The first phase in the process of salvation is PREPARATION.
John the Baptist was one sent by God (in the Spirit of Elijah) to PREPARE people for the coming of Jesus. Luke records: "He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS" (Lk.3:3). He goes on to quote the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, PREPARE the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will SEE GOD'S SALVATION" (Lk.3:4-6; Isa.40:3-5). Every move of God in history (every reformation, every revival) shows this pattern. There is a MAJOR REVELATION OF TRUTH to make crooked roads straight, to fill in valleys and level hills and mountains. These, of course, are metaphors for false doctrines, false preaching, false giftings and the like which make it difficult, if not impossible, for people to receive the FULLNESS which The Lord has available.
Matthew confirms the same truth in quoting Isaiah: ". . . the people living in darkness have seen A GREAT LIGHT" (Mt.4:14-16; Isa.9:2). Group A., above, can contribute little to the showing forth of THE GREAT LIGHT but respond extremely well to it. Group B. might be considered some of the historic groups who believe they are serving God but who put forward SEVERELY FLAWED DOCTRINE. This is what THE GREAT LIGHT is meant to overcome. Historically, they respond poorly, condemning those whom God has called to SHINE the great light. Incredibly enough, though, this group CAN, on an individual basis, provide preparation. This is why someone can get "saved" even under the many false teachings. That is because there is still a REMNANT of truth and this is the light which the new believer sees. Group C. respond well to the GREAT LIGHT but quickly want to CONTAIN IT under their own banner, contravening one of the purposes of the light: TO CREATE ONE BODY. Group D. are those God calls to shine forth THE GREAT LIGHT, usually under severe persecution. Paul's writing to the Corinthians is helpful: "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age (the devil) has blinded the minds of unbelievers (better translation, the unfaithful), so that they cannot see the LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL . . ." (2Cor.4:1-4).
PREPARATION, might be considered akin to "digging up the soil in PREPARATION for planting". Old beliefs and actions, contrary to the will of God, are upturned and weeds removed. Now, the new seeds of truth have good ground in which to germinate when exposed to THE LIGHT. Further "watering" with the (true) Word cause them to grow.
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True Prayer
True Gospel
