CALLED OUT. Called to be separated from the works of darkness. Which is representative of all manner of sin and unrighteousness. It even involves the darkness of religious blindness, which is the extremity of spiritual ignorance. The eye, the gate to the inner man, fogged up with all type of evil thoughts and desires. If that light (religious doctrine), is contrary to the true light, of what great magnitude is that darkness. Mt. 6:23 The calling out, which is profitable and beneficial, is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Paul looked upon it as the PRIZE and thought it to be more than worthwhile to press toward, to reach forward to in a very diligent manner. Paul, is an excellent example of what every Christian is to be. He was consistently and unrelenting in his searching after Christ. Phil. 3:14
WHERE DO WE STAND? IN LIGHT OR DARKNESS? We were in darkness. At which time we were always working the works of darkness. Having responded to the call of the Lord, we are now to live and walk in the light of the Word of God. The two cannot mix. There is no compromise between the two. Darkness can only, and will only , prevail where light is absent. Now, because we are children of light we will walk as sons and daughters of light. Eph. 5:8 Recognizing the time, for the days are evil, we are to cast off all works of darkness and walk in a manner which emulates the one who is the Light of the World, the Lord Jesus. Rom. 13:12 In the case of our every day attire, so much focus is given to be sure that the latest style is purchased and worn. It is time that special attention be paid to the clothing worn by the Bride. It is spiritually essential, that we give heed to the Word and put on Christ. The person so clothed will no longer make provision for the flesh. They will give no place for the carnal mind to think on that which is designated as the lust of the flesh. Rom. 13:14 Once again the crucial effect of having been baptized into Christ is made manifest. The indispensable, spiritual outcome of baptism is made known to us. Baptism, is not just a casual, ho hum, ritual of the church, but is intended to produce a mighty spiritual work in our lives. Gal. 3:27 Recently it was stated, that, in a school where uniforms were worn there was less of a disciplinary problem. The clothing of every member of the body or the Bride of Christ must be identical. They are all clothed with that new man. The man of righteousness. The man of truth. The man of purity and holiness. The man of the new creation who gives forth evidence of the Life of Christ. Eph. 4:24 It is expedient that the old man, the carnal nature, the man of sin be cast aside and not used again. There is no place for the old in the new. Not even the slightest thread. There is no adherence between the two cloths. Mark 2:21 The complete thought pattern is changed, the mind becomes focused on Spiritual things and is made new in Christ Jesus. Eph. 4:23 To the natural man, this sounds to be a difficult task, but once instituted in our new life it is most blessed. We can do all things through Christ who is our strength.
A PEOPLE, RANSOMED AND SET FREE FROM ALL SIN. Because there was none greater, He gave Himself, in totality, that He might redeem a people unto Himself. There is no possibility of a greater act of redemption being enacted. His work of salvation is absolute and complete. It has accomplished an awareness in His people that they are liberated from all sin. This is not a release from sin, only to return to the same. This is a setting free from all bondage. Titus 2:14 We are to be delivered, liberated from the evil of this present world. In Christ Jesus is to be found the power and force of perfect freedom for we have been rescued and released from the wickedness of this present age. We are now citizens of His kingdom and have kingdom rights. Col. 1:13 Our citizenship is heavenly, eternal and everlasting. Sin cannot prevail and rob us of that glorious privilege. Phil. 3:20 We are in this world but not of it, if we belong to Christ.