Our newest classmate, XXX, stated something very wise in an introduction letter I received from her. She said that she realized at some point that she needed to start advancing in her Christian growth toward Christ. (Not her specific words, but I think I captured her focus). She is so right!
So often, churches repeat the messages over and over and over; Christians become stagnated with ritual and rote and repetition. Focus becomes placed upon tradition, rather than the moving, living LORD God, His Word and His Spirit.
Calvin points out that we could never come close to the LORD God and do His works, unless we are both pruned and cleansed. He thinks that you are clean already, because of your belief in the Word of God and that the meaning of pruning is doctrine. Specifically, Calvin says...
First, lets look at the Scripture that Calvin is talking about...
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:2, 3 KJV)
He's right...Jesus directly says that we are made clean through the Word of God that He spoke.
That's how powerful His Word is. Just by hearing His Word we are made clean. Remember what purge means? 2508. kayairw kathairo kath-ah’-ee-ro; from 2513; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate:— purge.
Now, make no mistake! Let's put this in real terms!
1. Original sin can only be removed by death, and that death happens at the baptism or actual death of a person. Check.
2. The redemption of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ happens at a future date. Check.
3. So what is Jesus talking about being made clean through His Word?
That is our topic today, class. What is exactly cleansed in you when you are studying His Word? Do you believe that the purging comes from the doctrines derived from the Word of Jesus Christ like Calvin believes, or do you believe that the pruning goes deeper than that? How does Jesus make you clean with His Word? Give us examples of how when you are not in the Word, you become dirty. Explain the importance of being in the Word continuously, so your cleanness is assured. Take care that you don't confuse being clean with salvation! We are talking about two different concepts here!
Looking forward to your sharing!
David "Bucker" Becker
So often, churches repeat the messages over and over and over; Christians become stagnated with ritual and rote and repetition. Focus becomes placed upon tradition, rather than the moving, living LORD God, His Word and His Spirit.
Calvin points out that we could never come close to the LORD God and do His works, unless we are both pruned and cleansed. He thinks that you are clean already, because of your belief in the Word of God and that the meaning of pruning is doctrine. Specifically, Calvin says...
He (Jesus) points out the means of pruning, namely, doctrine; and there can be no doubt he speaks of outward preaching, for he expressly mentions the word, which they heard from their mouth. Not that the word proceeding from the mouth of a man has so great efficacy, but, so far as Christ works in the heart by the Spirit, the word itself is the instrument of cleansing.
First, lets look at the Scripture that Calvin is talking about...
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:2, 3 KJV)
He's right...Jesus directly says that we are made clean through the Word of God that He spoke.
That's how powerful His Word is. Just by hearing His Word we are made clean. Remember what purge means? 2508. kayairw kathairo kath-ah’-ee-ro; from 2513; to cleanse, i.e. (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate:— purge.
Now, make no mistake! Let's put this in real terms!
1. Original sin can only be removed by death, and that death happens at the baptism or actual death of a person. Check.
2. The redemption of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ happens at a future date. Check.
3. So what is Jesus talking about being made clean through His Word?
That is our topic today, class. What is exactly cleansed in you when you are studying His Word? Do you believe that the purging comes from the doctrines derived from the Word of Jesus Christ like Calvin believes, or do you believe that the pruning goes deeper than that? How does Jesus make you clean with His Word? Give us examples of how when you are not in the Word, you become dirty. Explain the importance of being in the Word continuously, so your cleanness is assured. Take care that you don't confuse being clean with salvation! We are talking about two different concepts here!
Looking forward to your sharing!
David "Bucker" Becker
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