Justification by faith

Romans 5:10

I am in no way a denominational minded person. That is someone who finds it necessary to prove that their group is the sol barer of Gods light. I am very confident in my denominations positions. A wise man once told me, "In centrals, UNITY, in non centrals, LIBERTY and in everything, LOVE." Having said that, I wanted to address a "unity" doctrine, Justification of faith.

Whole semesters in seminary are devoted to this topic of core belief, but let us touch on a high point. In my mind, Romans 5:10 is alomost a summation of statement. It is worth while to point out that we are NOT saved, born again by believing. Believing is not enough, or even capable of saving anyone. Satan believes in Gods existance and it has not done him any good. Repentance? No, repentance won't get us a foot inside Heavens gates. Repentance is what should occur when we accurately see ourselves through the eyes Of a Holy God. Both believing and repenting are brances of the tree that is the all sufficient ATONEMENT made by Christ on the cross. We are made and declared righteous by the amazing gift of God, that is atonement. The proce paid for by Jesus on the cross for your sins and mine is what makes us reconciled to God.

Because Christ made the "once, for all sacrifice for our sin debt" it made it possible for us to have FAITH in the fact that it was considered payment in full by God. When we BELIEVE ON that, as if we were the only one who needed it, we are passed from death to life; from Hell to Heaven. We are born of GOD!!

What Christ bought for us by his blood, can never be overestimated. It is incalculable. As the Lamb of God, his sacrifice, his blood paid our debt to God. Repentance is only a natural outgrowth of accepting it. Praise God forever! By our faith and confidence in its completeness are we declared innocent, not guilty. Justified by The Father and made children of God. Amen!! Let us pray:

Our Father and our God, You are the most Holy God. Your word tells us "Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sins". In the Old Testament, we saw the lamb given in sacrifice. That could only forestall the debt. In the New Testament, as John the Baptizer said, "Behold the Lamb." Jesus was your "Once and for all lamb". He paid our sin debt. His atonement paid it all. Thank you for him and all he accomplished that day on Calvary. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The works!

TODAY'S READING:

Romans 12:5 to 8

What is success for you? Is it a great job, money? Maybe houses or cars? These things will fade. I have seen pictures of the tombs of Pharaohs and Inca kings with more riches than can be counted or imagined. All still in the ground. It is the owners and now dust. No wealth and position has lasting value. The Bible tells us to sow treasure in heaven (Matt 6:20, Luke 12:

33 for example) even that's a little unclear. What does that mean for us? What do we store there? The treasure simply put is our labors for king and kingdom. Our acts of Christian service. It is our faithful service. The selfless service and why we do it. Its true we are responsible for how we use the gifts we've received, but we are also accountable for the things we don't use. A small number are given in today's reading. We are to use them to Gods Glory. We are the tools, he is the Master builder. Can a hammer brag that it built the house? Neither can we. We should never brag or claim ANY Glory, it is Gods and Gods alone. We should rejoice only in the fact the master finds us useable.

Some say I am a good writer, if that's true to GOD be ALL glory! If I have any rejoicing in these offerings it is that I know the one who is the Writer of lasting worth; My Father in Heaven. I'm the pen, He is the author. No, I'm not saying it is done the same as the Biblical writers. I'm just useable. By all means seek the Lord as to an area of service and ministry where you can be used. Let him Guide you there. Don't fall into the trap, the lie that says you have some special valuable gift that sets you apart from others. We don't, we use what The Master has given us and at the end of the day we are just doing our jobs. That Job is to bring GLORY to God. He is the only one worthy of it. Let us pray:

My Master, you are worthy of all Glory. Worthy of all praise. You give us gifts to use to Bring still more GLORY to you; For You and You alone. How we long to be as Paul said Broken Bread and used up wine. Then we will have much treasure in heaven. My Father, I may have no treasure stored there and my service may be revealed as straw, but serve you I will. Every day and in every way. We Love you Lord Jesus. And it is in your Name I pray, Amen.