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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 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 27

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 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 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

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 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

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 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto