04/10/2011 - THE VALUE OF KNOWLEDGE

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As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

II Peter 1:3

With Adam’s sin man was separated from the Creator and destined to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone for eternity. However, God, who is merciful, sought someone who would die to redeem mankind but He could not find one righteous being who could take upon himself such a great undertaking; after all, the work to be done had to be perfect. Thus, the choice fell upon His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Jesus had to leave His glory, to strip himself of His divine prerogatives and become flesh like one of us to suffer our punishment (John 1:14). The price to redeem mankind from sin was extremely high: Christ would have to replace us, suffering for our sins and dying on our behalf.

With the resurrection of Jesus we were redeemed and now there is no condemnation to us (Romans 8:1). But besides eternal salvation, God did another wonderful thing for us to be free: He gave us all things! In fact, the Word declares that all things that pertain to life and godliness have already been given to us. However, for not knowing what the Scriptures teach – or due to slothfulness – many people fail to enjoy this celestial blessing.

However, there is no reason to suffer because we already have everything that pertains to life. Then, my brethren, what do you need? Is it health, peace, tranquility and happiness in your home? Well, all these things have already been granted to you! All you have to do is to cry out to live your life, because when you received Jesus as Savior you became the owner of everything that the Son of God made for mankind.

Now that the Lord’s divine power has given you all things that pertain to life and godliness your mind can no longer harbor dirty or lustful thoughts. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19a) and you must be the house of the living God. You should live your

life without harboring any feelings of envy, greed or other sins committed by those who have not experienced salvation.

Knowing what is freely given to us is one of the greatest blessings we have at our disposal. So we must claim the bestowal of such blessings and take possession of what is ours with faith and resolve. We cannot accept a limited and empty life. Rather, we have to be bold and believe what the Bible says, and in doing so we will see that in all things we become more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

My brethren, there is no reason for you to be oppressed by sin or by any kind of suffering. No area of your life should be dominated by evil forces because all things pertaining to an abundant and dignified life have already been granted to you. God used His glory and His virtue to call upon you so that you are fulfilled in life and godliness!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares