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PENTECOST- SALVATION OF GOD            

WHO IS JESUS?

Jesus is God. Along with the Father and the Spirit. One God - 3 Persons. What is God up to? Its important to answer this question especially as we celebrate Pentecost today. This union of the one God is called the ONTOLOGICAL union. This union is unique to God. We cannot and do not share this Godly co-existance. It is a union between Father, Son and Spirit. We could say, “God is one in being, and three in Divine Persons. ”

WHAT IS THIS GOD DOING?

God is working out SALVATION!  Each person in the Godhead has a unique role to play but they do not act independently or separately. The are united in mind and purpose. All having the same goal, they act in unison, never independently. One God, one mind, one purpose. SALVATION! How do I know this? John 8:28 (NIV) 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.

JESUS’ ROLE IN SALVATION:

Through the incarnation of Jesus, God is working out SALVATION. Jesus came from God, was born as a human, lived, suffered and died. He was resurrected, revealed his resurrected self to his followers. He ascended to the Father. Why?

John 12:32  (NIV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

1 Timothy 2:3 (NIV) This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This was Jesus’ role. He was the mediator between God and man.

Because of the incarnation, we along with all people are reconciled to God. Forgiven the wages of sin. Deserving death, we have through Jesus been forgiven. Many do not know this, do not accept or embrace this wonderful truth. This reconcilliation made possible through the incarnation is a union between all people and God. We call it a HYPOSTATIC union.

GOD, THROUGH JESUS, EXPERIENCED WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE HUMAN.

How do I know this?

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

A THIRD UNION:

On the day of Pentecost, some 2000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured out. The disciples and followers of Jesus were all together in one place. Suddenly their were some amazing manifestations. A mighty wind that went roaring through the house. Fire that separated and descends on each of them. They are filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other languages. Some though they were drunk. Peter now filled with Holy Spirit, stands up and says, its only 9 in the morning, they are not drunk. He then teaches about Jesus and him crucified, in ignorance, by the people. Their conscience was troubled and they asked, “What must we do?” Repent says Peter and be baptised. 3000 Souls were baptised that day. This was the beginning (inception) of the new testament church.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (NIV) For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

These 3000 souls, filled with the Holy Spirit entered into a relationship with God. This living in relationship with God is what we refer to as a SPIRITUAL union. These are called believers, or children of God. We refer to them as being born again, or born from above. It is this SPIRITUAL union that distinguished believers from non-believers. What about us? We too have to say “Yes” to God, like those in Jerusalem did.

John 14:15-17 (NIV)“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Luke 24:49 (NIV) I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

John 15:26 (NIV) When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and now inhabits all those who believe and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and Saviour. When we accept what God has done through the incarnation we are baptised. This is a symbol of our faith, and act of gratitude towards God because of his love for us. We enter into a relationship with God - a SPIRITUAL union.

Jesus had to go away. As a human he could only be in one place at one time, not so with the Holy Spirit. He inhabits all Christians everywhere, helping us, aiding us, filling us with power and conviction as we grow in faith and as we respond in love to the salvation of God. As he did the disciples on Pentecost. God knew the disciples did not have it in them to be his agents of salvation. So the Holy Spirit came from God to give them power, faith, wisdom, strength. To be witnesses to the resurrection. Once the Holy Spirit filled them, they did not cower behind locked doors any more. So here we are today! Celebrating Pentecost. The coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

WHAT MUST WE DO?

Through the SPIRITUAL union with God. The Holy Spirit will show you what to do. Sharing our faith - carrying this message of salvation to all people so that everyone can come to experience this spiritual union with God. God is working out salvation. But it says, we are Christ’s ambassadors. Its as if he is making his appeal through us. Just as he did with the disciples. We need to heed the call.