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Verlossing is meer as net ‘n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus

Verlossing is meer as net ‘n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus

Daar is geen twyfel dat al die gereddes ‘n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus sal hê nie. Hulle sal Hom ken en deur Hom geken word (Joh 17:3). En soos in alle gesonde liefdevolle verhoudings gebeur, sal die gereddes Jesus absoluut wil behaag – geen twyfel daaroor nie.

Moet dus nie die titel van hierdie blog lees om te suggereer dat die gereddes nie ‘n verhouding met Jesus het of sal hê nie – hulle het die ongelooflikste verhouding met Jesus!

Maar wat ek uitwys, is dat ‘n persoon ‘n verhouding met Jesus kan hê, ‘n persoonlike, een-tot-een, intieme ervaring met Jesus en steeds nie gered kan word nie – omdat die verhouding iets in die sondaar moet veroorsaak wat die deur oopmaak vir daardie persoon om deur Jesus gered te word.

Om dit op ‘n ander manier te vra: Is verlossing bloot ‘n verhouding met Jesus, of is verlossing iets wat ons ervaar vanuit en deur ons persoonlike verhouding met Jesus?

Ek vra of dit moontlik is om ‘n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus te hê en steeds nie gered te word nie, want die kerngevolg van verlossing wat ons persoonlike verhouding met Jesus veronderstel is om in ons te laat gebeur, het nie gebeur nie.

Dink aan Lucifer in die hemel – het hy ‘n werklike, individuele, persoonlike verhouding met Jesus gehad? Het daardie verhouding veroorsaak dat Lucifer lojaal gebly het? Het dit veroorsaak dat Lucifer ná sy rebellie berou gehad het en gered is?

Wat van Judas op aarde – het hy sy eie, individuele, persoonlike verhouding met Jesus gehad? Het die persoonlike verhouding wat Judas met Jesus gehad het, tot sy redding gelei? Hoekom nie?

Wat het Lucifer en Judas kortgekom ten spyte van hulle persoonlike verhouding met Jesus? Hulle het Jesus nie vertrou nie en het Hom nie meer liefgehad as hulleself nie!

Wat is die kernelement wat die werklike faktor is van wat dit beteken om gered te word? Dit is wat Jesus aan Nikodemus beskryf het – dit word wedergeboorte genoem; dit is om deur ons verhouding met Jesus ‘n nuwe hart en regte gees te ontvang; dit is om te sterf vir vrees en selfsug en om lief te hê en te vertrou; dit word in die innerlike mens herskep; dit word in geregtigheid herskep deur die Heilige Gees – wat alles bereik word deur ons persoonlike verhouding met Jesus, deur ons vertroue in Hom. Vir ‘n persoonlike verhouding met Jesus om tot verlossing te lei, moet dit veroorsaak dat ons sondige, wantrouige hart verander word na liefde en vertroue – met ander woorde, ons moet Jesus werklik vertrou en Hom en sy metodes, ontwerpwette en beginsels liefhê. Ons moet kies om die deur na ons harte vir Hom oop te maak en Hom in te laat. Jesus staan by die deur en klop, maar ons ervaar slegs verlossing wanneer ons die deur na ons harte oopmaak en Hom vertrou.

In die hemel het Lucifer vertroue met God verbreek en dit nooit herstel nie. Hoewel Judas ‘n dissipelskapverhouding met Jesus gehad het, het hy Jesus nooit werklik vertrou nie. Judas het ‘n persoonlike ervaring met Jesus gehad, maar het nooit in homself gesterf nie en is nooit wedergebore om God en ander lief te hê deur opregte vertroue in Jesus nie.

Is daar ‘n gevaar om te dink verlossing is in die verhouding met Jesus eerder as om deur die werk van die Heilige Gees in ons verhouding met Jesus verander te word?

Wat as iemand die valse christus, die bedrieër, die oplêer van die wet en die oplêer van straf verkies, en glo dat hy god is, dat die “wetshandhawer Jesus” die ware Jesus is – kan hulle ‘n verhouding met daardie Jesus vorm, en in daardie verhouding, kan hulle vertrou dat Jesus hul wetlike straf sal betaal, hul sondemisdade uit die rekords sal verwyder, en om eendag al hulle vyande te straf vir hulle onberouvolle sondemisdade en dan in die naam van daardie Jesus uit te gaan om “geregtigheid” te doen, om ander met wet en straf te benader om rebellie en sonde te onderdruk – net soos Saulus van Tarsus voor die Damaskuspad gedoen het?

En wat sal Jesus vir sulke aanbidders sê wanneer hulle beweer dat hulle dit alles in sy Naam gedoen het? Jesus het voorspel:

Baie sal op daardie dag vir my sê, “Here, Here, het ons nie in u Naam geprofeteer en in u Naam duiwels uitgedryf en baie wonderwerke gedoen nie?” Dan sal ek reguit vir hulle sê, “Ek het julle nooit geken nie. Weg van my af, julle kwaaddoeners!” (Matteus 7:22, 23 NLV 84).

Hy sal vir hulle sê om weg te gaan en dat Hy hulle nooit geken het nie – hulle het eintlik nie ‘n vertrouensverhouding met Hom gehad nie, maar die “Jesus” verkies wat soos Satan in karakter is.

Ja – al die gereddes sal ‘n persoonlike, diep, liefdevolle en intieme verhouding met Jesus hê, en dit is deur daardie verhouding dat vertroue herstel word en hulle die inwonende Heilige Gees ontvang, wat hulle herskep en genees om soos Jesus te wees. Verlossing beteken genesing; dit beteken om van sonde te red; dit beteken om God se wet in ons te herstel en ons harte, gedagtes en karakters te reinig van vrees, selfsug en wantroue – en dit vereis dat ons God en Jesus Christus ken, dat die eie-ek sterf en ons Jesus werklik vertrou en wedergebore word om God en ander meer lief te hê as self.

Dit is hoe die apostel Petrus gered is. Deur sy verhouding met Jesus het hy ‘n hartverandering ondervind wat sy inherente vrees en selfsug oorkom het, wat die struikelblokke vir sy redding was. By die Laaste Avondmaal het Jesus vir Petrus gesê:

En die Here sê: Simon, Simon, kyk, die Satan het jou begeer om jou soos koring te sif. Maar Ek het vir jou gebid, dat jou geloof nie ophou nie; en as jy jou bekeer, versterk jou broeders. (Lukas 22:31, 32 AFRB’23, beklemtoning myne).

En hy sê vir Hom: Here, ek is gereed om saam met U te gaan, in die tronk sowel as in die dood (vers 33 AFRB’23).

Maar ons ken die storie. Petrus het Jesus met vloeke verloën, en terwyl die haan gekraai het en Petrus pas sy Here verloën het,

het die Here omgedraai en reguit na Petrus gekyk, en Petrus het onthou dat die Here vir hom gesê het, “Voordat die haan kraai, sal jy My drie maal verloën.” En Petrus het uitgegaan en bitterlik geween (Lukas 22:61, 62 AFRB’23).

Petrus se verhouding met Jesus het sy inherente vrees en selfsug en sy liefde en vertroue in Jesus in konflik gebring. Hy moes kies, en op daardie oomblik het hy vrees en selfsug gekies. Hy het bitterlik gehuil omdat hy besef het dat sy hart steeds met sonde besmet is, maar dit is ook toe hy bekeer is, toe hy uiteindelik sy ou lewe aan Jesus oorgegee het en met ‘n nuwe hart en regte gees weergebore is, toe hy die transformerende krag ervaar het om ‘n nuwe lewe van liefde te lei. Jesus bevestig dit op die strand na sy opstanding:

Jesus sê vir Simon Petrus, “Simon, seun van Johannes, het jy My waarlik meer lief as hulle?”

“Ja, Here,” het hy gesê, “U weet dat ek U liefhet.”

Jesus het gesê: “Laat my lammers wei.”

Jesus het weer gesê: “Simon, seun van Johannes, het jy My waarlik lief?”

Hy antwoord: “Ja, Here, U weet dat ek U liefhet.”

Jesus het gesê, “Sorg vir my skape.”

Die derde keer sê hy vir hom: Simon, seun van Johannes, het jy my lief?”

Petrus was seergemaak omdat Jesus hom die derde keer gevra het: “Het jy my lief?” Hy het gesê, “Here, U weet alles; U weet dat ek U liefhet.”

Jesus het gesê, “Laat my skape wei.” (Johannes 21:15-17 NLV 84).

Verlossing is meer as om ‘n verhouding met Jesus te hê – dis om soos Jesus te word deur daardie verhouding met Hom!

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Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

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I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA