The holiness movements of today have none of the rugged reality of the New Testament about them. There is nothing about them that needs the death of Jesus Christ. All that is required is a pious atmosphere, prayer, and devotion. This type of experience is not supernatural nor miraculous. It did not cost the sufferings of God, nor is it stained with “the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11). It is not marked or sealed by the Holy Spirit as being genuine, and it has no visual sign that causes people to exclaim with awe and wonder, “That is the work of God Almighty!” Yet the New Testament is about the work of God and nothing else.

The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!

Jesus said, “. . . when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, . . . He will glorify Me . . .” (John 16:13-14). When I commit myself to the revealed truth of the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit, who then begins interpreting to me what Jesus did. The Spirit of God does in me internally all that Jesus Christ did for me externally.

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November 29, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Nowadays when anyone wants to pursue a more “complex and deep” or “intellectually stimulating” spiritual discussion, I cannot get interested. The more I study and pray, the more satisfying is the simple message of Jesus.

And God says…”The Holy Spirit living inside of you that connects with My Spirit is leading you when you are connected to Me. When you are connected to Me, you are brought into love, faith, forgiveness, loving kindness, truth, hope, and peace. When you are connected to Me you know the truth and in love you live out the truth…… that Jesus is the answer, simple and pure, to everything you face. When you are connected to Me you are confident and certain of your salvation and growth, while also being aware of the grace that is necessary to cover your day to day living and natural missteps. Trust the simple truth of Jesus in everything you say and do, and convert your questions and concerns to His praise to experience the peace that passes all understanding.”

John 16:13 (The Message)

 12-15″I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver to you.