Simultaneously Righteous, and a Sinner

"Simul justus et peccator". This insightful principle means:  "Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner."

That is a genuine believer in Jesus is simultaneously: 

1. RIGHTEOUS (justus) in the sight of God through faith in Christ, having received His imputed righteousness. This is our identity in Christ. "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith, apart from observing the law." (Romans 3:28) "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." (Romans 4:5) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) 

2. A SINNER (peccator) in his own sinful flesh, which remains unchanged even after conversion. "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18-19) "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." (Galatians 5:17) Hence every believer daily experience the constant battle between the flesh and the spirit the new spiritual nature in Christ. Though we are genuinely converted, our sinful flesh remains with us until we receive our resurrection bodies. "He will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like His glorious body!" (Philippians 3:21) 

 "Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner." What I am in Christ: RIGHTEOUS. What I am in my flesh: SINNER. 

In justification, God credits Christ's perfect righteousness to our account, while our sinful flesh remains with us. We live in constant tension: legally righteous before God, yet we have an ongoing struggle with our sinful flesh. Therefore, we are to be continually confessing our sins and failures, while at the same time continually clinging to God's grace and forgiveness. Our every sin has been imputed to Jesus, and His perfect righteousness has been imputed to us. As we are fully aware of our continual battle with sin so we must ever face our sinfulness. In ourselves, we remain greatly marred by our sinful flesh our indwelling corruption. Yet at that same moment, we are clothed in Christ's perfect righteousness. 

When our spotless Substitute hung on Calvary, He bore our sin and fully satisfied Divine justice. "God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21) This dual reality delivers us from both despair and self–reliance. We no longer strive to earn acceptance with God, for it is already ours in Christ. And we no longer revel in sin, for we love Him who first loved us. Thus, we confess sin and flee to the cross.

As we reflect on Luther's profound insight, we must understand that our flesh is far more sinful than we can ever know. We are likewise far more righteous in Christ, than we could ever imagine. These twin truths will humble us, comfort us, and give us great hope for what we soon will be when we will inhabit glorious, Christ-like bodies. Luther's profound principle will save us from a thousand theological and practical pitfalls, as it concisely explains the true Christian's continual paradox: Why do I have this constant battle with sin and so often fall into sin? 

 

"Simultaneously righteous, and a sinner." Think about it and commit it to memory.

[Martin Luther]

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Splendid Sins ...

The holiest actions of the holiest saint that ever lived, are all more or less full of defects and imperfections. They are either wrong in their motive, or defective in their performance, and in themselves are nothing better than splendid sins, deserving God's wrath and condemnation.  To suppose that such actions can stand the severity of God's judgment, atone for sin, and merit Heaven is simply absurd! 

The only righteousness in which we can appear before God, is the righteousness of another even the perfect righteousness of our Substitute and Representative, Jesus Christ the Lord. His work, and not our work is our only title to Heaven. This is a truth which we should be ready to die to maintain! 

[J.C. Ryle] 

Galatians 2:16 ...  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

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Judging!!

Few verses are more misunderstood or misused than the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, lest you be judged!" In our day of moral relativism, blame-shifting, and self-justification, this verse is regularly pulled out of context to silence any voice that dares to call sin what it is. Yet such misuse turns the Lord's words on their head, distorting both His meaning and His purpose. 

First, what Jesus is NOT saying: He is not forbidding all forms of judgment. Scripture itself commands believers to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14), to expose the fruitless deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and to confront a brother or sister who is in sin (Galatians 6:1). In fact, just a few verses later in Matthew 7, Jesus warns against giving what is sacred to dogs (verse 6), and identifying false prophets by their fruits (verses 15-20) both of which require spiritual discernment and righteous judgment. 

Clearly then, Jesus is not promoting a blind tolerance of sin, or moral indifference. Nor is He forbidding the correction of others. His very command, "then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" implies that helping a brother overcome sin is a necessary and loving work. But it must be done with humility, self-awareness, and sincerity. What Jesus IS condemning, is self-righteous, hypocritical judgment, the kind that sees minor faults in others, while ignoring major ones in ourselves. He is exposing the pride that delights in criticizing others from a position of moral superiority, while remaining blind to our own sin. 

The image which Jesus paints is intentionally exaggerated in order to make His point: a man with a plank sticking out of his eye, trying to remove a speck of dust from someone else's eye. None are more unjust in their judgments of others, than those who have a high opinion of themselves. Until we have first humbled ourselves before God, repented of our own sin, and been cleansed by His grace we are not fit to help others. We must first judge ourselves rightly only then will we be able to see clearly and act compassionately. 

In the end, this passage is not a prohibition against loving confrontation. The real force of Jesus' words is this: Judge yourself first. Deal with your own sinful heart, before you presume to deal with another's. And when you do speak to others about their sin, let it be from a place of grace, truth, and godly love never from hypocrisy. Judgment that aligns with God's Word, is exercised in humility and aims at restoration--is not only permitted it is commanded. 

The problem is not judgment itself, but self-righteous, hypocritical, or unjust judgment. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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Freedom ...

The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.

[John Adams]

Galatians 5:1 ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13 ... For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

John 8:36 ... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. ❤

Happy Independence Day! 

"The Curse of God"

The curse of God is no empty threat it is the solemn declaration of His inflexible holiness and righteousness. It proceeds not from cruelty, but from His perfect justice. As His blessings are tokens of mercy towards every redeemed saint, so His curses are expressions of His holy wrath against every unbelieving sinner. From birth, every soul stands beneath this dreadful sentence, "All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God!" (Romans 3:23)

Not merely gross wickedness, but every failure to love the Lord wholly and perfectly, places the sinner under condemnation. God's Word demands uninterrupted and entire obedience, and anything less invokes His curse. Yet in the midst of such terrifying truth, shines the wonder of redeeming grace: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us!" (Galatians 3:13) 

The weight of Divine wrath fell upon the spotless Lamb! The sword of vengeance was sheathed in His holy soul. He bore what we deserved so that we might be pardoned, justified, and made heirs of eternal life. Believers! We were once dead in our transgressions and sins, in which we used to live when we followed our father Satan, and the evil ways of this world. Like the perishing people around us, we were by nature children of wrath, and on our way to eternal perdition! But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, saved us by His wondrous grace! 

Such a marvelous salvation should strip us of all pride and fill us with reverent awe and unceasing gratitude. Since we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone let us hate sin, cling to the cross, and tremble at His Word. And let us warn others with compassion and urgency for outside of Christ, the curse yet abides. The only refuge is found at Calvary, where God's unfailing love and truth have met together and where righteousness and peace have kissed! 

[A. W. Pink] 

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John 3:36 ...  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Matthew 25:41 ...  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ❤

God's True Grace

But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the True Grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle that produces holiness in the heart. 

True grace brings home the Word with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! Acts 14:3 

True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" Acts 18:27 

True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! Galatians 1:15; Zechariah 12:10 

True grace makes obedient to the faith and leads the soul to receive "grace upon grace" out of the fullness of Jesus! Romans 1:5; John 1:16 

True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin and leads us from the law to the gospel! Romans 6:14 

True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul and imparts everlasting consolation! Ephesians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 

True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7 

True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! 2 Corinthians 12:9 

True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! Acts 20:32; Hebrews 13:9 

True grace leads to holy, scriptural, and consistent practice! Titus 2:11-15 

True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! 1 Corinthians 15:10 

True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! 2 Corinthians 1:12 

True grace will make him generous and liberal in the Lord's cause, and to the poor! 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-14 

True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6-8 

True grace is always a gift and is invariably free! Romans 11:6; Ephesians 4:7 

True grace communicates more and more to its possessor, until the victory and conquest is complete! James 4:6 

The man that possesses the True Grace of God and is living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. 

[James Smith]

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In Love!!

Behold the overflowing riches of the grace and love of Jesus. Every page of the Gospel story teaches the love of His heart to His redeemed people. 

In love He receives His people as His own. Before the world was framed, He inscribed them on the tablets of His heart. 

In love He undertakes their cause and espouses them as His bride. 

In love He works out for them a righteousness so bright, so perfect, so glorious that Jehovah's eye can find no flaw, no spot, no blemish in it. 

In love He beautifies them with His shining robe and fits them for the banquet in the Heaven of heavens. 

In love He guards them from every foe and makes them more than conquerors over all the hosts of darkness. 

In love He causes all things to work together for their good. In love He leads them to lie down in the rich pastures of Bible truth and instructs them in the Word which is "able to make them wise unto salvation." 

In love He will come again to receive them to Himself. 

In love He will present them pure and blameless to His Father with exceeding joy. 

In love He will dwell among them through the ages of eternity! 

[Henry Law] 

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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.

1 John 3:1 ... Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Revelation 1:5 ...  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, ❤

The Old Man ...

Why does God not remove the old sinful nature out of the Christian? 

SIN REMAINING IN THE BELIEVER: drives him humbly to confess his own nothingness, excludes all boasting from his tongue, compels him to trust in his God, takes away from him his propensity to trust in himself, leads him to value the precious blood which cleanses him, to prize the Holy Spirit who sanctifies him, to rejoice in the faithfulness, and patience, of God who still continues to be gracious to him. And oh! what songs will the man of God sing when he gets to heaven! How much sweeter will be the music, because of the conflict! How much more glorious the victory, because of the warfare! 

If I could be totally delivered from sin, root and branch, I certainly would; but yet am I conscious that no Christian would glorify God so much in heaven as he now does, if there were not sinned to be contended with. A creature that could not sin, could scarcely show forth much of the praise of God by its holiness; but that the creature can sin, nay, that there is a strong drawing towards sin, and yet the divine grace keeps a man from it, and sanctifies him even to perfection, why this will make the song come swelling up of "Hallelujah! hallelujah! hallelujah!" 

If no adversaries had been fought, then no victories could have been won; if there were no temptations for us to struggle with, then there would have been no elbowroom for our faith, and no power for the display of the bare arm of God. Many believers would have grown too proud to be borne with, if some infirmity had not plucked the plume from their helmets and made them mourn with brokenness of heart before God. 

God can bring good out of evil by his overruling grace, while on the other hand our good works have often been the greatest curse we have ever had! Good works have puffed us up and so have led us into pride; while our sins, though pulling us down, have, through almighty grace, led us to work for eternity. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

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Galatians 3:11 ...  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

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. ❤

Four Facts of Scripture

Here are the four facts revealed in Holy Scripture which I most cherish. Those four, blessed, gospel truths are the pillars of our faith, the joy of our hearts, the comfort of our souls, and the constant themes of our songs in worship and of the message we preach. 

1. The God we worship and serve, our Heavenly Father is absolutely sovereign in all things.  (Daniel. 4:34-37) 

2. The Lord Jesus Christ, God's dear Son, our Savior has effectually redeemed his people from all sin. (Galatians 3:13)

3. Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

4. And the Lord our God sovereignly rules, controls, and disposes of all things in providence according to His own wise and holy will. (Isaiah 46:9-10)

[Don Fortner] 

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"Fruit"

This was a personal project for me today. I wanted to design a simple poster for our kitchen, with a great reminder of what the Bible says about the fruit of the spirit. My 8-year-old daughter helped me design this one and made sure all of the color's fruits were in a “good order” and that I spelled all the words right. We think it turned out well.

[Kevin Carden]

Buy prints at ChristianPhotoshops.Etsy.com

Galatians 5:22 ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ❤

The Sins of The Saints

Bernard of Clairvaux once mentioned an old man who, upon hearing about any professing Christian who fell into sin, would say to himself: "He fell today; I may fall tomorrow!" The apostle Paul commended the same mindset when he wrote, "let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12) 

There is great wisdom in not trusting our own ability to stand. When I was a boy, my father would often say, "The person I trust least of all is myself." It should shock us to hear a professing Christian say, "I would never do that," or "How could anyone do that?" Consider the following: 

If Adam, an innocent man, could choose a piece of fruit over the infinitely valuable God (Genesis 3:6);  if Noah, the most righteous man of his day, could get so drunk that he passed out naked before his sons in his tent (Genesis 9:21);  if Abraham, the most faithful man of his day, could father a child with his wife's handmaiden (Genesis 16:1-4) and twice hand his wife over to other men (Genesis 12:11-15; 20:1-2);  if Sarah, the mother of promise, could laugh at the words of the God of promise and then lie to Him about doing so (Genesis 18:9-15);  if "righteous Lot" could greedily pick the most materialistic and sexually depraved place for himself and his family to live (Genesis 13:8-13), and could hand his daughters over to the sexually perverse men of the city (Genesis 19:4-8);  if Isaac, the son of promise, could show partiality to his oldest son because he liked his hunting skills (Genesis 25:28), and he, too, could hand his wife over to another man (Genesis 26:6-11); and if Jacob, the namesake of Israel, could swindle his brother for a birthright (Genesis 25:29-34), then so could I. 

If Moses, the meekest man on the planet, could act in such sinful anger and unbelief that God would not let him into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12);  if his successor Joshua, could disobediently covenant with pagans (Joshua 9);  if Gideon, the mighty man of valor, could fall into idolatry at the end of his life (Judges 8:22-27); and if Samson, the strongest man who ever lived, could be defeated by wine and women (Judges 14-16), then so could I. if David, the man after God's own heart, could commit adultery and premeditate the murder of one of his mighty men (2 Samuel 11);  if Solomon, the wisest man, could foolishly allow his heart to be led astray by a thousand women to worship foreign gods (1 Kings 11);  if Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, could charge God with deceiving His people (Jeremiah 4:10); and if Elijah, a prophet of Israel, could self-righteously run from the mission of God (Jonah 1-3), then so could I. 

 If John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, could doubt the identity of the One to whom he bore witness (Matthew 11:2-3); and if the Apostle Peter could try to stop Jesus from going to the cross (Matthew 16:21-23), deny Jesus (Luke 22:54-61), argue with the Lord about the gospel and its implications (John 13:6-10; Acts 10:9-16), and support division in the church over the doctrine of justification by faith alone (Galatians 2:11-21), then so could I. 

If James and John could use Jesus to get to the top (Mark 10:35-37) and could want to call fire down from Heaven on those who did not believe the gospel (Luke 9:51-55); and if the Apostle John could twice fall down to worship angels (Revelation 19:9-10; Revelation 22:8-9), then so could I. 

We must resist the temptation of thinking that we can stand in our own strength. We must depend on the grace of the One who said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). The greatest believers are subject to great weaknesses. In no way do these truths give a license to sin; instead, they give a sober realization that by nature, "nothing good dwells in us." (Romans 7:18) 

We must distrust ourselves, bear with the weak, and hold fast to Christ. We must flee to our Great High Priest, who was tempted in all points as we are, yet never sinned. We must go to Him for grace and mercy to withstand temptations, and we must go to Him for grace and mercy if we fall.

[Nick Batzig]  

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1 Corinthians 15:10 ...  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Psalm 119:117 ...  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. ❤

Nominal Christians ...

It is to be feared that the great mass of nominal Christians is nothing but unconverted worldlings! "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not from the father, but is from the world!" (1 John 2:15-16)  

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life; that is, pleasure, and riches, and honor. These are the great objects of worldly ambition to which every godless heart is attached to! "If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 2:20) The Apostle here takes for granted, that this effect will universally and invariably follow that all who know the adorable Savior will escape the pollutions of the world. There never was, nor ever will be, one exception to this truth. 

All who savingly know Christ, will no longer supremely love the world, but escape from its enticements and pollutions. Yet it is to be feared that there are many professing Christians who have never been delivered from the pollutions of the world. Their desires, and hopes, and joys, and pursuits are all worldly. Be assured that you cannot love the world, and God also; for they are diametrically opposed to each other. "You cannot serve God and Mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Know that while you love and desire and pursue earthly vanities then you have not yet truly devoted yourselves to the Lord Jesus. Whatever your situation or circumstances may be, God's view of worldliness is the same: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God! (James 4:4) "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32)

Scripture paints the world, and all who love it, in darksome colors. O that all the votaries of gaiety, and fashion, and pleasure, would realize what Scripture compares them to: "Swine wallowing in the mire!" and "Dogs returning to their own vomit!" (Proverbs 26:11)  

Yes, this is the feast to which your earthly friends invite you! Learn to view the world as God views it! Regard it as a country infected with the plague! Let your great concern be to get through it in safety. 

[Charles Simeon]

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2 Corinthians 6:17 ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Galatians 1:4 ... Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:  ❤

Be Free!!

Step out from religion.  Be free!

John 8:36 ... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 8:2 ... For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 5:1 ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ❤

Waiters ...

 If God is making you wait

then do what waiters do ...

Serve!

Psalm 27:14 ...  Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Galatians 5:13 ... For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ❤

The True Spiritual Atlas!

Mark, it is soul-suffering that is the essence of Jesus' anguish. "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death." That 'cup' was filled to the brim with curses! His holy soul was like a vast reservoir, into which the transgressions of every elect child of Adam rushed from every age, demanding payment for sin. He was filled with horror and deep distress at the fearful havoc which sin had wrought, and at its dreadful penalty, which He was now bearing. 

The wrath of God, the horrendous manifestation of His displeasure at iniquity, was upon Jesus! He was the true spiritual Atlas, bearing on His shoulders, the sins of a guilty world. Jesus' sufferings were not calamities. They were a judicial punishment inflicted on Him by His Father for the sins of His people. There was an eternity of woe, condensed into His sufferings and sin-atoning death. Christ was the Sin-Bearer, bearing not merely the guilt and punishment of sin, but sin itself. 

 [John MacDuff] 

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Isaiah 53:5 ... But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

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.

Ephesians 5:2 ... And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ❤

What a Mystery is This! How Utterly Incomprehensible!

It is true that we must be saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! It is equally true that faith does not save us because it produces good works. 

Jesus has, by His substitutionary and sin-atoning death, "brought in an everlasting righteousness" for His people. Hear the blessed tidings brought to us by the Prophet Isaiah, "He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, we are healed!" (Isaiah 53:5)  

Stupendous thought! We are healed by His stripes! We are healed by stripes inflicted by Jehovah on His beloved Son! What a mystery is this! How utterly incomprehensible! Well does the Apostle say, "How unsearchable are God's judgments, and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)  

Faith saves us simply as apprehending Christ, in and through whom we are reconciled to God. But the faith which apprehends Christ aright, will always "work by love," (Galatians 5:6)   and "purify the heart," (Acts 15:9)   and "overcome the world!" (1 John 5:4-5)  

If the faith which we possess does not operate in this way, it is a mere dead faith and can no more save us than the faith of devils! Yet many rest their hope for salvation, in a mere notional faith that is unproductive of good works. God-given saving faith always unites us unto Christ, as branches to the vine; and enables us, by virtue derived from Him, to bring forth fruit to His glory!

[Charles Simeon]

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2024

This fourth of July, come to the Lord and truly be independent!

John 8:36 ... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 6:18 ... Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

1 Corinthians 16:13 ...  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Galatians 5:1 ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

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Be Made Free!!

Salvation is free - the gift of God. We cannot earn it, buy it, nor work for it. Salvation is by unmerited favor, grace. Religion places you under a heavy yoke of oppression, a system of works and self-righteousness trying to earn God's favor.

The good news is the Lord rebukes religious leaders placing oppression on the shoulders of His people and He offers us rest - freedom from religious rules and manmade traditions.

Any 'works' that we do is not to obtain salvation but because of salvation and obedience to the Lord.

Come to Jesus. It's very simple. Repent and Believe - put your faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross! Amen. †

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.

Matthew 11:28-30 ... Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Galatians 5:1 ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Mark 1:15 ...  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ... Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ❤

Liberty in Christ!!

The religious mindset will never comprehend liberty in its perfect form. It’s not that we are walking away from Christ, we’re walking to where he is. That’s true spiritual maturity. Legalism, rituals, traditions, man-made concepts and ideas, will always resent enlightenment. 

Be enlightened. 

[Christopher Gregory]

Galatians 5:1 ... Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ❤

One Drop of Redeeming Love!

O worldly professor, if you would enter Heaven at last, then you must begin at the cross of Christ! Count all your good works as dung and dross before the holy God. Fling away your vain hopes, and self-righteous confidences. Give up your fond idea of securing both earth and Heaven. 

Go straight to Calvary! There be crucified to the world, and the world to you, by the cross of Christ! (Galatians 6:14) Go at once to Him who died for the ungodly, and drink into His love! 

One draught, nay, one drop of redeeming love, will forever quench your love of sin, and be the death of that worldliness which threatens to be your eternal ruin! 

[Horatius Bonar] 

Romans 5:6-10 ... For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

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