Considering what we have thus far discussed in our previous post right about now many are probably thinking to themselves this all seems much too complicated, the Gospel of salvation is not supposed to be this complicated it’s supposed to be simple, viz. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” (Acts 16:31).

This is true for the most part, but then we are not referring to “our common salvation” (Jude 3), of the salvation which comes to all through the ransom sacrifice of Christ, salvation from the Adamic curse, No! We are talking about the “high calling which is in Christ Jesus”, the call of the Church, the call to be joined to body of Christ, something which is only offered once and only now during the Gospel age, a completely different issue.

“Of THIS salvation (as in distinction with the “common salvation”), the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you (the Church). “1 Pet 1:10

Also spoken of as “THE salvation,” “YOUR salvation,” “OUR salvation,” “so GREAT salvation,” and etc. (Luke 3:6; Eph 1:13; Phil 2:12; Rom 13:11; Heb 2:3).

The “free gift” (the unmerited grace or favor) of God is the common salvation or redemption from the Adamic curse which we all share, this salvation costs absolutely nothing of the individual. It has all been paid for by our redeemer, Christ Jesus our Lord, nothing is require of us.

Just as all men were condemned in Adam irregardless of their own preference so too all men have been saved (redeemed) from this same condemnation through the ransom sacrifice of Christ irregardless of their own preference. That is to say irregardless as to whether or not they believe it or not they are still saved from the Adamic curse, even as it is written:

“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment (i.e. the sentence or curse) came to ALL MEN (extensively) resulting in condemnation… (All fall short of the glory of God, there is none righteous, no not one) even so through one man’s righteous act (the Man Christ Jesus who gave his life a ransom for all) the free gift (redemption from the Adamic curse) came to ALL MEN (co-extensively) resulting in (the sentence of) justification of life.” (Rom 5:18)

Does this justification of life imply that all men will have eternal life?

“For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

Although the gift of God comes to us without our merit it does not imply it is free of responsibility and commitment. Even as a gift it still comes with certain conditions attached to it, the conditions being accept, believe and obey. Now in respects to the world in the next age as to whether or not this gift of justification to life will result in eternal life that will be contingent upon the individual’s fulfillment of the terms of the New Covenant.

So what then of those called now, called to the body of Christ?

Whereas at the present time the only condition for salvation (from the Adamic curse), and to justification to life, is faith and belief in the Lord Jesus much more is required of those who would enter the straight gate, the narrow way and follow in the Master’s footsteps, that will require “sacrifice”.

What does it mean to follow in the Master’s footsteps?

“If anyone desires to come after me (to be my disciple), let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23, 24)

“Let him deny himself”, let him renounce his own self-will;

“Take up his cross”, begin to live contrary to his own preferences in that he will do according to the Divine will, instead of according to his own will, where it crosses the Divine.

“Follow me”, continue to follow in my footsteps to the end being proven “faithful unto death”, even as I was.

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live (those who are justified to life through faith in his blood) should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again (That is to say those who were thus redeemed should not live for their own pleasures, their own self-interests, but wholly consecrate themselves to his service).” 2 Cor 5:14, 15

“Unto you also it is graciously given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe into him, but also to suffer on his behalf.” (Phil 1:29) In the text which we quoted from Luke above, Jesus said: “He who would save his life will lose it.” We save our life, in the sense which Jesus means here, when we fail to deny ourselves and submit our will to God, dying to our own opinions, plans, and ways.

What are the requirements of Discipleship, following in the Master’s footsteps?

“Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed you.” So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:28–30)

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate (Love me not more than) his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26, 27)

The word hate is apparently used in contrast with love. To be a disciple of Christ means that we must love supremely the Lord and the principles for which he stands, so that love for others would comparatively be hatred.

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

“Jesus gave three prerequisites for discipleship, as follows:

1) Love for the Lord has to be superior to love for family and love for self.

Our commitment to the Lord has to be so definite that even if a breach results, we will be loyal to the Lord and not submit if family wishes us to go in another direction. And we must love the Lord more than our own life. Stated another way, we must love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. “Hate” means to hate by comparison (as was stated above). Compare Matt 10:37, “He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Jesus is not calling those with average enthusiasm. He wants us to be overcomers based on faith in Christ’s power, protection, etc.

2) An individual must bear his own cross and follow after Jesus.

In other words, each one has a particular problem when first coming into the truth as well as afterwards, and that problem must be borne patiently and faithfully. Jesus said to “come after me”; that is, “Follow my leading; walk as I walked.” We must walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Two conditions are sometimes mentioned, of which the second is more advanced: (1) self-denial and (2) cross bearing. Self-denial, the negation of self, is necessary but not sufficient. There must also be cross bearing, following after Jesus. In other words, the Christian must do certain things. Many have the idea that the Christian just gives up something or does not do this or that, but the Bible has much instruction on what to do.

Jesus’ advice was to count the cost. One could look at this advice from a discouraging standpoint, but the intention was otherwise.

Which one of us in our own strength would contemplate doing the Lord’s will? We have to exercise faith—something like Joshua and Caleb. Ten spies reported how big (like giants) the inhabitants of the land of Canaan were, whereas Joshua and Caleb trusted that the Lord would overrule. Thus two of the twelve gave an encouraging report. Fear enlarges the difficulty; it magnifies the problem. The Christian should be optimistic. If God says something can be done, it can be done, and we are not to weigh the situation from the standpoint of our own capability, even though the wording is somewhat like that here in Luke.

Jesus said that if we contemplate building a tower, we should first sit down and consider the effort needed to construct it, for if we do not finish the tower, people will look at it and mock. The advice is not to rush into consecration without giving it consideration. Consecration is a marathon race. When we enter that race, we should realize it is a long haul—unto death. The race is not run in short spurts. Having some sense of the responsibility involved will carry us a long way. The evangelist who preaches Christ should be careful not to play on the emotions of individuals because emotions waver. We all have ups and downs. We should not be discouraged but should be realistic about what consecration entails. The Lord would not call one unless the individual could make his calling and election sure.

Consecration is a lifetime commitment, and it is helpful to know in advance that consecration requires above-average effort. As shown by the illustration of the king (Verse 31) having 10,000 men and the enemy 20,000—twice as many—the ones who excel in their consecration have the drive and the desire. They make the effort to supersede their normal capabilities. Lesson: Run to win the race, not to come in second or third. Exert the effort. Run as if there is only one crown.

An attitude is being stressed here. If we have the desire, the Lord will prosper it.

Verses 32 and 33 are strong talk. Jesus was saying, “Do not compromise. Count the cost first so that when an ‘enemy’ approaches, you will not compromise, putting peace ahead of purity.”

“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17).

3) Jesus’ disciples must have the desire to forsake all that they have.

We should examine ourselves and ask, “Am I really running the race with the hope of gaining the crown?” This question should be asked not only initially but repeatedly throughout our consecration. Two things can keep us from getting the crown: (1) dropping out of the race completely (a Second Death destiny) or (2) compromising (a Great Company destiny).

At the present time the battle is chiefly within ourselves—conquering our own spirit. In times past there were physical persecutions, and they will occur again in the future. We should gain inward victories now so that when outward persecution comes, we will zealously and enthusiastically wage an aggressive war against the evil.

In advance of consecration, we should ask, “Do I really want to do the Lord’s will?” (How much am I willing to sacrifice?) We should search our own motives at the beginning, during the race, and at the end.” (The Gospel of Luke)

Continued with next post.