October 1st

What is Sanctification?
Galatians 3:1-5

This devotional begins a series of articles on sanctification. The work of salvation is complex and many sided. As we think of our salvation, three terms are of special importance. They are justification, sanctification and glorification. Justification is a legal term and speaks to us of the time that God declares us righteous for the purpose of the court of His justice. This takes place at a moment in time. That moment is the moment faith takes hold of our hearts. Sanctification, on the other hand, is a process. God will make all that believe fully conform to the image of Jesus Christ. This process is not finished until glorification. It is only when our eyes literally see Jesus Christ that we will become fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

We live in a day when those who profess faith in Christ lack practical holiness. When it comes to family life, there is little difference between those professing faith in Christ and the lost. The home is in trouble. Today, the lives of those that profess faith are often little different from those without faith. What are we to do? Some spiritual leaders are offering advice that could come right out of modern education or psychology. We need to realize that apart from a supernatural work of God's grace, sanctification is impossible.

Salvation is of the Lord. Without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, we are without hope. We cannot save ourselves. The Humanist Manifesto declares, no deity will save us, we must save ourselves. We cannot save ourselves. Nothing I could ever do would bring salvation to my soul. Faith is not passive, but it demonstrates the work of God and not my work. There is nothing that I could ever do in order to make my heart like that of Jesus Christ. If I am to be like Jesus Christ, God must do a supernatural work. Glorification is a work of God.

In addition, sanctification is a work of God. In justification, all I can do is believe. In sanctification, all I can do is submit my will to the Spirit of God and the Word of God. This act of submission is not passive, but it emphasizes the work of God and not my work. Those who focus on our work are only destined to find more corruption and sin. He must do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

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October 2nd

Sanctification: It's Nature
John 17:17-19

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Sanctification in the Westminster Catechism is said to be, "the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness." (Sanctification by Charles Hodge) We need to clearly understand the gospel message and the plan that God has ordained for the world. We know from scripture that "all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." In God's plan of salvation, it is solely based on what God does, and nothing to do with what you or I could ever do. When the Holy Spirit convicts a person of sin, (and He convicts every person) that person then has a choice to repent or not. When that person repents from his sin and turns to Christ in humble submission, that person is "saved, made alive in Christ, justified." God is the judge of that person's soul and it is God that gives salvation. It is God that justifies a person; He declares that person innocent or guilty based on that person's heart of repentance. It is this justification that actually brings about the sanctifying work of God in a person's life. That is why when a person only professes to be a "Christian" but there is no change in their life, that person is making a false profession. God will bring about His Sanctifying work, whereas the person without Christ, regardless of profession, is dead in his sin. Justification, then, is the completed work of Christ in salvation and is the same in all true believers, while sanctification is progressive as a true Christian grows in Christ during his life on earth. We also see that this sanctification is the supernatural and powerful work of God. None of us have done anything to cause God to give it to us. It is solely by God's choice and His favor, as we are totally undeserving. Say, have you been justified and if so, is God doing His work of sanctification in your life? If you don't know for sure, why not fall on your knees today and repent. Those that are sure need to daily humble themselves before Almighty God and pray and seek His face. He wants to do a supernatural work in you!

"Dear Lord God, thank You for Your great Salvation! Amen."

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October 3rd

Sanctification is of God, Not of Ourselves
Leviticus 11:44 and I Peter 1:15-16

Leviticus 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy. also 1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Living a (holy) sanctified life is the normal way for all born-again Christians. To make it even stronger, it is demanded of God in the verses above. To live this sanctified life, we need to be totally dependent on the Holy Spirit, to guide us every waking moment of our daily walk and talk. This is something we cannot work up, study up, put on, or take off, nor is it a pious attitude. IT IS A SUPERNATURAL WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Having said that, we need to make it clearly understood that The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sins in our lives. It is our responsibility to confess those sins and put them away, put them under the blood of Christ, 1 John 1:7. Many of our, so-called little sins, we think we can hide from our family and fellow believers, but as Jonah found out, no one can hide from God. King David records in Psalm 139 that he cannot hide from God no matter where he might go. READ IT! The source of the following is quoted many times, we do not know the author, but we know what we are about to write is true. For some reason, we have built a catalogue of sins. We have white lies and black lies, little lies and big lies, but in God's sight it is all lies. "To tell a half truth is to tell a lie." We think we can use vulgar words or slang words and get away with it. But the tongue reveals the thoughts and intents of the heart. Avoid slang, double meaning words, gossip, carrying tales and such like.

Lastly, Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit just as He leads us to Salvation. We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit if we are to grow in grace and holiness. When we recognize sin in our life, we must immediately confess it and put it far from us. Sanctification is not something you put on with your "Sunday go to meeting clothes," but an every day walk and communication with Lord God.

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October 4th

Sanctification the Work of God
John 3:1-12

We dare not assume that God's grace works apart from faith and submission. The law and self-discipline as important, as these are, will not be sufficient to change a life. The law and self-discipline may exist apart from any work of grace, and though commendable among men, is not sanctification. Where grace operates no understanding or explanation is possible. Who can understand the wind? We read in John 3:8 where Jesus said, The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Does this sound like a work of organization and self-discipline? In the Bible, we find that sanctification is repeatedly described as a work of God. Ephesians 5:25,26 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word... Here as in many other texts, Jesus Christ sanctifies the church. If we fail to acknowledge the supernatural character of sanctification, we confuse it with mere moral reformation.  Some people that have lived a perverse life have changed apart from the power of God. As praiseworthy as this may be, it is not a work of sanctification.

In sanctification, we must die to self and surrender to the work of God in our hearts. We are passive though not entirely. God is active. It is not us but Christ that lives within us. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. As you see it is the picture of baptism. The new life God creates in me enables me to die to self and yield to righteousness. This change is deeper and more fundamental than that which is produced by secondary causes. We need to realize that all of those God justifies will be sanctified, and all those God justifies will be glorified. As with the apostles, none will be lost. If there is a problem with sanctification, let us look to faith and not secondary causes. Let us appreciate that as with Judas, not all have faith and righteousness.

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All Holy Exercises Referred to "God" the Spirit as their Author
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

This reference of sanctification to God as its Author proves the supernatural character of the work, because it is not general, it is special. There are a lot of things that happen naturally in God's work of nature such as weather, in rain and snow; also sunshine and nighttime, and then physical birth in animals and mankind, growth in plants and vegetation. These are some of the things that God has set in order and they happen regularly, according to God's natural design.

Sanctification on the other hand is a special work of supernatural significance! It is not something that just happens according to the natural laws of nature that God has set in place. Because of God the Holy Spirit's work of convicting the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment, the work of sanctification is a supernatural work and allows for the free choice that God gives to all of mankind. We are to repent and then accept Him of our own free will. It could never happen any other way. Scripture points out that we are spiritually dead in trespasses and sin, and without the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in all men, we could never come to know God as Savior.

Therefore, without God the Holy Spirit's work, all of mankind would be lost for eternity. That is why we, as true believers, are to pray for the divine influence of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. This influence is the one and only thing that can bring a person to repentance and salvation. There are some folks that think that an emotion is what does the work, but that means that we would live by sinful and imperfect feelings alone. Then there are some folks who seem to think that education and knowledge are the means that we can attain, but here again, who are we to set our sinful and limited minds against the All-powerful and All-knowing God of creation and the universe as we know it? In fact, we can barely live past a measly 100 human years, and even in these years, are filled with sickness, sorrow, and death. Truly it is the Sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit in human lives that we have any hope for eternal life!

"Praise be unto God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit for Your love and perfect plan that You have wonderfully made available to all who will turn from sin! Amen."

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October 6th

We are Taught to Pray for Repentance,
Faith and other Graces
Ephesians 1:18-19, 3:17, 20

The Apostle Paul spends a great deal of time referring to our spiritual growth following our original repentance for sin and receiving the gift of our salvation. Ephesians 1:18-19 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power.

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, above, is referring to wisdom and revelation in the sphere of a full knowledge of Him. The enlightenment is in the heart of the born again one. Remember, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 Therefore we need a renewed heart and that takes place with salvation. Following the new birth experience there is a growing in order that we may bring forth fruit. If we are truly born again our hearts are in a searching mode, we want to learn more and that's when the Holy Spirit begins his blessed work in our lives. Sanctification is the product of the Holy Spirit energizing our spirits with a super-natural power, that is, the Spirit comes into our lives to reside, educate, and illuminate the new believer in the great truths of the Scriptures.

We cannot sanctify ourselves through rites, ceremonies, sacraments, or works, therefore, it is the work of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all working together to bring us to the point of submission. The whole person, body, soul and spirit are by nature, rebellious and antagonistic against God. Just as the Holy Spirit woos and wins us to Christ in our salvation, He also leads and directs our thought patterns, our desires and will to submission and humility before God. The awakened spiritual conscience of the new believer desires to learn more and it is then that the Holy Spirit becomes our Tutor. Unfortunately, many Christians are satisfied to say, "All I want is a back seat in heaven." We should want to be down front and as close to Christ as possible. A sanctified heart is seeking fellowship with Him.

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October 7th

The Bondage of the Will
Hebrews 2:1-4

In the beginning, God's creation was perfect, however, it was not long before sin corrupted this beauty. The Bible described fallen humanity as spiritually dead. To have a spiritual side, we must be able to love God supremely and love others as we love ourselves. Once this spiritual side is taken away, all that remains is self-preservation.

What we are by nature has a great impact on our desires. No one in their right mind has a desire to hurt himself or herself, because this is contrary to nature. To do less than love God and others is contrary to spiritual life. Those who are dead in sin can no more sanctify their life than those who are physically dead can walk. We need to realize that in the fall our nature became corrupt, as well as, our will. We desire sin because we are sinners. If we were not sinners, we would not desire sin.

In the creation, God gave mankind a holy moral nature. What He could not give mankind was a holy moral character. A holy moral character is developed in the crucible of temptation. In the fall, our nature and our character became corrupted. We cannot fix this problem on our own. We are helpless and hopeless apart from the intervention of God's grace. The moment we believe, we are united with Christ. It is this union with Christ that makes our sanctification secure. Sanctification is not an option for believers. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The work of God is not such that He gives us the ability to sanctify ourselves. We could never sanctify ourselves, any more than we can save ourselves. In sanctification, God lives in and through us. We have no merit or goodness, but thank God, we have the life of Jesus Christ. If we understand these things, it ought to be clear that Jesus is the only way of salvation. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. The difference between Christianity and all other doctrines is in Christianity salvation is of the Lord. Sinful flesh is simply not perfectible. Just as we could do nothing but believe to find justification, we can do nothing but surrender to find sanctification. Our will is in bondage to a corrupt nature.

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October 8th

Putting Off the Old man and Putting On the New Man
Romans 6:1-23

Leaven (sin) vs. Sanctification: Every person is born a sinner, totally depraved, and is doomed to hell unless he/she turns in repentance to Christ to be saved from the wages of sin. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned...6:23 For the wages of sin is death... It is God who is at work to bring all of mankind to salvation. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. There is nothing any person can do, in and of themselves to be saved, because without God, every person is spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Sin permeates the whole body, just as infection permeates a wound and yeast permeates the whole loaf of bread. We are born, filled with sin. There is nothing that we can do to get rid of it, except to turn in repentance to Christ and call upon Him to save us from our vile infection.

From our text in Romans, we are to put off the old man, literally the old nature. This can only be done through the sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit. After salvation, through the power of God's Spirit, we are to put off the old nature, the old man, and we are to put on the new man, the new nature. This involves complete submission to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. We are to remove more and more of the leaven that is infecting and destroying our nature, and we are to do it by allowing God to do His work in us, literally growing in the Word of God and in our new spiritual life. It is a matter of whom we yield ourselves to. Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? How can we continue to yield to sin and the old nature if we have been made alive in Christ? Quite simply, we cannot if we have been truly made alive in Christ! Romans 6:21,22 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Dear Lord, forgive us of sin. Help us to yield unto You! Amen.

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October 9th

Paul's Personal Experience with
His Old Nature and His New Nature
Romans 7:7-25

Romans chapter seven is a classic example for our understanding. The Apostle Paul was suffering from the same deadly disease that plagues us; the inherited sin of Adam and the depraved sinful nature of the old man. This disease will be with us as long as we are in this body. The born again believer has a new imparted nature from God, but the old nature still abides in our bodies, minds and hearts. Please stop and take time to read the text verses above.

We learn from Paul that the original, corrupted, fleshly, Adamic nature is not eradicated. It is still with us along with the renewed nature and the two are in conflict one with the other. The believer has been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, and is a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The Christian's foremost desire is to live a godly life, but that old sinful nature hinders his relationship with Christ. Satan seeks to destroy us moment by moment and temptation after temptation, therefore, we must seek forgiveness for even the smallest sin. I John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. These two verses are the answer for every Christian to live a transparent life before God. Transparency before God and others is the beginning of revival in our hearts. Don't be afraid to tell God you have sinned and ask Him to forgive, as well as, asking others to forgive when you have said or done something wrong to them. Never be afraid to say the three most important words in the English language, "I am wrong!"

Finally, the Apostle Paul designates the conflicting problems in his life. These are the sins that dwell in me that are in my heart also. It all boils down to my ego, and unwillingness to humble myself and confess I am a sinner. Christians, we need to be alert to this egotistical self-righteous attitude that is even more prevalent in our "Me Society" today. I'm the most important person in the world, or "I'm the greatest."

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October 10th

The Two Natures of the Believer
Galatians 5:16-26

The moment we come to faith in Christ, we become a new creation in Christ. Sadly, all that we were before coming to faith in Christ remains in us. These two principles are in conflict with one another. The apostle Paul describes this conflict in today's text.

Our text describes the works of the flesh as including the very worst of spiritual and moral corruption. This text also makes it abundantly clear that the end of this road is damnation. However, there is another principle at work in the life of all that believe. I like the emphasis here because in describing the flesh, there are works, but in describing the spirit there are fruits. We do what we do, because of what is in our heart. After the flesh, we can only sin, because self drives all we do with a reckless disregard for God and others. If we yield ourselves to Christ, nothing evil will ever flow from Him. Yes this goodness must still flow through sinful flesh, but the goodness is still pure at its source which is the divine nature within us.

The indwelling Spirit of God guarantees that we will grow in grace. Day by day, the result of God's Spirit in our heart is sanctification. Some have described the change from that of being a sinner to that of being a sinner saved by grace. Before faith in Christ, we jump into sin and love it. After faith, we may fall into sin, but we are never comfortable there again. It is this deep internal feeling that drives our sanctification. Some would seek to work from the outside in, but God's Spirit works from the inside out. In other words, we do not change our hearts by changing our choices. Our choices change because God has changed our heart. A sinful heart can only produce sin. Every heart that is indwelled by God's Spirit will be compelled to drive out sin.

I wonder today, how is your heart. Are you conscious of sin? The closer we get to God the more conscious we will be of indwelling sin. Are you comfortable with sin? The closer we get to God the more we will understand our dependence on Him for not only our very life, but also any righteousness that we may have. This ought to move us to feed our new nature and not our old nature. Make no mistake; the one we feed will come to dominate our life. We are free to choose, but our choices control our destiny.

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October 11th

The New Garments of Christ
Ephesians 4:22-24

Paul likens the Sanctified Christian life to clothing. When a person is without Christ, he is like a person who has ugly, dirty, stinky, filthy clothes. When a person comes to know Christ as their Savior, saved from the wages of sin, that person is clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and has become a new person. This is likened again to a person who has taken off the old clothes, and Christ has put on the new clothes, literally the new clothes of His righteousness. The old clothes represent the old nature of a man; the former sins that you were involved with and the former thinking that you used to think with, the evil that you were powerless to do anything about, and the sinful and lustful thoughts that you could not control. The new clothes represent the power of Jesus Christ and His sanctifying work in your life, as now you are not held in the bondage of your former sins. Your spirit now has Christ's power to think thoughts of His righteousness. You are now enabled to do His works of righteousness. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are now enabled to recognize the old nature and resist the evil passions and lusts. We are to put on Christ's new clothes and cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. If we have truly been crucified with Christ, we will fight against the evilness of sin and the old nature. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. As true Christians, we will live lives of obedience and walk in the way of godliness in the beauty of holiness. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Say, how is your walk? Are you living with the old, dirty, stinky clothes of sin? Turn to Christ today and He will give you the greatest wardrobe ever had by any person. That is the wardrobe of the new nature, the new life, the life of Christ, Eternal life! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Gracious Lord and Savior, thank You for Your great salvation! May we live our lives with the new clothes today and forever! Amen.

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October 12th

The Method or our Sanctification and the
Effect of our Union with Christ
Ephesians 1:18 and I Corinthians 2:12

Real faith triggers action; i.e., the more faith we exercise the more spiritual action becomes a part of our every day experience with Christ. Sanctification, the same as salvation, is all of God; we can do nothing to gain or earn it, but as God reveals Himself to us, He expects us to conform to the things we are learning. Therefore, in our sanctification we are in a responsive mode rather than an aggressive mode. Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. The "enlightening" referred to above is from the Holy Spirit as we read and study the Scriptures. The Bible is often referred to as a "mirror" reflecting back to the reader the impurities in his or her life.

"Our union with Christ is:
a. Participating in Christ's merits. Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to the believer and he is thereby justified. He is introduced into a state of grace, and rejoices in the hope and glory of God. Sin no longer holds us away from God, but we have access to the Throne of God and we are translated from the kingdom of darkness (Satan's dominion) into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Instead of an outcast, a slave under condemnation we become a child of God, assured of His love, tenderness, and care. We have passed from death unto life and from darkness into light.*

b. Another consequence of the union with Christ and effected by Christ is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is available to us because Christ sent Him to abide in us, to direct our every action and deed. John 15 gives us an illustration. Christ is the vine and we are the branches. The branches are fed nourishment from the Vine, and we become fruitful. In Colossians 2:19 we have another illustration, He is the Head and we are the body. As the head gives directions to the body it responds, even so, as Christ directs via the Holy Spirit we are progressively sanctified."*

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October 13th

The Indwelling of the Spirit of God
Revelation 3:20

Our text refers to our Lord's desire for fellowship with His people. The picture is of a corrupt and apostate church. Jesus Christ is without seeking fellowship with faithful folk. Our Lord does not work through compulsion. If we would fellowship with Him, we must open the door to fellowship. This picture has great application to our spiritual lives.

God cannot fellowship with darkness. If we would fellowship with Him we must open our hearts to His Spirit. When the Spirit of God comes into our hearts, we are married to Christ. In the book of Ephesians, the union of the husband and wife are compared to our union with Christ. Ephesians 5:30-32 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. As God provides for the perpetuation of the race through the union of husband and wife, He provides for our righteousness and eternal life through our union with Him.

In other words, for our redemption to be possible, we must be united with Christ. It is a spiritual union. We read about it in 1 Corinthians 12:12,13 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. The result of this union is new life with new desires. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Our salvation is then secure, for just as good is more powerful than evil, the goodness of Jesus Christ will work within us to accomplish our sanctification. Through the Spirit of God, we are empowered to understand spiritual things. Before the Spirit of God dwells in our hearts, we are blind to our own sin and spiritually dead. This is a supernatural work. It goes far beyond education and self-control. These can be accomplished without God. Salvation, on the other hand, includes sanctification and glorification, and salvation is of the Lord.

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October 14th

God calls the Graces of His people into Exercise
vs. Sacraments of means of Grace
Ephesians 2:13; Philippians 1:9

God our Creator and Savior, who is All-knowing, All-present, and All-powerful, knows each and every person who has ever been and who will ever be. In God's infinite wisdom, we know that, 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Seriously, God has the very best plan for every person, but God also allows every person their own free will, their very own choice. Truly, as Born-again Christians, God challenges each one to walk and exercise the very things that God's Spirit shows them from His Word. These include repentance, submission, confidence, self-denial, patience, meekness, faith, hope, and love. God tests our choices with these graces every day to see if we will actually follow and obey Him out of our love for what He has done for us. God actually calls every Christian to labor and to suffer for the advancement of His kingdom. It is the obedient Christian, out of undying love for Christ that will work unselfishly and will even suffer, often to the point of physical death, to be in the service of the King of Kings! Sadly, there are many professing people, claiming to be Christians, who will not do things God's way. Rather, they do a lot of religious things in the name of God, but only "good from a human perspective," out their own self will and what they sinfully think God would allow them, based upon all their own righteousness. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. There are many professing people who miss the truth of God's Word, by thinking that through their works, God would have to accept them. Dear folks, that is a lie straight from the pit of Hell. These disillusioned people think that they can dictate to God, and somehow make God do their will. God instead wants us to, Hebrews 10:24-26 ...consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Amen.

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October 15th

The Kingly Office of Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only personality that holds all three offices in the Scriptures, Prophet, Priest and King. Several others held two offices but no one held three. In His kingly office, He not only reigns over His people, but also subdues them unto Himself. He rules, defends, restrains and conquers all that are His.*

The enemies of Christians are both inward and outward. They are three in number, the world, the flesh, and the Devil:

 1. The world is made up of our peers, the humanistic society in which we live and the attractions that lead the flesh to succumb to sinful desires. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:16

2. The sins of the flesh are recorded in Galations 5:19-21 as well as other references. There are several other catalogues of sin found in the Bible, but this one will suffice to show us just how despicable the flesh is.

3. The devil tempts us with same three temptations he used on our Savior as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. Many times we want to blame the devil for things we do and are not willing to recognize that it is the gratification of the flesh and not the devil.

"Whenever the Christian fails, his failure is either in resisting temptation or in the discharge of known duties. When we fail, it is either self-confidence or from neglecting to call upon our ever present King, who is always ready to protect and deliver those who put their trust in Him."* It is advisable, on our part, to begin our day in prayer for guidance and protection. The Psalmist said: O GOD, Thou art my God; early in the morning will I seek thee: for my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Psalm 63:1 When the Christian runs his race, as Paul did, "looking unto Jesus;" he is then living by faith in the Son of God. When our eyes are fixed on Christ as our example and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision and activity, then we will soon notice that our spiritual life is blooming and prospering. That is the secret of true sanctification and becoming more like our Savior.

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October 16th

Evidence of Sanctification
James 2:14-17, 26

I like the illustration we find in our text. A dead person has everything we have except life. He has eyes, but he cannot see. He has ears, but he cannot hear. He has feet, but he cannot walk. Our text speaks of one dead as being without their spirit.

Good works are an important evidence of salvation. By good works we are talking about deeds that in motive and action are what the law demands. In this sense, lost people cannot do anything genuinely good. The main inward motive of a lost person is for self. It is only as we partake of spiritual life that we can love God first and others equally. The indwelling Spirit of God insures that we will do good works.

Now we need to be cautious here. In a sense because of our sin nature, the best of our good works are polluted by sin. For our deeds to be perfect as the law demands there can be nothing in the act or the agent that the law condemns. Before our glorification, such perfect works are impossible. However, that does not mean that the Spirit of God cannot work in us and through us to bring forth-good works. It only means that being polluted by sin, these good works cannot fully conform to the demands of holiness.

In particular, the fruit of the Spirit ought to be evident in the life of those who believe. Galatians 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control... The book of James speaks of demonstrating love by helping one that is naked and hungry. In other words, if we are content to sit by and do nothing in the face of glaring physical needs, our hearts are lacking in grace. As God works on this earth, He works though our hearts, our hands, and our possessions. The lives of those who have the Spirit of God in their hearts will reflect the grace and mercy of God. Grace is undeserved favor. We give of ourselves to those who do not deserve it. Mercy is withholding the demand for justice to those who deserve condemnation. The heart of God is full of grace and mercy. Therefore, the hearts of those who are indwelled by the Spirit of God manifest grace and mercy.

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October 17th

Doctrines of Good Works
Ezekiel 18:1-32

Can we be accepted by God, (who is perfectly righteous and who will judge and punish all sin) solely based upon our good works? Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. There are unfortunately some churches and some people who do not believe God's Word and will say that we can do some kind of good work that God will have to accept, but it is impossible that any person or church could hold to this kind of thinking, unless they first degrade the very Words of God and limit or add to it some other sinful idea. What these sinful people are saying is contrary to God's Word when they say that there are some sins that are not really sin. Is that right? Is that not an argument from the very beginning when Satan, the Father of Liars told Eve that God did not really mean what He said? How foolish for any person to believe in these lies and yet it is so. In fact, many good, moral, upstanding folks miss the very truths of God's Holy Word, simply by not obeying, Matthew 4:4 ...every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. These kind of people are known as, 2 Peter 3:16,17 ...they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. If we change the definitions of God's Word to fit our own selfish and sinful ideas, we are guilty to the very point of eternal damnation. The simple fact is, that God has called us to obey Him fully. Matthew 10:37-39 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. The law of Christ demands total devotion to Him! There is no room for those that would twist God's Word for their own selfish gain, no matter how self-righteous they may be. God will not be dictated to, by any church, or person. It we truly love Him, we will obey Him. John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 "Dear Heavenly Father, help us to obey You fully from a humbled heart. Amen."

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October 18th

The Fruit of the Spirit in Believers
Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10 These nine facets of the Fruit of the Spirit are like unto the sparkling facets of a perfectly cut diamond. The first three (love, joy and peace) are our relationship to God. The second three (longsuffering, gentleness and goodness) are our relationship to others. The third three (faith, meekness and temperance) are our relationship to self, Gal. 5:22-23. The works of the children of God, although they be stained with sin are true and good because:

1. They are, as to their nature, commanded of God,

2. The motive behind these good works are to glorify God and not self.

3. They are performed with the will of complying with God's will and honoring Christ by promoting the interests of His kingdom.*

Our text verse, (Eph. 2-10) speaks of good works after our salvation. It in no way refers to good works to earn our Salvation or to appease God. There are many of the world's religions, and even some churches that teach our admittance into heaven is according to our good works, NOT SO! Years ago I heard a preacher say, and this is a loose quote, that "God keeps two books in heaven. The first one records our good works and the second records our bad or evil works. When we die, God adds the two columns and the one that has the most entries determines where we go after death, heaven or hell." If this were so, when would I know I had done enough good works to get to heaven or go to hell because the other column was longer than the first.

 Many churches have a multitude of doctrines and articles of faith that are not taught in the Scriptures. To do this they have imposed upon the worshippers, authoritarian teachings that are likened to the Pharisees, which Christ condemned. In so doing they force these dogmas as infallible teachings upon the people in the pews. If we put standards before Biblical Doctrine we are putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. No works of the flesh will receive rewards; they are tried with fire and cannot stand the heat. We won't have rewards to present to Christ and will be embarrassed, as we stand before Him, at the Bema Seat.

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October 19th

The Importance of Righteousness in the Life
Titus 1:15, 16

It is sad, but we live in a day where the mere profession of grace is believed to be the possession of grace. Now for the purpose of fellowship, this is necessary. We find where Jesus included Judas among even his closest disciples. We cannot and we ought not judge the profession of others, however, we must judge our own hearts. We need to appreciate that good works have no part in our justification. Our righteousness comes from God. We have no righteousness of our own. Good works are the consequence of our justification and the Spirit of God dwelling in our hearts. As sure as we are justified and the Spirit of God dwells in our hearts, there will be important evidence of it in our lives. Faith in God, which works by love, can and will purify the heart.

There is no real difference on this teaching of justification by faith since the time of the reformation. Some charge that this thinking removes morality from faith. It does not. The same faith that works to bring us to Christ in justification, works by love to give important evidence of God's work in our heart and life. It is just that the evidence flows from the work of God and not our effort. Our work in producing the greatest outward evidence of salvation will fall short of the works of grace. We cannot buy God's blessing with money or our hard work. We must come to Christ in faith and faith includes submission to righteousness.

A turning to Christ in faith necessitates a turning from sin to righteousness. It is simply not possible to turn to God without turning from sin to righteousness. Any other notions are absurd. It is as we read in Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Good works in the life, therefore, are a necessary part of salvation. The entire epistle of I John is written along these lines. According to I John we can come to the assurance of salvation through certain things that ought to be a part of our lives. Consequently, if our lives are lacking, our profession is suspect.

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October 20th

Antinomianism
Ezekiel 33:1-33

This is a word that means anti-law, against rules. There are many people who are against anything or anyone, including God, in telling them how they are to live, period. All people are sinners and the unrepentant are going to do whatever they want to do, whenever they want to do it. This is the sad discourse of humanism and mankind as sinners. These people will not obey God, nor those whom God has put over them as their authority, whether it be parents, pastors, or government, and ultimately Jesus Christ. In fact, God gives a clear warning to those who profess to be Christians but will not obey: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. How does someone ever get into this condition? It just does not make sense, but as we consider the truths of God's Word we begin to understand quite simply, Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That is the simple answer. All men are sinners and from their very nature will naturally rebel against God. That is why, Romans 5:8 ...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are hopelessly lost, condemned to eternal damnation, guilty before the one True, Righteous God who is both Savior and Judge. He is able as Savior, Hebrews 7:25 Therefore...to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. God as Judge, will bring sinners their just reward. Revelation 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Amen.

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October 21st

Relation of Good Works to Reward
and Refutation of the Works Doctrine
Romans 4:4-5

In order to set this devotional in history we need to go back to 1517 and read what sent Martin Luther over the edge and brought about the birth of the Lutheran Church. A Roman Priest by the name of John Tetzel said, "As soon as your money hits the bottom of this chest all past sins are forgiven and for more money you may purchase an indulgence that will allow you to continue to sin and be forgiven of them all." In other words, works was the means of salvation. Unfortunately, several Protestant denominations have incorporated this in their doctrines. According to my Bible, salvation is of GRACE and grace alone. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are created unto good works, not for salvation, but after salvation, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. No matter how many good works a former "Saint" has performed, not one of their works can be designated to me for my salvation or rewards. If every Christian is convinced:

1) That he is unholy in the sight of God;

2) That all his best acts are polluted and unholy in the sight of God.

3) That no one thing and at no time does he come up to the standard of perfection.

4) it is impossible that he can believe he merits eternal life on the grounds of his own works.*

Solid Bible doctrine teaches that our salvation is a gift from God, and if we are to accept it as a gift, not because of what we are or what we merit, but because the only thing we merit is Hell! Salvation is not progressive, but a one time act by God through Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Sanctification is progressive, and by that we mean, as we grow the great truths of the Bible and put them into practice we are in the process of becoming more like the Master. Don't stop short and think of Him only as your Savior, but move forward and recognize Him as the Lord of your life. Take these things to heart and grow in Him.

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October 22nd

Can God become Indebted to Us?
Luke 17:7-10

Some early reformation scholars defined merit in terms of works not due, works that are our own, works free from defect in agent or act, works equal to the work done, and works due on the basis of divine justice. The reformation under Luther sprouted over the sale of indulgences. The idea of indulgences is based on the idea of earning merit with God.

According to Luther's opponent Tetzel, the church could grant grace earned by saints and extend them to anyone based on a financial gift to the church. It ought to be obvious that it is impossible for anyone to earn God's favor based on the criteria set forth. Rather, our righteousness comes from Jesus Christ as a part of divine grace. According to the principle of divine justice, all that the very best of us deserve is damnation. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed the prophet Jeremiah declares.

Does not God reward righteousness and good works? Yes, but these rewards are a matter of grace and not debt. As such, it is impossible for any of us to have merit with God that would enable us to lay claim to God's grace or even reward as a matter of debt. God invested the life of His only son, Jesus Christ, in us. The gift is of infinite value, because Jesus Christ is God and infinite. God will never get out of us what He has invested in us. At our best we are unprofitable servants. Yes, we owe God our all, but even if we all gave our all, which could never happen, because it has not, there would be no debt or profit.

Having said that, as a parent with a small child, God is delighted with even the very least that we do for him. He will not let something as simple as a cup of cold water go without reward. If Adam would have kept himself free from sin and developed a holy moral character, he would have merited eternal life. Sadly, he did not, and being the sons of Adam, we are born touched by the pollution of sin. This pollution stays with us throughout this life; if the act is pure and from pure motive, it still flows through our flesh. Therefore, good works in the sense of merit are impossible. Good works in the sense of rewards is not only possible, but also our reasonable service. It is hard to understand how anyone that has received grace could stand before God empty-handed when it comes to reward.

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October 23rd

 Perfectionism - Protestant Doctrine
Matthew 5:48

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. These are the words of Jesus Christ as He was setting a standard that was humanly unattainable. This sums up what the law itself demanded. James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. Even though this standard is impossible to meet from our human perspective, God could not lower it without compromising His own perfection. He who is perfect could not set an imperfect standard of righteousness. When we consider these truths, we begin to understand that even the most mature believer has a need to daily pray for forgiveness of his sins. Seriously, do we really love God with our whole heart? If we are honest, we would willingly admit that we fail miserably. Unfortunately, there are some who claim that there are different degrees of justification. That we can somehow become perfect without God. That somehow the God of love from the Bible does not really mean what He says, but folks, if we cannot believe the Bible in it's most simplest of statements that, "the wages of sin is death," and "Being justified through our Lord Jesus Christ," then we cannot believe anything from it. We both take and believe it all from God's perspective, or we must reject it completely, as a whole. There is no middle ground in justification. A person is either justified from sin or he is not. A person is either saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, or he is not. A person either obeys the Word of God in sanctification, or he is not justified. God will accomplish His work in a person, if that person is truly saved. God abhors lukewarmness. Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. In fact, 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. And, James 3:2 For in many things we offend all... The marvelous truth of the gospel is that Christ has met this righteous standard on our behalf. We must fully trust Him. He is the perfect one. We are utter sinners. God's plan involves Christ's blood being shed to cleanse us from sin. We can only repent and submit; that is all, and even that through the power of God the Holy Spirit. Someday true believers will be like Christ for they shall see Him as He is. Perfect!

 "Oh Great God of Heaven and Earth, guide us in Your righteousness! How we praise You for Your Grace and Mercy. Amen."

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October 24th

Scriptures that Describe the Conflict between
the Flesh and the Spirit
Philippians 3:10-14

On October 9th, we wrote from Romans 7 where Paul explains the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Now Paul moves another step ahead and teaches us that we are to remain faithful unto our calling and grow in the Spirit. Satisfaction and complacency lead to stagnation and backsliding. Never let it be said that any reader of this page is satisfied with the status-quo, but continue to learn, and practice your faith to the limits. God wants Christians that are pressing forward and grow.

In Galations, we are told to mortify the body; that means to put to death, not the body, but the old corrupt nature. The characteristical difference between the old unrenewed and the renewed is that the first is entirely sinful and the second is perfectly holy in the sight of God. We are made clean by the blood of Christ and every time God looks at us he sees us through the blood of Christ. The old nature is completely under the control of sin. The new nature is led by the Spirit which dwells in us. What the scriptures teach is that faith, repentance and justification is the norm for all Christians. What is taught about sanctification is applicable to all Born Again ones. Isaiah was a man chosen of God for a prophetic ministry to bring Israel back to God before they were to be carried off into the seventy years of the Babylonian Captivity. He was a man of God in every sense of the word, but when we read Isaiah six, we find him acknowledging what a sinful man he was. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, Isa. 6:5-10. What a testimony of the grace of God!*

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October 25th

Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Luke 11:1-5

I like the language here. We read in verse 4 of our text ... forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. In Matthew's Gospel, the wording is different. It is debts and debtors. Sins differ from transgressions. Transgressions involve going contrary to the law. Sin has the idea of coming short of what is demanded by God's perfect glory. The one is negative and the other positive. In other words, it is not as much a matter that we do wrong to others, as that we don't treat them with all the goodness that we should.

The prayer is that God will forgive us because we fall short in treating Him with the goodness that we should. By way of application, we could say the same concerning transgressions. Our Lord gave this prayer to his disciples as an example of how they should pray daily. In other words, our Lord assumed that even these apostles would never come to the point where they would be free from sin. Sanctification is progressive, but never complete in this life. It is only when we see Jesus face to face that we will be fully conformed to His image.

Sadly, there are those that take such a concept and make it to be tolerance for sin. They believe that we can and should be completely free from sin in this life. In the end, they are no freer from sin than the rest of us. They simply define sin downward and call sin a mistake. This is nothing more than self-deception and nonsense. We cannot advance the cause of holiness by defining sin downward. If anything, we would be raising the bar to the perfect image of Jesus Christ. We read in 1 John 1:8 where John writes, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. John writes to early believers to help give them with the assurance of salvation. As he writes, he knows that sin will be a part of our life as long as we live in the flesh.

The initial work of the Spirit of God involves conviction of sin. If we have no consciousness of sin, we have no knowledge of divine truth. Furthermore, the closer we get to God, the more conscious we will become of our own depravity. This was the experience of Isaiah the prophet and all men of God since. Denial of sin involves deep sin.

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October 26th

Arguments from the Experience of Christians
Psalm 19:1-14

It is a glorious, inexpressible, joyful experience when a person is once and for all "saved" and knows for sure that they are going to heaven when Christ returns in the clouds. Yes, the heavens declare the glories of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. These people become the living stones, the church that Christ is building. 1 Peter 2:3-5 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. This group of people is being made into a spiritual house, the church, the very bride of Christ! Can you imagine that as a group of people, each one bowing and bending the knee continually daily and praying, "Have mercy on us miserable sinners," that there would be even one that would stand opposed, refusing to bow and to confess. Oh what a pitiful sight that would be, but in fact, this could not even happen. You see, true Christians are walking in the Spirit and they are confessing sin and they are bowing the knee and they are obedient. There are no people, no matter what they claim or profess, that can belong to the true church of Jesus Christ and not bend the knee. Exceeding sinfulness; there is no person, no matter how good they are, who could ever be a part of the work of the spiritual house that Christ is building, unless they have repented of their sin and turned to Christ to save them. Not one!

On the other hand, every single person who is Christ's, knows that he is a sinner. Every single person who is saved is never satisfied with this life, he knows that he is not who he ought to be, and he is eternally thankful for the Grace and Mercy that God has freely given him. Romans 8:32-35 He 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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

...Gracious and Merciful God, our Savior, we rejoice in Your Salvation. We humbly bow before Your throne of Grace! Amen.

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October 27th

Theory of Perfectionism or Sanctification
In Pelagian's Teachings

"The two radical principles of Mr. Pelagian are first, that the nature of man is uninjured by the fall, so that men are free from sin until by voluntary transgression they incur guilt. Secondly, that our natural powers, since, as well as before the fall, are fully competent to render complete obedience to the law."* These are both wrong because only Christ could keep all the law. James 2:10 Whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point we are guilty of all.

 "From his teachings he taught

(1.) That men (even among the heathen) might live from birth to death free from all sin, although he did not assert that any man had ever so lived.

(2.) That converted men might live without sin, perfectly obeying the law.

(3.) That this obedience was rendered in the exercise of their ability, as assisted by the grace of God.*

"Pelagius says by grace we are to understand

(1.) The goodness of God so constitutes our nature that we can completely obey the law in virtue of our free agency.

(2.) The pardon of sins committed before conversion.

(3.) The moral influences of the truth and of the circumstances in which we are placed.

The effect of Grace thus understood, is simply to render obedience more easily. In the Council of Carthage, (A. D. 418) Pelagius was condemned for his teachings.* The author of the above, Charles Hodge in his book on Systematic Theology gets deeper into the subject than most of us want to go, and he, himself, quotes from history and other authors on the subject.

We shall now try to bring the above teachings down to our level and explain them for our understanding. Pelagius was wrong in both his first and second premises in the first paragraph. We all are born with a sinful nature and no one can keep the law. In the second paragraph, he is again wrong in that he did not understand Romans chapters 1-3. There is no pardon from sin apart from the death of Christ on the cross. The Romish teachings of today are, what we call "semi-pelagius" in that some of their teaching about sin, justification and sanctification are very close to what Pelagius was condemned for. Let us not fall for any sect that teaches works are part of our salvation.

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October 28th

The State of Grace
Romans 8:1-9

Before the reformation, the popular notion was that baptism removed all sin and provided people with the ability to merit salvation. Furthermore, people believed that baptism could not remove the effects of original sin.  From this thinking the idea of mortal and venial sin developed. A mortal sin is one that placed one back into a state of condemnation. The idea of venial sin involves lowering the bar of God's law to that attainable by people in this life. Hence, venial sin does not put one back into a state of condemnation. The thinking is that those who are not in a state of condemnation are in a state of perfection.

Though consistent, there is a radical difference between this thinking and the reformers as to the nature of sin and the extent of our moral obligation. As we noted earlier, in this context it is possible to merit salvation and beyond. Salvation is a matter then of God's work and our work. We must have both for our justification. Our works then, are not a part of the ground, but the result of our salvation.

Rather than the focus of the state of grace being on us, it is on our union with Christ. If we are in Christ, we are not in a state of condemnation. If we are not in Christ, we are in a state of condemnation. It is that simple. John 14:6 Jesus saith ..., I am the way,  the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus Christ does not bring us to a state where salvation by our works, rather our union with Him guarantees our justification, our sanctification and our glorification. I like the words of our text, There is no middle ground. We are either in a state of salvation or a state of condemnation. God does not want us to be in doubt or uncertain as to our state. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? A reprobate is one who is in a state of condemnation. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life... God wants us to know our state. Our state is a matter of faith, not baptism or church membership. As it is a matter of faith in the heart, it is impossible for others to fully discern, but imperative that we discern.

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October 29th

The Arminian Theory
Romans 7:14-25

We see here a theory and it is just that. This Arminian Theory supposes that we can become perfect, without sin, in these mortal bodies. It never ceases to be amazing that some folks could possibly even believe such a theory, but all we have to do is look around and see the utter foolishness that abounds among those that are unsaved and yes, even among some that profess Christianity. Further, Arminianism believes that a person actually has three different degrees of perfection. What they really are doing is actually redefining sin and the truth of God's Word to mean what they want it to mean. That is what the world does and it should not be surprising to us at all. These different degrees are known as, #1. That of beginners, #2. That of proficient, and #3. That of the truly perfect.

Our text today gives us some very clear words of spiritual significance from the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who if anybody could have been perfect, he surely could have been one to attain this so-called theory. No, in fact he describes himself as one who wants to do good and delights in God's law, but finds himself at war with his own sinful self. He finds that there is God's law of righteousness and then there is the law of sin, as long as he is in his body of flesh. It brings Paul to his knees as he cries out, Romans 7:24,25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Now maybe the Arminians forgot to read this passage. This is very clear. We do not and cannot attain perfection while in this mortal body. Well, when do true believers become perfect? Glad you asked! 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. This is why you are to, Colossians 3:2-4 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. This truly is the very day that true believers attain perfection. When they are with Christ in Glory for eternity! Praise God! Gracious Heavenly Father, may we worship You acceptably until You return and then forever!

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October 30th

The Law to which Believers are Subject

Our national judicial laws, moral standards and codes of conduct are based on the Ten Commandments and ancient Roman and British law. The Christian is to obey the laws of the land, as well as, the laws of God, however, there are times when the laws of the land conflict with God's laws and then we must take a stand for the Lord. Such is true also in church standards. There are times when denominational teachings, especially in these "politically correct" days are not according to the Scriptures. When we see these contradictions, we must again turn to the Bible and not to standards or dictums of corrupt men.
We are in the days described by Christ in Luke 17:26-32 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife! It's interesting that the passage closes with, "Remember Lot's wife," she turned back because her heart was in the city of Sodom. Several of her children and many of her close friends were left behind. It is so easy for us to get discouraged and think we are all alone as Elijah thought of himself after he fled from the death threat of Jezebel, but God reminded him there were 7000 men who were faithful to Him, in II Kings 19:18. Yes, there are still faithful men and women who love God and gladly serve Him. Let us be faithful in these last days and continue to grow in the reading of the Bible and our prayer times. Our Lord told us these times would come and he also told us to "Occupy till I come" Luke 19:13 or be busy for Him until He returns for us in the air. Lastly from Revelation 22:20, where John says, "Even so come Lord Jesus."

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October 31st

Sanctification Conclusion
Revelation Chapters 21 & 22 

What a glorious privilege to write the conclusion to this months teaching on the Doctrine of Sanctification! How can it be that any person could ever come to any other conclusion that there is another way to get to heaven, other than what our Almighty, All-powerful, All-knowing, Omniscient God has set forth in His Holy Word? Well, after each of us has spent much time studying and reading in God's Word this month, it becomes strikingly clear that there are many, many people, some who are very dear friends and family, who simply are not saved, regardless of what they are professing. There just is no other way to heaven, save through Jesus Christ. Scripture is clear; we can only get to heaven by God's plan. A person can speak, claim, profess, whatever he wants, all day every day, and then be moral, Ph.D. Educated, do good things, be the best that they can be and yet, each and every one will still fall short, far short of God's Holy Perfection and requirement to gain entrance into heaven. Just think, if there was another way, wouldn't God just simply tell us? In fact, He has given us the very words of life, the true way and that way is in His One and Only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the foolish person who seeks to come up with some other explanation. It is the unsaved person who tries to live up to God's standard of perfection. It is the religious person who falsely believes God will accept him on his own limited and sinful terms. It is the educated person who tries to second-guess what God really means. This unbelief is wickedness. If we get nothing else, God help us to get this! 2 Corinthians 6:2...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die...?

"Dear Heavenly Father, it is with humbled hearts that we bow before the throne of grace today. We ask You to open the blind hearts of those around us that need Your salvation. We beg of You to help them see that there is no other way, but to repent and to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ! May it be so! Amen."

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