I am encouraged by many who have a fervor to stand for the truth. Young people especially encourage me as they lead the way to be an example in their youth. I am so glad that God is
working on the hearts of young men and women to realize their need for humility.
Today I am pondering on a phrase I often heard, “simply a sinner saved by graced.” I remember how I use to think of this phrase, ever thankful for God’s goodness. But as time went on this phrase that brought comfort soon brought me discontent.
The cliché “only a sinner saved by grace” often times limits the wonderful power of the gospel of God in life of a believer. The devil delights in keeping you “only a sinner” and does not even mind if you tack on “saved by grace” so long as you do not realize your potential power and become a threat to his wicked kingdom.
Saints
My friend God no longer sees you as a sinner when you have received his precious gift of Jesus atoning sacrifice.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12
Rather you have become one that the scriptures declares to be a saint.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Eph 3:17-19
What a privilege that you have an advocate with the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ. You are then able, in humility to confess your sins and praise God your Lord forgives and cleanses you from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:19).
Truth Sets Free
God in his holiness is angry with the wicked every day (see Psalm 7:11). Yet in his mercy and love he gives us a message of love through the cross of Christ that sinners may repent. Now keep this in mind that God cannot give his love to those who reject his truth. God in a sense can only extend his love to REPENTANT sinners who come to Him by faith receiving the wonderful love He makes available on the cross of Christ (John 3:16).
I know this is not a popular truth because so much of the gospel has been made to be palatable to people who ultimately do not want to meet God on His terms. But allow God to get a hold of your life with the mystery of the gospel and my friend your message will be strengthened by His power (see Eph 6:19).
Something quite sad are Christians who have come to live mediocre, lukewarm lives, in the name of Christ. And often I would ask, “Why? Where are the saints that are spoken of in years gone by? Where are those that truly pray and are sold out for Jesus?”
From the time the Lord saved me, my heart’s cry for truth has been for God’s people to do things God’s way. Then sadly as I became one of those lukewarm Christians myself.
But praise God for the truth that continues to set free. For the victory my Lord granted me that was there all along. For the victory comes from Him the victory is HIM!
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:57
Going Beyond a Good Moral Life
Now my friend life is more than living a good life for God, for truly there is no good thing in you (Ro 7:18). As a Christian, Jesus Christ must be manifest in you, the mystery revealed (see Eph 6:19). Life is not about making sinners comfortable but rather that you would live a holy life. That you would be filled with such love for sinners you would be willing to give your very life for them.
With my sincere desire to do things God’s way I did find a downfall when I was lukewarm. In my lukewarm behavior yet hoping to be on fire for the Lord I discovered that more often than not I had become disgruntled with God’s people.
Blasting God’s people, even in general, especially publicly before unbelievers is only contributing to the devil’s plot as the accuser of the brethren. Which by the way that accuser will meet his end soon enough…
“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:10
When God got a hold of my heart as his child, he set me to grow my love for the brethren, which a testimony by which others will know that we our Jesus’ disciples.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
I am encouraged by the fervor of God’s people. I praise the Lord, for truly to know your God and know your purpose is a tremendous advantage. Remember my friend, that you are now a royal priesthood. May you be encouraged to fight the good fight of faith.
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:22,23
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