29/10/2014 - GOD DWELLS IN OUR MIDST

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You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.  Psalm 68.18

The Lord came to destroy all works of the devil, who, after the Fall in the Garden of Eden, ruled mankind with an iron hand. God would not be able to dwell among us today if captivity were the lord of our lives; if we were still subject to forces of hell, we would be used to do everything in accordance with the enemy’s will. But today a person is used by the evil one exclusively due to lack of knowledge or his own mean nature. 

By dethroning Satan, who had control over us, Jesus removed the devil’s ability to keep us subject to him. Now all those who accept the Son of God as Savior are entitled to be forever free from hell’s powers. Those who experience the new birth live in complete freedom. Therefore, if we remain in the covenant made through the blood of Jesus, we will never be touched by the devil.

When Christ resurrected, we were raised with him (Colossians 3.1), and even though spiritual death represents our separation from God, resurrection was our reconciliation with him. However, in order for this work of utmost importance to be carried out in you, it is necessary that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you do that, your sins will be forgiven. On the other hand, if you go back to a sinful life, you will be separated from God once again and enslaved by the devil.

The Son of God, when he ascended into heaven, he led captivity captive, meaning that he removed from Satan his ability to act as the lord of our lives, which was given to him when he deceived Adam and Eve. When we are born again, the devil loses his power to oppress us. But if a saved person sins and does not repent, he will go back to Satan’s dominion. Unfortunately, there are many believers who go back to suffering and the only way to overcome this is to repent.

The work of recreation was carried out exactly as the Almighty conceived it. Among so many good things given to Jesus, there are the gifts. By following the Holy Spirit’s guidance through God’s Word, a Christian is equipped to battle. This way, he gets rid of suffering, temptation and all afflictions. Those who seek the Lord soon start to stand out from others. Our Father is faithful to keep his promises.

Check out the greatness of the work of salvation: even the rebellious have benefitted from the gifts received by Christ! This is the evidence that serving God is worthwhile. No person saved should settle for just more peace, because the Lord has given us a completely new life—not just a slight improved version. Believe that the old things have passed away and all things have become new (2Corinthians 5.17).  The position of a saved person is so awesome that he has become the righteousness of God in Christ (v. 21). 

Set as a goal in your life to receive the gifts that were received by Jesus. They will be given to us so that the Lord may dwell in us. Do not settle for a small change in your life, because you have to be God’s living temple, and he is powerful to do everything that is pleasing to him. Life with Jesus has to be abundant.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares