.
At this point we might say from before “Time unto immemorial,” there was a
battle that ensued and is still going on to day. That battle is for supremacy
of the entire universe and beyond.
Mankind
has been caught up in this struggle and like the angels that followed Satan and
the good angels that stayed true to GOD, people today are following the leader
they have chosen.
This
struggle is defined in Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against
flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen
world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in
the heavenly places.
This
whole concept on the surface seems unreal due to the fact we deal with physical
things and much of this warfare is spiritual and mental. Nevertheless it is a battle, and in spite of
the end of the Book saying we win, the war is raging with small victories and
defeats ongoing.
2Corinthians
10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for
the destruction of fortresses. We are
destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the Knowledge of God, and
we are taking every thought captive to the Obedience of Christ - -
All this doesn’t happen automatically but requires the struggle. The
wresting is against a very real enemy. The striving
that Jesus mentioned in Luke 13:24 doesn’t end with the acceptance of
Christ as savior but will continue until the end comes.
1 Peter
4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, Which
comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening
to you; Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with
Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His
glory when it is revealed to the entire world.
It would serve you well when things aren't going as
they should to remember you are striving
for righteousness sake and are in the midst of a lifetime Battle
This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”
Yes, what good news it is that we win, but those battles can be nasty. I'm so grateful for the encouragement of His Word and you shared it well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert for another great post shared with us here at Tell me a Story.
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