The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
Gene Cunningham - November 28, 2003
Joshua # 06 -- Jos 3:1-10
Paul read the book of James, namely that works are justification before man (Rom 4:1-12). Entering the land of Canaan wasn't a picture of entering heaven, but spiritual maturity, because it was a land of warfare (1Co 10:1-33, Heb 3:1-19). Spiritual maturity is a life of paradox rest in the face of conflict. The sanctification of men is pictured in Joshua (Jos 3:1-8) — "Sanctify yourselves" (Jos 3:8). We're a saint at the point of salvation (set apart forever) imputed with the righteousness of Christ (Rom 4:1-12). There's no such thing as probationary salvation. As a saint we are increasing sanctification. Crossing of the river is analogous to believer who begins to reckon the truth of his union with Christ. Practical sanctification is a believer deciding to devote himself to the plan and purpose God (Rom 12:1-2). Joshua commands the people to hear the word of the Lord (Jos 3:9-10, Joh 17:17, Rom 10:17). The Ark of the Covenant is a picture of Jesus Christ. Crossing the Jordan at peak; the priests and the Ark stood in the middle of the Jordan — a place of death. That act represents the work of Christ; He stood in the place of death for us. Crossing the Jordan pictures Paul's description of our standing in Christ and life potential (Rom 5:1-6).
Scripture References: Hebrews 3:1-19, John 17:17, Romans 4:1-12, Joshua 3:9-10, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 4:1-12, Joshua 3:8, Romans 5:1-6, Joshua 3:1-8, Romans 10:17
From Series: "Joshua - 2005"
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