Tagged: grace
I WAS READING 1ST JOHN 2:2-3 THIS MORNING AND WONDERED IF ANYONE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS UNDERSTANDING THESE TWO VERSES. THE VERSES READS AS FOLLOWS, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who say, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him". I HAD TO REMIND MYSELF THAT JOHN WAS TALKING TO THE JEWS WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES. THERE WERE HUNDREDS OF LAWS THAT PERTAINED TO JUST ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF THE JEWISH LIFE INCLUDING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS WHICH IS CALLED THE LAW.
There is a tremendous amount of confusion in Christianity over the most basic and elemental question - what must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, yes, but in what sense? That is a loaded question! The word "believe" means different things to the various schools of thought within Christendom. Let's take a brief look at what is being taught and compare it with the word of God.
Romans 11:32 God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
We wouldn't need mercy if we were righteous. Whether it is nations and people groups, or individuals, we all have a common affliction and a common need for mercy and forgiveness. I think it is only when we try and fail, when we stumble and fall, do we recognize our true condition and perceive our need for God. Perhaps that's why he gives us so much freedom.
I like to characterize myself as an old sinner saved by grace. None of us are getting saved any other way! I even call the album I am working on " Songs from a Sinner ". It's what I was (big time), and without Jesus, it is what I...