7. ROOTS OF SIN CAN NEVER BE CLEANSED FROM HUMAN HEARTS UNTIL SPRINGS OF MOTIVATION
ARE PURIFIED
- Principle of self-centered motivation is Satan's unique invention. Isa. 14:12-14. (The highest form of self-seeking
motivation is desire for reward in heaven, or immortality. All non-Christian religions built upon this foundation).
- Christ came to demonstrate a new motivation--agape-love, which is completely self-emptying, "even the death of the
cross." The same mind is to be in us. Phil. 2:5-8.
- Genuine New Testament faith is a heart-appreciation of this heavenly, unworldly motivation of agape-love. Eph. 3:14-19;
Jn. 3:16.
- Paul goes on to explain that failure to appreciate this new kind of motivation leaves us immature "children." Eph.
4:11-14.
- A true Bride is no longer a child, nor does she marry for money or for any self-seeking motivation. Marries because she
appreciates her husband, responds genuinely to his love. Paul sees the Church as Bride of Christ. Eph. 5:22-32.
(Compare Rev. 19:5-9. Babylon is "the great whore" whose spiritual motivation is purely self-centered, and knows no
appreciation of agape-love. Doctrine of natural immortality makes true motivation impossible).
- Genuine righteousness by faith in time of cleansing of sanctuary is a "truth in love [agape]" that makes it possible for
people to "grow up into...Christ" as a true Bride relates to her husband ("head"). Eph. 4:13-16; 5:22, 23; 2:4-9; 3:8-12.
- A concern for honor and glory of Christ, rather than for their own personal security, motivates God's people in the "hour
of God's judgment" or vindication. To "fear" Him is to reverence or appreciate His true character of love. Rev. 14:6, 7.
- Moses and Paul are examples of individuals who grew up to appreciate true agape-love, the self-emptying motivation.
Ex.32:31, 32; Rom. 9: 1-3.
- When a people or church grow up to appreciate the same motivation of concern for God's "glory," the "harvest" will be
"ripe" and Christ will come immediately. Mk. 4:26-29; Rev. 14:14, 15.
- Laodicea does not realize that her basic spiritual motivation is self centered, childish, poverty stricken, shameful. Rev.
3:14-17.
- In His being sent "in the likeness of sinful flesh" Christ was tempted to surrender to same self-centered motivation,
yet He "overcame." Laodicea too will "overcome." Jn. 5:30; 6:38; Heb. 4:15; Rev. 3:21.
|