December 08, 2021
The great miracle of Christianity is that there is a fundamental change that occurs when we come to faith in Christ. There are two changes that happen to a believer that are both judicial (dealing with the problem of the guilt of our sin) and practical (dealing with the problem of our power over sin in our daily life.
JUDICIALLY
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified … (God) then says, “And their sin and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 14, 17)
We were guilty and condemned before God because of our sin. Our judgment was to be separated from God in this life and the life to come. There was nothing we could do to rectify this by our own works. The work of the cross solves this problem. Because of Christ's sacrifice which paid for our sins completely, we are eternally forgiven before God.
PRACTICALLY
“This is the covenant that I will make with them. After those days,” says the Lord, “I will put my laws upon their heart and on their mind I will write them.” (Hebrews 10:16)
On our own, we can never live up to God's standard. God transforms us by sending His Spirit to indwell us. As we learn to depend more and more on Him, He produces righteousness and holy living in us. He produces spiritual fruit and service through us. The power for this is His Spirit now abiding in us.
We are internally fulfilling the law because it is now "upon our heart" and written on our minds. There is an inward compulsion to holiness and an inward ability to overcome sin (as we cooperate with the Spirit) that we never had before. We are changed from the inside out.
The first change makes a believer fit for heaven; the second, fit for earth.
Father, we are overwhelmed by what you have done for us. For Christ’s work that cleanses us eternally and completely. For the Spirit’s work that empowers us eternally and completely. Thank You Triune God for Your complete work on our behalf!
March 27, 2025
When our faith is sufficient to lead us to actually follow God’s plan, we will always see that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.” These words, as always, are important.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
