Math. Arithmetic. You probably learned the basics in school. Maybe you took a college class, and learned a little so-called “Higher Math.” Well, it all points to Almighty God. Masterfully laid out, cleverly coordinated, mathematics reflects His orderly nature and the precision of His universe.
While I was digging into His Word recently, the Holy Spirit exposed me to an essential equation in what I’m calling, “Most-High Math”. It’s simple really—simple yet profound!
JOHN 3:16 + 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 + LUKE 11:13 = MARK 16:17-18.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE + SPIRITUAL REBIRTH + HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM = SUPERNATURAL LIFE
Let’s break this equation down. The foundation: (JN 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should have everlasting life.” That famously beautiful expression of the Father’s limitless, unconditional love and His offer of limitless life to whoever grabs hold of it.
The truth is that everyone has transgressed against the Lord God and comes up guilty. (RO 3:23) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But He “so loves” us anyway, that He sacrificed His Son’s earthly life—gruesomely, in trade for ALL our sin, absolving us of guilt. “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us.” (1 JN 3:16.1) [There’s God’s mastery of numbers. “3:16” again. It’s no accident that related verses in 2 different books wound up in with the same numerical address!]
So you come to accept the gift of John 3:16, congratulations, and you now one who "believes in Him”—capital “H” Him, the deity son of man-Son of God. Believing in “H”-im means that you believe He, Jesus, lives now and accept that He is Lord. Of the whole universe. Of your life.
You’ve added (2 CO 5:17) to the equation, “If any man be in Christ He is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!”
You are not the same person you were before. In fact, you are a new creation. Some say “a new species.” This new species is unique inside. “Do you not know you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 CO 3:16) [I know, 3:16 again!] “The temple of God is holy” (v17) and for that reason your spirit man, or woman, had to “become new”. The Lord cannot fellowship with evil! That old, fallen spirit—what the Bible calls your “old man”-- was killed (RO 6:6a) so that Jesus, in the form of His Spirit, could come live IN YOU. (CL 1:27b) “Christ in you, the hope of His glory,” and “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (GL 2:20a) Furthermore, your old man had to die so that you could go live IN HIM. (CL 3:3b) “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” All things have indeed become new! In fact, “You have the mind of Christ” (1 CO 2:16b) inside you now, in your new spirit man, woman. Through Christ’s eyes you should come to see all things differently…..
Your everlasting life has begun, and what a spiritually abundant life it can be. Here on earth. Not later when you get to heaven. Now! NOW “whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” (MK 11:24) NOW you are empowered to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 CO 12:1,7) who passes them out as He wishes. (1 CO 12:11) The fruit of the Spirit is functioning in your new spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (GL 5:22-23) NOW the Holy Spirit of the Lord has begun changing your soul (i.e. your mind, will and emotions—your "self") to get it in sych with your new spirit. (2 CO 3:18) AND ALL THIS IS JUST FRACTION OF WHAT JESUS PROMISES TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE! Read on...
At some point you become curious about another promised gift you’ve been hearing about: baptism in the Holy Spirit. It’s an amazing thing, yes, to have the Holy Spirit of God IN YOU, providing wisdom, convicting of wrong moves, teaching. But it’s taking your walk to a whole new level letting Him have control and bring you INTO HIM-- to be “in the Spirit.” In the Spirit Paul was transported to heaven, where he heard inexpressible things. (2 CO 12:2-4) Baptized by the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost “about a hundred and twenty disciples” spoke in tongues, some in recognizable languages they hadn’t learned beforehand. “In the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” John was transported through time and space, in and out of the spirit world to witness various scenes from the drama we call the end times. (see REVELATION) On a rooftop in a spiritual trance Peter had a vision, repeated twice, of “heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.” While contemplating the vision he received a word of knowledge from the Spirit that three men, Cornelius the centurion’s men it turns out, were waiting outside the gate to see him. They asked Peter to come preach to Cornelius’ entire household, and when he did all who heard were saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit. (AC 10:44-48)
What a gift! BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT RELEASES JESUS’ POWER TO YOU.
So you choose to add LU 11:13 to your equation: “If you then, being evil*, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give His Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” Key phrase here: THOSE WHO ASK HIM. You gotta truly want it! Then request in prayer that God the Father immerse you in His Holy Spirit, believing with unwavering faith that He will keep His word. (JA 1:6-7)
Voila! X + Y + Z = Jesus’ parting promise recorded in MARK 16:17-18. “and these signs will follow those who believe**: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.”
Powerful, huh? UNCONDITIONAL LOVE + SPIRITUAL REBIRTH + HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM = SUPERNATURAL LIFE. Called “Chief Musician” throughout Psalms , I think the Lord should be recognized as “Chief Mathematician” as well! And congratulations to you. You’ve completed your homework and have graduated from this limited natural life.
YOU CAN NOW ENJOY AN EVERLASTING LIFE OF GREAT POWER!
_________________________________________________
* i.e. in your unrenewed mind. Your spirit is now pure.
** i.e. not merely in Jesus, but believe with unwavering faith that they DO have access to His power