Willful Sins

"For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26-27).

This is one of the most controversial passages of Scripture because of its apparent conflict with passages which teach salvation by grace, entirely apart from the law or any form of works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) and absolute security in salvation to those who belong to Christ (e.g., John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39).

Actually, many passages warn against deliberate acts of sin by Christians. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar" (1 John 2:4). "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16).

Clearly, there are dozens of "proof texts" on both sides of this question, and it cannot be settled by citing a cliché or two in a brief study like this. There can be no real contradiction in God's Word, however, so the Lord must have had a good reason for inspiring this apparent paradox in His book. On the one hand, it is vital for every true believer in Christ to know that He is saved and has eternal life. "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" (1 John 5:13). On the other hand, it is deadly dangerous for a person merely to think he or she is saved when there is no evidence of a changed life. Such Scriptures as our text give sober warning that professing Christians have no basis for any assurance of salvation if they do not obey His words. "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3). Therefore, "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). HMM

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Most sins are not smart but comes out of emotion and emotion is stronger than knowledge.

However, other men cannot see our faith, and therefore we must be justified in the sight of men by our works. True saving faith inevitably will manifest itself in works of righteousness. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: . . . For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8,10). HMM

It is clear from the above that no one will be saved through their own goodness. Nothing we can do could ever merit eternal life. It can only come as a gift which is by the grace of God. We are not even saved by our faith, that is, it is not faith in itself that saves us. Faith is just a medium God uses to extend His grace to us (Titus 3:5).

Saved By Good Looks

"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

The Scriptures make it very plain that we are not saved by good works, nor is it by good luck, or good intentions, or good company, though all of these have their advocates. The fact is, we are saved by good looks!

First of all, one needs to take a good look at the creation. "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things" (Isaiah 40:26). He will see clear evidence that he is accountable to his Creator, but then a closer look reveals a desperate need. "Lift up your eyes to the heavens and look upon the earth beneath . . . they that dwell therein shall die in like manner" (Isaiah 51:6). The creation is dying because of God’s curse.

Then, as one looks at his own works in light of God’s holiness, he sees that he also is dying, as in our text. The situation is hopeless if we see only with physical eyes, "for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). But then, one can take a good look at Christ, with eyes of the heart. "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:22).

The life which begins with a believing look at the cross, must also continue with one's eyes still on Christ, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). This good look will even see, with the eye of faith, the ultimate return of Christ, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). In the meantime, we also need to "Lift up [our] eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). HMM

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Daily Manna
3.09.12

Faith With Works

TEXT: James 2:10-26

"Thus also faith by itself, If it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).

Several world religions require only the keeping of some ordinances to be accepted. Others insist on rituals and some activities. Christianity is unique because it is a way of life that demands your all.

The Epistle to James is essentially practical because the Apostle addressed men on the ground that faith in God can only be seen by outward manifestation of works. Faith is required in our vertical relationship with God. However, man cannot show someone else his faith, any more than he can show his charity in his horizontal dealings with mortals, Thus, one who says he has faith, but whose conduct and character do not portray him as a believer, is like a man who says he has charity but does no charitable deeds. Even so "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone".

Faith in God with practical works of righteousness is the demand of God from sincere believers today. "Justification by works", is here mentioned as what must be subsequent to justification by faith. Works of righteousness as we see in the text is to bear one another's burden by caring, giving and showing love in a practical way to those who are less privileged. Every member of the body of Christ has something to give. Selfishness and lack of true practical love make many to close their eyes to the needs of others.

Our profession of faith as believers must match our actions. A man who claims to have a new life in Christ and is found guilty of the sins that are common in the life of the graceless people is a transgressor. Righteousness, mercy and kindness must characterise our lives as saints of God.

Examine your works whether they stem out of faith; and your faith whether it evokes out good works. Faith without works is dead.

Thought for the day: "Show your faith by your good works"

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OLAADEGBU:


Most sins are not smart but comes out of emotion and emotion is stronger than knowledge.