Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage begins with the thirty-fifth verse of the ninth chapter and continues through to the twenty-first verse of the tenth chapter. “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:35-38). “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:39-41). “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbers up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them” (John 10:1-6). “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep and flee the: and the wolf catchers them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling feedeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. NO man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I receive of my Father. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many. Of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 1:7-21). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continuation and conclusion of the account of the man born blind whom Jesus gave sight to. If there is one thing we must recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that this particular miracle was indeed one of the only ones recorded in any of the four gospels which are found in the New Testament. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for there is something truly unique and special about this when you take the time to think about it. Within this passage of Scripture we encounter a miracle that was indeed ordained and appointed by the living God to experience the manifestation of the works of the living God. There is something truly incredible when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the manifestation of the works of God in the life of one who had not only been born into blindness but who had also walked in that blindness his entire life. Stop and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is for I firmly believe there is something even more striking and powerful about the narrative and account of this man who had been born blind. It is when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you can and will be brought face to face with the fact that this man was born into blindness and was born blind and would walk in that blindness his entire life—that would be until he met and encountered the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this being said it’s important for us to recognize that although this man had indeed been born into blindness and although he had walked in that blindness his entire life there would indeed be a moment when he would be ordained to not only experience the manifestation of the works of the living God but also encounter and experience the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this particular passage of Scripture and I can’t help but encounter and be brought face to face with the incredible truth that this man was born into blindness and would walk in that blindness his entire life until he would encounter the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have to admit the more I read the words found in this passage of Scripture the more I encounter and am brought face to face with the fact that this passage of Scripture was about more than just physical and natural blindness. Although blindness was indeed at the heart and center of this passage of Scripture I am convinced that there is a much deeper and a much greater picture here than simply a man who was born into blindness and who would walk in that blindness his entire life until he would meet and experience the person of the Lord Jesus. In fact this particular picture is demonstrated and illustrated in the question the disciples would ask the Lord Jesus when they witnessed and observed this man who had been born blind. If and as you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter the disciples asking the Lord Jesus who had sinned—this man or his parents—that he had been born blind. This is not something we should ignore or even casually glance over for the question the disciples asked is something that strikes at the very heart and core of the concept of original sin—and not only original sin but also the reality of being born and conceived in sin. We dare not miss and ignore how absolutely incredible this truth truly is when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for there is something truly unique and captivating when you take the time to think about what is being presented here in this passage of Scripture. It is here in this particular passage of Scripture we find the disciples asking the Lord Jesus who had sinned—this man or his parents—that he had been born blind. What’s more is the question which the disciples asked suggests something even more challenging when you take the time to think about it and that is the concept of infirmity, illness, disease, sickness and even blindness being attributed top sin within someone’s life. The more I think about and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am reminded of the words which are found in the third chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis, that which is found in the fifth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome as well as the words which are found in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament book of the Psalms. I am absolutely convinced that if we want to truly understand the words and language which is found in this passage of Scripture we must needs turn and direct our attention to the words found and presented in these passages for they call and draw our focus to the concept of original sin—and not only original sin but how each and every one of us from the time of Adam have been born into sin and have in fact been born with the sin nature. What’s more is that we must needs recognize and understand that each and every one of us have been born into sin and many have walked in sin for quite some time within, during and throughout their lives. It is absolutely undeniable and unmistakable to consider the fact that we have indeed and have in fact been born into sin—and not only have been born into sin but have also walked in that sin throughout our entire life. IN addition to this we must needs recognize and understand that we were born into sin and walked in sin throughout the course of our lives until we encountered the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. Not only this but although we were born into sin and walked in that sin throughout our lives there was an expiration date on the influence of that sin nature present within our hearts, our minds and our lives. Before I get into that particular truth I find it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the words which are found in the third chapter of the book of Genesis, the fifth chapter of the epistle written unto the Roman saints as well as the words which are found in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament book of the Psalms: “Now the serpent was more suitability than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may earth of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat, And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heels. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till tho return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the LORD God said, B hold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:1-24). “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was sharpen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desiredst not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar” (Psalm 51:1-19). “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:1-11). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath astounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which received abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:12-21). I am absolutely convinced we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they not only address and speak to the concept of original sin but they also speak to the reality of our being born into sin. It was David who himself wrote in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament book of Psalms that he was shaped in iniquity and in his mother’s womb he was conceived in transgression. David recognized that when he was formed and fashioning together in his mother’s womb he was born into sin and that he would indeed be born into iniquity, into transgression and sin. With this being said it’s important to note that even though David would write of his being conceived within his mother’s womb in sin and would be shaped in iniquity he would still be knit together and formed and fashioned within his mother’s womb. It in the one-hundred and thirty-ninth chapter of the Old Testament book of Psalms we find David further writing of his being conceived within his mother’s womb and how the LORD not only formed and fashioned him within the womb of his mother but how the LORD also knew him from within his mother’s womb and before he was even conceived within that womb. David recognized that he was indeed conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity and we must needs recognize and understand this for it helps us to understand the narrative and account of the man who was born blind, the man who was born into blindness and the man who would walk in that blindness his entire life until he would encounter the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and experience the manifestation of the works of the living God. It is with this in mind I invite you to briefly consider the words which are found in the one-hundred and thirty-ninth chapter of the Old Testament book of the Psalms beginning with the first verse: “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downstitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: IF I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. IF I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the nigh shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee: For I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secretly, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! HO great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:1-24). OH there is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find the psalmist David acknowledging the presence of the living God—and not only the presence of the living God but also the divine omniscience and omnipresence of the living and eternal God. It would be in this passage of Scripture David would declare of the LORD that He possessed his reins and covered him in him his mother’s womb. David would declare that He would praise Him for He was fearfully and wonderfully made and marvelous were his works. It would be with these words David would indeed speak of the omnipresence of the living God and how there was absolutely no place he could go to escape his presence. Oh we must not miss and lose sight of this for these words call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding David’s recognizing that he was fearfully and wonderfully made within his mother’s womb—a truth that is intrinsically connected to that which we find in the fifty-first chapter of this same Old Testament book. It is in the fifty-first chapter of this book David would also acknowledge that he was conceived in sin and was shaped in iniquity—this despite the fact that he was fearfully and wonderfully y made and that he was covered in the womb of his mother. How absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for David recognized that he was indeed fearfully and wonderfully made, however, he also recognized that he was conceived in sin and was shaped in iniquity. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when considering the words which are found in in the fifth chapter of the New Testament epistle which was written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome. In the fifth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome we encounter and come face to face with the fact that in Adam all have sinned and have transgressed the commandment of the living God. What’s more is that as a direct result of the sin and transgression of Adam sin and death would enter into the world. What’s more is it would be the apostle Paul who would declare that sin and death reigned in Adam from his time until the time of Moses when the Law of the living God would be given. OH it is absolutely necessary we recognize and understand how absolutely incredible this truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful truth that surrounds our being born into sin—and not only our being born into sin but also walking in sin throughout the course of our lives. In fact this is precisely what is found within the epistle written by the apostle Paul within this epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome. It is within this epistle where the apostle Paul not only describes and declares that sin and death have reigned in the earth from the time of Adam unto Moses but have also continued to reign in the earth until the time when that epistle was written. What’s more is we must needs recognize that sin and death have reigned from the time the apostle Paul wrote this particular epistle unto the time of our generation and days. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for within this epistle the apostle Paul seeks to present all men as being guilty before and in the sight and presence of the living God. The apostle Paul emphatically declares that it was through Adam sin and death entered into the world and it was because of that sin we have all been born and conceived into sin and have walked in sin. What’s more is that I am convinced that before we return to the words which are found in the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we must needs consider the following words which are found in the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome: “For the watch of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but because vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18-25). “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet, and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despitefully, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:26-32). “What then? Are we better than they? NO, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:9-20). “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all t hem that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? OF works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law”(Romans 3:21-31). “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servant to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become the servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:15-23). I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay close attention to these words for they bring us face to face with the incredible truth that all have sinned and all have fallen short of the glory of the living God. What’s more is that if you turn and direct your attention to the first and opening chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle John unto the saints which were at Ephesus you will find him writing and correcting the thinking of those who said they had no sin and those who said they have not sinned. Beginning with the sixth verse of the first chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle John we find the following words: “IF we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:6-10). Oh there is absolutely powerful and incredible truth that is found within these verses for within them we find the apostle John correcting certain thinking which was present within the hearts and minds of some of the saints. It would be within this passage the apostle John would declare unto his readers and audience that if we say we have fellowship with the living and eternal God and with His Christ we walk in darkness we lie and do not the truth. Moreover the apostle John would also go on to declare that if we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. In addition to this the apostle John would go on to write and declare that if we say we have not sinned we make Him [Jesus Christ] a liar and his word is not in us. Oh ultimately the apostle John is concluding us all as having sinned and fallen short of the glory of God—much like the apostle Paul concluded in the third chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome. If you turn and direct your attention back to the words which are found in the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John you will find the account of this man who was born blind—and not only this man who was born blind but who would walk in that blindness his entire life until that moment when he would encounter and experience the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although it was indeed true this man would be born into blindness and although it was true he would walk in that blindness throughout his entire life from birth until this moment he was pre-ordained and appointed to experience the manifestation of the works of the living God within his life. Although this man had been born into blindness and although this man walked in that blindness his entire life there would come a point in time which was ordained by the living and eternal God when he would encounter and experience the person and presence of the living God. What makes this truly powerful and astonishing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that this man was indeed born blind and would walk in that blindness his entire life, however, that blindness had an expiration date. Despite the fact this man might have wondered how and why he would have been born blind he had absolutely no clue that he was destined, ordained and appointed for an encounter with the person and presence of the living God. This man had indeed been born blind which would have taken place within his mother’s womb. Although he too was fearfully and wonderfully made in the womb of his mother he would be born blind and would experience that blindness within the womb of his mother. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for while it is indeed absolutely amazing to think about the fact that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made we must also recognize and understand that we were born and conceived in sin and were shaped in iniquity. I am absolutely convinced that when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we are indeed brought face to face with a powerful picture of sin within our lives—and not only sin within our lives but also how we were born into sin and walked in sin throughout our entire lives. The more you read and consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more you will see a wonderful and powerful link and connection between blindness and sin for the disciples would indeed ask Jesus who had sinned—his parents or he himself—that he was born blind. The disciples thought and believed that this man had been born blind because of sin and that his blindness was directly attributed to sin within the lives of the parents and/or within the life of this man. Stop and think about the question the disciples asked Jesus concerning this man for the disciples’ question seemed to suggest their belief that his being born blind and his walking in that blindness was directly attributed to sin—regardless and whether or not that sin was present within his parents or himself. The disciples looked upon this man who was born blind and I can’t help but wonder how the disciples knew that he had been born blind. Was it known among those in Jerusalem that this man was and had been born blind and spent a good portion of his life begging in the streets of the city of Jerusalem? Is it possible that many within the city of Jerusalem knew this man’s story and that he had been born blind and had walked in that blindness his entire life? We know from the words which are found in this passage that those who saw the man walking freely throughout the streets of the city and even in the Temple were amazed and marveled for they knew that it was he who had been born blind and who perhaps sat there in the midst of the streets of the city begging and asking alms of all those who would pass by. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am absolutely gripped and captivated with the tremendous and incredible truth that this man was indeed born into blindness and walked in that blindness his entire life until he would encounter and experience the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is not a doubt in my mind that what we find in this passage of Scripture is indeed a powerful picture of men within the earth from the time of Adam until the time of this present generation. If there is one thing this passage demonstrates and reveals it’s that although this man had been born into blindness and although he had walked in that blindness his entire life there would be a moment ordained and appointed for him to experience the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is when you consider the fact that for all of us we have been born into sin and have walked in sin. There is not a single person alive or who has ever been alive who was not born into sin and who walked in sin throughout the course of their natural lives—at least until they met and encountered the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this being said it’s important to note that although all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and although all have been born into sin and have walked in that sin throughout their lives there have been those who have encountered the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are those who were born into sin and who previously walked in that sin UNTIL they met, experienced and encountered the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are those among us who were born in sin and who walked in sin until they met and encountered the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and experienced the manifestation of the works of God within their lives. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am reminded of the words which the apostles Paul wrote in the epistles written unto the Ephesian saints as well the Colossians saints. It is within these epistles we not only read of the pre-ordination and divine will and appointment of the living God but we also read of our lives prior to coming into the presence of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is within these two epistles we read incredibly powerful language concerning that life and former manner of conversation we had before we believed in and received the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact I have previously written how the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John has at the very heart and center of it the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding believing in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving Him. You cannot read this particular gospel without recognizing and understanding that at the very heart and center of it is the incredible picture of those who believed in Jesus and who received Him and those who despised and rejected Him. What’s more is that even in the case of this man who was born blind we find that after his eyes were opened and he received his sight Jesus would find him and ask him if he believed on the Son of the living God. This man would respond unto Jesus asking who He was that He might worship Him—a question which Jesus would respond to him by declaring that he had seen Him and it was He who talked with him. It would be as a direct result of this declaration and proclamation of Jesus—one that was not made frequently during those days—this man would truly understand that the one who had given him sight was the Christ and the Son of the living God. With all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the New Testament epistles written by the apostle Paul unto the saints of Ephesus as well as the saints which were present in Colossae. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the language contained within these epistles for within them we are brought face to face with our former manner of conversation and our former way of living prior to coming to know, believe and receive the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize how absolutely incredible this truly is and how the words presented within these epistles are intrinsically connected to that which is found in the ninth chapter of the gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. It is within these epistles we encounter the foreknowledge of the living God and that which he has personally ordained and appointed unto and for those who believe in Jesus and who have received Him. It is absolutely impossible to have a discussion about that which is presented in the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and not encounter and come face to face with the words the apostle Paul wrote unto the saints of Ephesus and Colossae concerning their former manner of conversation prior to believing in and receiving the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in these two epistles concerning the former manner of conversation we had before coming unto and believing in and receiving the person of the Lord Jesus Christ beginning with the first chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Ephesus: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation fo the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predstinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:3-14). “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: : not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:1-10). “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of p romaine, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconciled both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building firmly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the LORD: in whom ye also are builder together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:11-22). “This I say therefore, and testify in the LORD, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:17-24). “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyful ness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, and the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:9-20). “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unrereprovable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his body’s sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:21-29). “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven all your trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was again act us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 1:8-15). “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which heh hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increase the with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh” (Colossians 2:16-23). “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetouensss, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filly communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forging one another, if any mean have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:1-13). I am convinced there is a great need for us to pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw us into the place where we recognize that there was indeed a former manner of living which used to describe us. Upon reading the words found within each of these epistles we are brought face to face with the fact that we were once alienated from God and were once enemies of the cross of Christ. The more you read the words located in these two epistles you will find them pointing to the same reality the apostle Paul wrote in the epistle written unto the saints of Rome—namely, that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Moreover these epistles agree with the words the apostle John wrote concerning our saying we have no sin and even saying that we have not sinned and thus deceiving ourselves and the truth not abiding in us. It was through the epistle written by the apostle Paul as well as through the Law which was given unto and through Moses that all men have been concluded to be under sin and guiltily in the sight and presence of the living God. It was the apostle Paul who wrote that it was through Adam that sin and death entered into the world and would therefore reign in the mortal bodies of every son and/or daughter of Adam throughout the generations. Pick any man and/or woman from the time of Adam until the present day and aside from Jesus Himself there was not a single one who was conceived outside of and absent from sin. There is not a single man or woman who was conceived without the sin nature being present within their physical bodies and without a natural inclination toward the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Each and every one of us were at one point alienated from the one true and living God and were separated from Him by and because of our sins. It is only through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and our believing in Him and receiving Him that we are able to be brought near unto the living and eternal God. When you read the words presented in the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find this man who was born into blindness and who walked in that blindness his entire life. Scripture does not reveal how old this man was other than to say that he was “of age” which his parents revealed unto the Jews when they inquired whether or not he was born blind and how he now came seeing. This particular passage is an incredibly powerful picture of sin and how each and every one of us were born into sin—and not only were we born into sin but we walked in sin throughout the course of our lives. It is this particular reality which the apostle Paul sought to convey unto the churches—particularly the Gentile churches—for he desired them to recognize that all have sinned and come short of the glory of the living God. What’s more is the apostle Paul desired to make the churches know there was a former and previous manner of conversation and way of living which was manifested in their lives “B.C” or “Before Christ.” In all reality I have to say that I absolutely love two letters—“B.C.”—for it speaks of the wonderful truth of how our lives changed from what they were before Christ. There was indeed a life which we had and which we lived before Christ, however, that life would entirely and altogether change the moment we believed on Him and received Him as both Lord and Christ. It was this reality which the apostle Paul would write in the tenth chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome for he would emphatically declare that if we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with our hearts that God raised Him from the dead on the third day then we shall be saved. Moreover it would be the apostle Paul who would also quote the words of the prophet Joel when he proclaimed and prophesied that all who call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the tenth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome beginning with the first and opening verse. Consider now if you will the following words which we read in this chapter concerning our being brought into salvation and our calling upon the name of the LORD and being saved: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and pray to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (That is, to bring Christ down from above) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (That is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Elias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esau’s is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people” (Romans 10:1-21). As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I feel it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the ninth chapter of this gospel written by the apostle John. It is within this particular chapter where we not only find Jesus giving sight unto this man who had been born in blindness and who had walked in blindness his entire life but He also revealed Himself as the Son of the living God. After Jesus had given sight to this man—something which he had not experienced his entire life up to that point—He would find Him in would ask if he believed in the Son of God. This man would ask Jesus who this Son of God was that he might worship Him to which Jesus would Himself respond and declare that he had both seen Him and it was He who spoke unto him. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how incredibly beautiful it is for although this man was born into blindness and although he would walk in that blindness for much of his life he was ordained and appointed for the manifestation of the works of the living God within his physical body. This man would indeed be ordained and appointed to experience the manifestation of the works of the living God—and not only the works of the living God but also the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. It is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter the tremendous truth that this man had indeed experienced the person and presence of the Lord Jesus after spending his entire life until that point in time walking in blindness. It wasn’t enough that this man had been born blind but this man had also walked in that blindness his entire life. It wouldn’t be until this man encountered and experienced the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ he would not only receive his sight but would also experience the revelation of the Son of God. RECEIVING SIGHT, REVELATION OF THE SON! Oh how absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is when you take the time to truly consider it for within this passage of Scripture we find this man who was born into blindness and even walked in that blindness and yet that blindness—even from the time he was born with it—and yet there was an expiration date on that blindness. Even though this man was born into blindness and would walk in that blindness he would have an appointment with the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ where he would personally experience the manifestation of the works of the living God within his life. I find it absolutely incredible to read the words which are recorded in the ninth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for within it we find a powerful picture of countless men and women who were and are just like this man. Just as this man was born into blindness and walked in blindness for most of his life until he met Jesus so also men and women are born into sin and walk in that sin throughout their entire lives until they meet the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is when men and women meet and experience the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. This is perhaps one of the core and fundamental truths found in the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome for within this epistle he concluded all men were born into sin and all men walked in sin until they were crucified with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and buried with Him in the baptism of death. This is the undeniable reality which is found in the sixth chapter of this particular epistle as the apostle Paul not only speaks of our being buried with Christ through baptism in His death but also putting to death the members of our mortal body. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it’s important to recognize that although we have all been born into sin and have walked in sin throughout most of our lives all of that changed when we encounter the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is absolutely no denying or mistaking this particular truth for although we have been born into sin and although we have indeed walked in sin we are those who have encountered the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and have experienced the manifestation of the works of the living God within our hearts and lives. This man was born into blindness and walked in that blindness until the day when he met Jesus and it would be that day when everything changed in his life. It would be on that particular day when Jesus would spit on the ground, make clay from the spittle, anoint his eyes and tell him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. This man who had been born into blindness and walked in that blindness would go away blind and after washing would come again seeing. It is this very reality which strikes at the very core of the hymn “Amazing Grace” when we read of how we once were lost but now we are found and were blind but now we see. It is with this in mind I leave you with the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of the epistle written unto the saints of Rome, the words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Galatian churches and the fifth chapter of the second epistle written unto the Corinthian saints: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I throughly the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:16-21). “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of us. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body ye shall live” (Romans 8:1-13).