The Reception and Appropriation of Christ

Hebrews 11:1-6 states that, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. ³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. ⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. ⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 

Terms used as coming to Christ, looking to Christ, and receiving Christ are all descriptions of faith, as are also the phrases surrender to Christ, total access to Christ, submission to Christ, closing in with Christ, which Paul refers to a confession of faith in Romans 10:9. Faith, then, is a taking of Christ as both Savior and Lord, and consecration to Christ. 

The voluntary element in faith, however, is a giving as well as a taking.  Total access in the Spirit (holiness is the bridge) by both spirits--You as a spirit, and God as the Holy Spirit.  The giving, or surrender, is illustrated in baptism by submergence (Acts 2:38).  Where the element of surrender is emphasized and the element of reception is not understood, the result is a legalistic experience, with little hope or joy.  Only as we appropriate Christ, in connection with our consecration, do we realize the full blessing of the Gospel.  Revelation requires two things: the sun to shine, and the eye to take in its shining. Open up to learn something new from God. Check it out and see if the Word shines light on it. 

Faith is the act by which we receive Christ. The woman who touched the border of Jesus’ garment received His healing power. When you receive the fullness of the Spirit, you receive access to the Gifts of the Spirit as spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Just as you, as a spirit-filled saint, more than likely will use the gifts that are vocal without thinking about it, but the others can, and should be accessed just as easily. 

It is better still to keep in touch with Christ so as to receive continually His graces (gifts) and life. Most importantly, it is taking Him into our inner most being, to being, to be the soul of our soul, and the life of our life. This is the essence of faith. Yet, many Christians do not realize it.  This kind of faith can never be defined because it is a fact of life. It is a merging of our life in the life of Christ, and a reception of Christ’s life to interpenetrate and energize ours.   

In faith, we must take Christ as well as give ourselves.

I thank you for your continued viewing and reading.  If this Blog and its contents has been a blessing to you, then I ask, with God's leading, that you consider supporting Artesian Well Church.

Artesian Well Church

Thank you for reading!

Pastor  James P. Norman Jr