1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10: 1-6)
Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
I realize today, and I hope that more people realize it, too -- that Paul was not writing about every single thought, since Paul invites us to think about many things:
"8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4: 8-9)
The issue for me, for a long time is that I had been reading everything from such a legalistic perspective, as though I had to make sure that I was thinking about God and God only specifically, an that my mind did not wander.
I had to make sure also that my feelings never wavered, either.
For too long there was so much fear that if my mind wavered or if I felt afraid (or angry), then God would be angry with me and go away.
Yet when we are the midst of deep hurt, pain, fear, or sin, who else should we go to, but God Himself?
"14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
So, what are the thoughts which need to be brought into captivity, then?
The passage in 2 Corinthians outlines it perfectly:
"Every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God."
Any thought which suggests that Jesus did not do a perfect work at the Cross, every sense or sentiment which informs you of shame or condemnation, that is a thought which belongs at the feet of Jesus brought into captivity to His Obedience, that Jesus did a Perfect Work, and He is a perfect intercessor for our sins.
With this understanding of Christ's obedience in full force, then the fifth and sixth verses makes sense all the more. Those who are disobedient are those who do not believe that Jesus did the work, and Finished it!
This understanding is borne out fully for us in Hebrews 10:
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10: 26-30)
The writer of Hebrews is talking about rejecting the full and final sacrifice of the Cross. If we do not accept that Jesus' blood did a perfect cleansing work, then we are sinning willfully against the truth, for what is not of faith is sin (Romans 14: 23).
We are not accepted before God because of what we are thinking. We are accepted because of what Jesus did at the Cross, and what He is doing on our behalf at the right hand of God the Father:
"31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8: 31-34)
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