0382. ALIENATED FROM THE LIFE OF GOD.
ALIENATED FROM THE LIFE OF GOD.
Eph_4:18.
I. What is Meant by "the Life of God?" Jesus Christ was the perfect exhibition of this life. In Him this life was manifested as a life of-
1. Holiness. He was the image of God, although in the likeness of sinful flesh. A life lived in the fellowship and favour of God.
2. Self-Sacrifice. He pleased not Himself. He loved us and gave Himself for us. Always pleasing unto God (Mat_17:5).
3. Inward Joy and Peace. He could say, "My peace I give unto you," and that "My joy may remain in you." The life of God is a life in perfect harmony, with a perfect environment.
4. Power and Victory. Power over all His enemies, and victory over death and the grave.
II. What is Meant by being "Alienated" from this life? It is to have-
1. No Likeness to God. No kinship of nature. Separated by sin, and living at enmity with Him (Rom_8:7).
2. No Fellowship with God. As soon as Adam sinned he fell out of communion with God. Those in fellowship with the powers of darkness cannot walk in this light (Act_26:18).
3. No Hope in God. Where there is no faith in Jesus Christ there is no hope, and those without this hope are without God in the world (Eph_2:12).
4. No Fitness for God. The carnal mind cannot please Him, and without holiness no man shall see the Lord. "Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
III. What is the Cause of this Alienation? It is threefold-
1. Ignorance. "Alienated through the ignorance that is in them." This is wilful ignorance, for Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also." "Ye will not come to Me."
2. Blindness. "Because of the blindness of their heart." Those who prefer the darkness to the light will surely be smitten with heart-blindness. Spiritual ignorance is the most favourable condition for a "deceitful heart."
3. Darkness. "The understanding darkened." Spiritual things become foolishness to them. These are the fetters with which the god of this world binds the enemies of God (2Co_4:3-4).
IV. What is the Cure for Alienation? We may instantly escape from this awful condition by-
1. Confession. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us, because God’s Lamb has been slain (Joh_1:29). Propitiation has been made (1Jn_2:2).
2. Reception. "As many as receive Him, to them gives He the right to become the sons of God" (Joh_1:12). The prodigal was no longer alienated after he "came to his father" "No man can come to the Father but by Me."
3. Submission. To abide in His fellowship there must be a continual surrender of the will to God. "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love" (Joh_15:10).
Autor: James Smith