ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED Lesson Number 4

JESUS IS NOT ASHAMED OF YOU!

"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11) I am speaking to those who are fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the devil, and running with patience the race before them. Be assured of this: Jesus Christ is not ashamed of you! This is not a human opinion, it is a revelation. The fact that it has been revealed indicates it would be impossible to otherwise arrive at this conclusion. Hear the word of the Lord. "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:11) "He that sanctifieth" is Jesus Himself. He is the One that has made you acceptable to God. God can use you because of Jesus! You are holy because of Jesus! Without Him, you would be "condemned already," and "the wrath of God" would abide upon you (John 3:18, 36). "They who are sanctified" are the saved; those that have been united with Him in death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-12). Note, it does not say you can be sanctified! It does not say you ought to be sanctified! The possibility of possessing divine utility is not the issue here. God can use us because of where we are, not because of what we are! The sanctified ones are "in Christ," wherein they became a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). There is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are "in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1). The love of God, exceeding precious and potent, is "in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:39). The "One" with Whom both Jesus and we are associated is GOD THE FATHER. He "sanctified" the Son (John 10:36). He has also "sanctified" us (Heb. 10:10, 14). Jesus is HIS Son, and so are you, by virtue of your union with Him (I Cor. 6:17; 1 John 3:1-2; Gal 4:6). This is why Jesus is not ashamed of you; you both have the same Father! Do not balk at this, or suppose it to be presumptuous! Listen to the words of Jesus. "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17). Jesus said this to Mary, not only the Apostles (although it was applicable to them supremely)! He says it to your heart also, if you will listen! The relationship of those in Christ to God is one of children to their "Father." How frequently blessings are conferred upon believers through "our Father" (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:4; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col 1:2). Jesus promises that He and His Father will take up residence with the individual that hears Him and keeps His commandments (John 14:23). YOU ARE ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED! Those that are not sure of this relationship are not apt to throw themselves into the good fight of faith. They will become too weary in running the race, which requires "everlasting consolation and good hope." I bid you to "rejoice in the Lord," and "joy in God through the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 4:4; Rom 5:11).

-- TOMORROW: MORAL POWER --