GOODNEWS LETTER
Number 362 March 9, 2011
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
"I am the living bread that come down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also that I shall give to the world is my flesh," John 6:51.
The Apostle John gives us the meaning of salvation in so many places. He was clear about every point he presented. "In Him was life (Jn 1:4); "God so loved...that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16); and, John quotes the words of Jesus: "...who hears My word, and believes in Him who sent Me, has eternal life...but has past from death unto life" (Jn 4:24).
When we think of Jesus being offered for our sins, it will provide us with a clear view when we envision the bread of the Old Testament coming down to feed the people. Without question, the "REAL and TRUE" bread of life has fulfilled the type of Old Testament; which, merely representated the coming of Jesus.
Jesus explained it this way: "For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world," John 6:33. As we recall manna coming from God, we understand that Jesus came from God. This excited the multitude that Jesus taught. They wanted some of this heavenly bread. "Lord, evermore give us this bread," they said in John 6:34.
The answer from Jesus was so precious for them. It is no different today. He is available to all who call upon Him, even today. "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst," John 6:35.
SO, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EAT AND DRINK OF JESUS?
The correct answer is believing. And, when it comes to believing, there is always a starting point. We must hear our Lord explain what it means to believe in Him. But here, He presents a starting point and then, Jesus also wraps it up with an ending point, as well. "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day," John 6:40. In one package, salvation gives us life and raises us up, as well.
However, Missionary Baptists - at least, those of the Landmarker persuasion - believe the Bible teaches of a judgment day. Hence, it is necessary that we look at some doctrinal prinicples on believing; for, when Jesus comes the Second time, He finds some that are not pleasing to Him.
If we only read Matthew's list, we see that some missed the mark. In Chapter 25, Jesus explains "The parable of the Servants" and "The Ten Virgins." We have to see what He says about service to some. It is mandatory that we understand why the "slothful servant" and the "foolish virgins" missed out; for, our service may need to be enhanced. Service is a strong doctrinal teaching throughout the Word. But here, for me, I cannot perceive one being a servant, or a virgin, without knowing Christ as Savior.
Although, Matthew presents that these individuals knew Jesus; that he was "a hard man" (Mt 25:24), we have no reason to think they were unsaved. Rather, the teaching is a matter of obedience to His word. It is the "Eating and Drinking" of His flesh that is under consideration. Simply, service was not taken seriously. The words of Jesus were not precious to these had salvation; albeit, in a napkin. These unfaithful ones were, as John says, "Believed-ers; not, true-to-the-Lord's-instruction-belivers.
Adding Matthew 7:21 - "Not everyone that says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven...," shows us that some will inherit the Kingdom and some will not. This truth brings harmony with the Landmark position of "Once Saved, Always Saved." Simply, there is a difference between being saved and serving from the heart, according to Jesus. He explains that faith inherits, while works prohibits entrance into kingdom of God. For the "flesh and spirit" conflict and the results of each, I strongly suggest reading Galatians 5:16-25.
The Bible will not allow the flesh to enter the joy of the Lord. It can't! The flesh must be crucified with Christ, risen up and faithful in service. That's why Jesus died in our place. And, this truth is found everywhere in the Old Testament.
It was only Joshua, Caleb and the ones under twenty years of age that entered the promised land. Why? Because the first generation was a 'TYPE' of what the result of the flesh is when it comes to serving God.
The flesh misses the mark. The flesh cannot inherit. That's why we must be changed, bodily, in the resurrection. This truth explains why Moses was excluded. He was of the old andd, the old generation cannot enter the new land.
Earlier, Esau sold his birthright position for some fleshly pottage. Hebrews 12:17 records the account, presenting a clear warning to us. As we view our blessed position of the New Covenant, we see that we have arrived in spirit! In our spirit, we are in Mt. Zion, heavenly Jerusalem, angels without number and, the general assembly of the church of the firstborn (see Heb. 12:22-24). Remember, however, our position is not a fleshly approach when it comes to service. Faith must be builded upon the foundation of Christ (Ist Cor. 3:15).
The Bible presents a salvation that saves all who come to Jesus by faith. When one trusts and believes in Jesus Christ, life is given. This life continues and, eating and drinking has to continue, as well. Life comes at first faith, of couse. "...If anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever" (John 6:51). But, eating doesn't stop there. We must eat to continue to live. Thus, we see that faith has a beginning. Eating is taking in His life into the heart, occurring the moment faith is exercised in the Savior.
On the subject of life, Jesus is very clear. All of us must hear His words about natural man and the spiritual condition he is in, "...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves" (John 6:53).
I must close, now. But, I have about four pages on this subject already typed up and ready to go. But, I pray enough is here for us to grasp eating and drinking of Jesus. Yet, how can one ever finish this in two pages? He can't because: THE BIBLE GOES FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION SHOWING US THE KINGDOM OF GOD - THAT WHICH JESUS SECURED FOR US THROUGH HIS FLESH.