Pilgrim's Journal

Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

2008-08-17T13:03:00.002-04:00

Since childhood the word ‘Glory’ has been buzzing my ears almost every day. I acknowledge that I had often forgotten or misunderstood what exactly Glory is.

The Hebrew word is "KABOD", or weight. It means honor, weightiness; reputation, reverence. It signifies, divinity on display. It means Exhibiting attributes, qualities, or acts that are worthy of or receive glory; noble; praiseworthy; excellent; splendid; illustrious; inspiring admiration; as, glorious deeds.

Is there anything greater than God? Is there anyone higher than God ? No saint, no evangelist , no teacher, no leader , no physician , no scientist has ever done anything for the eternal salvation of mankind. Their contribution to definitely is notable and they should be respected. With God all things are possible.

In my previous blog I mentioned how we are saved by Christ’s work alone, and through faith in him alone. Salvation is a free gift from God alone. There is no one except God who is involved in bringing eternity to you and me. All glory is due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely through his works — not only the atonement on the Cross, but even granting the faith which allows men to be saved by that atonement.

Sola Christus ("Christ alone")

2008-04-15T17:21:00.004-04:00

Sola Christus ("Christ alone")

If there is any Person who has impacted human life in the history , it was and is Jesus Christ. Various group of people have recognized Jesus differently. Some accepted him as teacher, some as prophet, philosopher, messenger of God, healer, leader. The Ebionites, an early Jewish Christian community, believed that Jesus was the last of the prophets and the Messiah. Few Gnostics believed that Jesus was an Aeon (one of the orders of spirits). Ahmadis call him Yuz Asaf ("Leader of the Healed"). Some feared him for being a political revolutionary.

But Jesus asked his disciples “ who do you say that I am?" and Peter replied “You are the Christ, the son of the living God” This is the real identity of Jesus. He is Christ, the Messiah.

Col 1:13-18 God hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son Jesus. In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church. who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. “

2000 years ago , heaven set the stage to redeem man from burden of Sin. The biggest heavenly operation after the creation of mankind. Gods beloved Son was set to be born as human. Several announcements had been made on earth thru various prophets, kings, leaders about his coming. His name was announced. For the first and last time a virgin was to give birth to a child. God was about to fashion himself as man so that he can offer the ultimate sacrifice and redeem the mankind from sin.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. That night angels announced the birth to shepherds who went to the manger straight away. Eight days later Jesus was circumcised. Forty days later Jesus was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem and was presented before the priest. They returned to Bethlehem. At this point, the magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.

Magi had very high positions in Babylon and they were consultants to all the Babylonian rulers. They were astrologers. In the east they ware also known as the religious leaders. Herodotus, the Greek historian, describes them not as religious figures, but as political figures. In fact, they were known as king-makers!

They brought Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

They brought gold. Gold was a symbol of kingship, a symbol of power. They were recognizing that Jesus was King.

They brought frankincense. This was the priestly gift. They recognized Jesus as the Priest.
They brought myrrh. Myrrh is an ointment which was used to heal, but was also used to embalm the bodies of the dead. This gift symbolized Christ's death on the cross. They acknowledge the human suffering that Jesus will partake on the cross.

He was God sent, He was of born of a Virgin. He was sinless. He proclaimed that He is the way , and there is no other way. He sacrificed himself on the cross . God credited Christ's account with the sins of the people. Jesus became the substitute for all those chosen before the beginning of creation to be saved.

Non Christian source like Greek records , Historians like Cornelius Tacitus, Josephus Flavius , Romans officials (Pliny) Lucian the Greek lecturer and numerous authentic records have acknowledge that Jesus was born and the records matches the biblical dates. Majority of them acknowledge that Jesus was a teacher, prophet and was GOD Send.

A non Christian historian, Flavius Josephus (c. 37–c. 100), mentions the death and resurrection of Jesus: "When Pilate, upon the accusation of the first men amongst us, condemned Jesus to be crucified, those who had formerly loved him did not cease to follow him, for he appeared to them on the third day, living again, as the divine prophets foretold, along with a myriad of other marvelous things concerning him."

The story is told that Abraham Lincoln went to a slave auction. He was troubled by the way these people were handled as property. One particular slave was offered for sale and Lincoln purchased him. When the slave came to his new “owner” he asked, what would you like me to do. Lincoln gave him the bill of sale and said, “I have purchased you so that you may go free.”

This is what Jesus did for us. He paid the price for our sin with His life. He did this so that we might be set free from sin. Jesus died and was resurrected on the 3rd day. He appeared to several disciples. He is now mediating to God for me. I don’t need any other mediator any more. My redeemer My Jesus lives.

Over 2000 years secular groups, atheist movements, anti Christian religions and political fractions, rulers and individuals have tried to uproot Christianity but the Christianity has grown more rapidly. Even in this information age, in the era of science and technology, people are following Christ more fervently then ever.

Jesus was not the only leader who was born. Many leaders rise to fame with their teachings , impressive persona and had masses to follow but none had atonement for sin. Their views ware either inspired by political ideologies or ware philosophical. Only Jesus dealt with Soul. Only Jesus showed a way to eternity. Of all only Jesus was risen after death and appeared to his disciple.

The death of Christ was the act of his humiliation in which he underwent extreme torture the sins of ALL mankind. He endured it purposely because he was the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep; The act was out of obedience to his father and love for the mankind

Even when he was rejected by his own people and counted worse than a murderer; he was forsaken, denied, and betrayed by his most intimate disciples he remained faithful even unto death. He was stripped of his garments and denied necessary food. Jesus, while he was on the cross was mocked and whipped.

He died for my Sin ,

Christ alone is the object of faith and only hope of salvation. Christ was sent into the world by his Father, as the consequence of the Father's affection for his people. GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In order to get saved, you need to acknowledge that we are sinners from birth. We have sinned. Only Jesus can saves us from the sin. Jesus was born of Virgin birth and lived a sinless life. He was sent from God , Jesus Christ died for your sin. He died and have resurrected on third day. By accepting Lord as Personal Saviors, we can receive pardon for our sins and Salvation is yours.

When you receive Jesus you receive forgiveness of sins, you receive a new nature, you are completely new person. You die to the past ,you have a new life. You come to Christ and you’re delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. You are no more under the yoke of Satan and you belong to Jesus.

Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross,
so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll…..

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll…..

Sola Gratia

2007-12-18T20:27:00.000-05:00

Salvation by grace through faith.

In school, Gujarati (language) was a mandatory subject that we had to study till 9th grade. Although I was fluent in speaking and reading in Gujarati, writing in Gujarati was always a problem for me. In order to go to the next grade, I had to clear all the subjects including Gujarati. We had to get 40% to clear each subject.

And getting 40% in Gujarati was a big challenge for me. Getting less than 40% would require me to repeat my school year. Often I use to score less than the required %. However the school use to consider giving me “Grace marks” meaning they will add the missing % to my actual score/marks that would help me to get promoted to the next grade. In short, the school gave me what I wasn’t qualified for. This is how Grace works. The Greek word for grace is “charis” which means "the undeserved favor of God."

One of the biggest misconception (even among the Christians) is the belief that good works can help to attain salvation. I once asked a Christian friend of mine if he is will be in heaven? He vehemently said that “ If I am not in heaven then, heaven will be empty”

I was flabbergasted by is remark. I asked him how he was so confident and he replied, “I've been a good person, I’ve done good things, I have never hurt anyone. I do charity, I read Bible every day. I go to Church every Sunday”. And he even asked me if I have ever heard him using any profane language . I did agree that his conduct and speech exceptionally good.

He further asked me, “Don’t you think God likes me? I wiggled. I asked myself if I can be saved because my good outweighs my bad ?

I explained him that Salvation cannot be attained by feeding the poor, treating the sick, providing medical assistance to the needy, helping victims of natural calamities or crime . They are good and commendable service which every Christian should do. But they are not passport to get saved. No human can pay for his/her portion of suffering that Jesus ensured on the cross. No you cannot BUY salvation.

Recently a Pastor of a large church said in an interview that he wasn’t sure if Jesus was the ONLY way. The Bible says

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine”

Man have defined their own path for salvation . The definition of salvation have been twisted to fit their own needs. With church without Christians, Christians without Christ, sermons without Bible, worship without God, assembly without fellowship, Church has become a mere community centre and many are unaware of the purpose of salvation. I wonder how many so-called born again really know the meaning of Salvation?

The Bible says

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." -- John 3:16

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name John 1:12

One simply cannot read the Bible without recognizing the distinction and significance of the grace of God in the scheme of human redemption. When we understand what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ, its uncomplicated to understand the grace of God brings salvation. Without Christ, life is inflicted by spiritual penury.

With no connection between creator and creation, life becomes a meaningless ride. Salvation thru Jesus reconnects Man with God. Salvation is ONLY possible thru faith in Jesus Christ. There is none in human race who have not sinned except Jesus. All sinners are subject to Judgment but Jesus became sin for us. Bible says (2 Cor. 5:21)

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Any one who wants to escape judgment will have to believe that Jesus Christ died for his/her sin and thru the sacrifice of Jesus we are made right before God, by God. This righteousness of Christ is given to you if you accept him, trust in Him, and believe in what Jesus did. This is why we re saved by grace through faith.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," (Eph. 2:8).

· Salvation is by grace.
· Salvation is through faith.
· Salvation is not by self.
· Salvation is the gift of God.
· Salvation is not of works

Sola Gratia

Sola fide

2007-11-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

Sola fide

The one thing that differentiates Christianity from any other religion is Justification by faith. For many justification is a theological theory, even for so called Christians. When pulpit is flooded with prosperity, faith messages, inspirations, charity, personification of establishment, personification of leaders, endorsing politics and politicians and (now) even yoga, the core essence of Christianity like sanctification, justification has been restricted to the shelf. No wonder my master thought

Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Lk 18 :8

No other teaching is more important than the doctrine of Justification , as Martin Luther wrote, the church stands or falls on his one doctrine. Absence of such teaching has resulted into churches returning back to sacerdotalism, rituals, liberalism and other convenient methods or isms. All this at the expense of man deviating from plan of God and worse forms of apostasy. Recently USA is bombarded with the debate on Jesusanity and Christianity.

Jesus said Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

It doesn’t speak about any act or ritual. If Jesus didn’t demand anything then everything else is a hearsay. One the cross of Calvary, the Jesus surrendered himself to be an atonement for everyone else, everything was perfectly done for the redemption of a sinner. There was nothing left out for humans to do but to believe.

The most common misconception guides man to believe in salvation by charity and good works. If salvation can be attained by works, charity, interceding by saints , then Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation ) has no divine value. Can sinner save himself from his own sin. If not then how can he save others. Following spiritual leaders ,

If salvation can be attained by good works then he wouldn’t require divine intervention . Can you still call it a salvation ? Divine intervention gives meaning to salvation.

Jesus born of a virgin, lived a sinless offered for me the great atonement. Bible says

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16

The definition of faith have never changed. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” writes the author of Hebrews. However for the convince of individual the interpretation of “Faith” has changed. Many know that God exists, God created, God heals, God changes, however they cannot accept it to their personal life. They have the knowledge but it was not transformed has wisdom. Its like I know the recipe to make Falafel but I cannot make it because I never tried.

Faith is giving assurance to self, even when you have conflicting reasons , logic, science , nature, ability. If anyone has decided not to reevaluate his belief then scripture or people or even supernatural influence can change his belief. But look at Paul,

Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord?

Look close at the response of Paul , he asked “Who are you LORD” Paul knew that it was GOD. Paul has set his mind open to supernatural revelations and influence. He knew that the light that stuck him was not rays from sunlight. He knew that if a light has to stuck him down it has to be from God. And the Lord said, I am Jesus. This response changed the life of Paul. Paul reconciled his mind , he renewed his faith , he was receptive and open to know the truth.

But the men who journeyed with Paul also heard the voice they knew it was a supernatural power , they heard that it was Jesus. But the were not open to change their mind. They now have the knowledge and proof that Jesus is God but they choose to ignore , they did not wanted to believe. A person without an open or stubborn mind wont will never learn or accept any thing outside his limited knowledge. It don’t matter to him If it was voice of GOD himself.

Justification by Faith is absolute dependence on God, I know that Jesus died from my Sins. I know on that cross he paid price for me. Jesus has made the justification process. The Greek word for Justification is dikaioō . It means to declare and make righteous. On the day Jesus died on the cross he announced that you WILL be made righteous. But on the day I announced my faith on Jesus, It was announce on by Jesus that I am now a righteous man.

Through Adam, sin came into the world; through Jesus, righteousness came into the world, bringing justification. He is the ONLY way. While Jesus was spat at, blind folded, beaten with fists and mocked, while the Roman soldiers tortured Christ, while Jesus was walking with his own instrument of death, heaven was drafting deed for justification. Heaven was eager to open the heavenly highway for the mankind.

History was being created on earth. And as death was approaching Jesus on the Calvary, defeat was getting closer towards devil. The aftermath of the death of Jesus made devil fear and tremble. He was getting restless and even tried to get Jesus out of cross. But the hour had come. Jesus had finished the task, devil was underneath the spear . There was nothing he could do.

Jesus died. The Sun saw it coming and it refused to shine. The earth refused to stand still and it trembled. Even death could no longer hold the dead and the tombs were open. Devil was conquered , the covenant of justification was signed by the blood of Jesus . God cut the curtain [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple and the highway to heaven was inaugurated.

As the curtain was torn, the agreement of Justification by Law came to and end. Now it’s the blood of Jesus that can make you and me whole, it can wash away your sin. Jesus was raised from death . Now the process laying foundation for justification was complete. Faith has new definition, new author and finisher. Man had new purpose a new way for redemption. Paul writes that man was discharged from the Law.

The convent of justifications my faith was active. , you shall be justified by faith.
Being justified, you are in perfect equanimity with the standard of God,
being justified you have reconciliation with God,
being justified you are made righteous ,
being justified you are accepted to heaven,
being justified you are purchased by the blood of Jesus,
being justified the authority over you have been transferred to Jesus ,
being justified it was certified that there is now no condemnation on you
being justified you are a new creation,
being justified you are given a new spirit,
being justified you are adopted as his son ,
being justified you are promoted into a priesthood ,
being justified you are commissioned as nation ,
being justified you are anointed as a prophet,
being justified you angels are appointed to take minister you,
being justified you are branded as Victorious

This paramount transformation takes place only by Faith. It requires our faith.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.Light of the world,
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ ....

Sola scriptura

2007-11-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

Reading has always been one of my favorite activity. Books stores has always fascinated me and often I get rapt between the pages and lines. It stuns me the way some writers pour their heart in those black font and with their creativity of translating experience both good or bad they penetrate into your mind. From comics to Rupyard Kilping to Tolstoy to Bunyan to Napoleon Hill to Stephen King to Deepk Chopra to Stephen Covey to Chuck swindoll and more. From I traveled from Mandrake to Phantom to Sherlock Holmes to Fictions to philosophy to inspirations to politics to theology and few others . I enjoyed reading and gained for nothing . But encountering the LOGOS , the written word of the GOD, the Bible was a different experience. Someone wrote “I have read many books, but the Bible reads me”

Though its oldest yet the most refreshing , its multi authored yet the most unique. Written in different background and time but conveys same meaning. Contributed by written by fisherman , physicians , herdsman, a cupbearer to a king, a tentmaker, tax collectors, kings, prophets, leaders, evangelists. Written from Asia, Africa, Europe, but its organized so genuinely by non other than the almighty that any reader can realize harmony in writing. It is indeed the Sola scriptura, speaking about God and his plan to redeem mankind. It proves beyond doubt that God is Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent. It proves
Sola scriptura
Sola fide
Sola gratia
Solus Christus
Soli Deo gloria

I could not comprehend the divinity of the scripture in my mind. Nothing else gave me the quest to hold more, to search more, Nothing else gave me peace. Nothing else transformed me, Nothing else transmuted me. And for sure I can sing

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I've lost my way,
Still You're there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.

It was in a ICPF camp in Pune, that I attended a session about “Quite time”. The session was conducted by D Joshua. The session changed my outlook towards bible. The session sowed the seed in my heart and it took months and years for the seed to grow into a tree. It was a book for me then, now it’s a scripture , its Holy for me . it transforms , heals , teaches, sanctifies.

This is not a human creativity . Only after reading, meditation and applying it , you will recognize its power. A person has NO RIGHT to judge anything without APPLYING it. What do you think of a person who speaks about you even without , meeting or taking to you ? how can a person rate a medicine without using it ? Bible say For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

I have read that Life-transforming ideas have always come through books. But those ideas may not be applicable to every reader coz as it reflects the idea of an author based on his view and understanding. But God created everything, when he writes , its don’t remain as ideas. It indeed transforms. He is the beginning as it says In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The human society has advanced beyond imagination, science is moving higher above the skies and deeper then the seas. But the nothing has overcome the truth of the bible and will not. Its unquestionable that Bible has been the most influential book ,best and biggest seller. The impact of bible is not limited to moral, spiritual and political development but also in culture, arts , traditions, law making, literature, education, coining of the constitutions in the western world. It has reshaped the civilization. It changed , is changing and will change.

For me nothing has changed me other then the WORD OF GOD. Nothing has made a mark on my life than the Gospel message. Reading it is a way of discovering. Its unadulterated, perfect, inerrant, reliable , true, has life and its Holy. The bible removes the darkness of ignorance, it cleans and helps you to remain clean. It saves you from the bondage, it frees you from fear, guides you to the correct path , it gives assurance . Above all its brings you to SALVATION.

You cant assume the dept of the sea just by standing on the shore it, you cant understand the vastness of it. All you can see is water. Swim and go deep , then you would know how deep it is, there is world inside it, there are beautiful creatures of God that swim and celebrate there existence in it, it has life, creates energy and the waves can even wash an entire city by its wrath. You cant see that by staring into a sea. Don’t just stand there. Take a deliberate step to understand it , it will Change you for GOD. It will grow your determination it will give you more ammo to withstand the negativisms of Life If I am determined to deny something, no matter what I will keep on denying it. And unless there is a pursuit to know the truth I cannot overcome the ignorance. Try and then you have right to accept or deny . Else you are just following what other has spoke or believed with no knowledge of the origin of denial.

Bible says "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” and Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way..

Best bible is the READ bible.

Robins Abraham