03/10/2020
There are two ways in which we can approach faith, we can look at the law as they did in the Old Testament, or we can search all our days for the Lord, and do so with our whole heart through Jesus. Some find it more to their liking to have an absolute list of things they must do without fail, and trusting in themselves, gauge their victory or defeat by it. However, others, knowIng those same things, face their shortcomings, and seek after God each day... covered fresh by Christ’s blood.
“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!”
Psalms 119:2-3 ESV
This verse outlines the first way of faith, which guarantees certain failure. It is lived unyieldingly in the here and now, but the second is a journey, a transformation, that takes time to walk, spiritual effort, confession, contrition, and forgiveness. Which path are you on?
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:1-3 ESV
Our opening verse today was written before the coming of the Messiah in the days of the law, and requires us, in absolute fashion, to do no wrong, but who knows anyone who can do that? Can you say this about yourself? No, we all sin...
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
1 John 1:8 ESV
However, the second way to approach faith is by embarking on a transformative journey, to walk with Jesus, and to find comfort in God’s mercy and grace through Him. Admitting we sin doesn’t Damn us; what damns us is believing we are without sin, that we don’t need the redeeming grace that God provides us through Jesus Christ, and not asking for forgiveness.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”
Romans 3:23-24 ESV
So we are presented with a choice... we must either live by the law, or journey in grace. If we live by the law we must obey it without fail,
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”
James 2:10 ESV
and our decision is an absolute one; there is no hybrid approach available to us. We cannot accept some of the law and still claim God’s grace through Jesus...
“I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.”
Galatians 5:3-4 ESV
So, if you desire to seek God you have a choice to make, but before you make it there is one more verse to consider, and it will either complicate your decision, or makes it very simple; listen...
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV
Now you are ready, what will your choice be?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for leading us through the lessons you taught in the law, and then for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us by His life, death, and resurrection, becoming the vessel of your grace. Thank you Lord for fulfilling your law through Christ, and providing us with an outpouring of your mercy that is unequaled in all of creation and beyond. Help us father as we take our journey of faith, and give us the enlightenment, by your Holy Spirit, to make the right choices, and to seek you with a contrite heart when we stumble along the way. Transform us Father into the image of your Son Jesus as we go, making us a more perfect likeness with each passing day. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose grace flows over us, and who forgives our sins as we cry out to you in prayers of contrition. Praised be your name Lord for all the blessings we receive as we walk your way, and speak with you about your will for us. Glorious are you whose Son has defeated the sin within us, and brought us before you, made perfect by His blood and sacrifice. Your grace is without blemish, and your forgiveness complete. We worship you, and bask in the glory of your goodness now, and forevermore!
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
Ephesians 4:15 ESV
Rich Forbes