September 25, 2015

Phillippians 2:5-11

(All scripture is from the New King James Version unless otherwise indicated.)

The scripture is rather long today, but there is so much truth in it – several precious Gems for Living – that I want to reproduce all seven verses of Philippians 2:5 through 11:

      Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the
      form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made
      Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the
      likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled
      Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the
      cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the
      name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee
      should bow, of those in heaven, and of those in earth, and of those under
      the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father.

Of course, this passage refers to the incarnation of Christ – God becoming human flesh! John wrote in I John 4:2 and 3 that belief and confession of the incarnation is so vital to true faith, such confession – or lack thereof – can be used as a test to determine whether or not the one speaking is a false prophet.

Paul, in Philippians 2:5, admonishes us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus….” We are to let His mind control us as the natural brain controls our body! (See The Body of Christ – II, July 15, 2013). He will then lead us into that same mindset of ultimate giving and service as He had and has.

But because Jesus gave so much – even to His own death on the cross for us – the Father “…has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name…” (Philippians 2:9). What is the result of being given such a name – such a reputation? Paul goes on in verses 10 and 11: “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Every knee…every tongue! If a person does not do that here and now, they will do it there and then – before the great white throne judgment described in Revelation 20:11 through 15. After this judgment, in which the unsaved are “…judged, each one according to his works…” (Revelation 20:13), they will be “…cast into the lake of fire…the second death.” (Revelation 20:14). This is a description of Hell! The description is expanded in Revelation 14:10 and 11 – and it applies to any unbeliever, not just the Tribulation followers of the antichrist!:

      …he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is
      poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall
      be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels
      and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends
      forever and ever….

Thank God we have A Precious Head Start on bowing our knees and confessing the name of Jesus Christ! If we do that now – accepting Him as Savior – it is, as Paul wrote in II Corinthians 5:7, “…by faith, not by sight.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8); and “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). We “…must believe that He is [that God exists, that Jesus Christ paid the price to redeem us], and that He is the rewarder [Savior, in this case] of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). If we wait until we see Him face to face to bow the knee and confess His name, it will be too late! For then, He will only be the Judge to all who stand before Him – not the Savior!

So what if I do not want to bow the knee before Him and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord? What if I have rejected Him throughout all this life? Why should I then have to do that? You will have no choice at that time! “…God…[already] has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name….” (verse 9 of our featured scripture). “…God…[already] has… [ordained] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (verses 10 and 11). No one can ever change what God has ordained! If you, as an unbeliever, do not want to bow and confess, an angel may give you a knee behind your knee so you will be forced to fall on your knees and bow! And then he may just grab your tongue and make you confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ! After that, you will hear Him say, “Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…” (Matthew 25:41), and you will have to leave His presence forever!

Yes, thank God we have a Precious Head Start now in this matter! And it makes all the difference – the difference between eternal life and eternal death!