"The Presentation" -2

"I am dark and beautiful, O women of Jerusalem -dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon's tents." (S.O.S. 1:5 NLT)

  Besides the fact that we are being judged by faith, there is another aspect of this presentation that can never be forgotten: God is the one that initiated this change; He is the one that reached out to us, and called us out of the darkness, into His beautiful Light! This is why Paul declares God's plan, which we are not only part of, but we become the trophy that He lifts up to be presented; demonstrating the completed work of His abundant mercy and grace.
  We might not feel it, (as I can say that as a current reality,) but we must not forget it! If there is any reason that we must remain diligent in the Word, it is for that reason, most of all: that we would be fortified in the Truth! Especially now, in this current season; this is more than just a social activity that we see going on, this is well orchestrated and planned out: systematic chaos, is what you are witnessing.
  But be of good cheer, my brothers and sisters, because the time is at hand. Whether you believe it or not, please prepare for His coming! Sorry, but I needed to get that off my chest, so thank you for listening.
  Anywho: Matthew Henry puts it like this: "True believers are black in themselves, but comely in Christ, with the comeliness that he puts upon them, black outwardly, for the world knows them not, but all glorious within: "The King's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold." (Psalms 45:13)." This is what Christ has done in us, it does not happen any other way! We cannot make it happen by works; it is not bought or paid for with anything we have to offer; it is totally and completely given to us freely, as a gift: God's gift of love, to all that are willing to receive it.
  So, as much as we might like to think this is something we make happen, the dark, and that includes our dark, is not of God. John declares this, saying, "This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) We need to know and realize this, understanding that the darkness that might be in us is not of God; it must be dealt with and cannot to ignored or satisfied.
  Don't take my word on this, look it up for yourself! You and you alone are responsible for knowing the truth; there will be no excuse for not knowing; that much I am sure of...

"For the wrath 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 shown 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 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 became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (Romans 1:18-21)