Salvation

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THE CORD OF THREE STRANDS

(Genesis 2:18) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Throughout our 44 years of marriage, there have been times when my wife and I have spent time away from each other.  We are currently in one of those seasons. My wife is away tending to a sick brother. I find it emotionally painful to be apart, but it is somewhat beneficial in that our desire for each other is heightened.  From the beginning God acknowledged that man has need for a companion.  Though not clearly stated, our companionship was never meant to exclude God.

Forty-four years ago, two sinners came together to form an intimate relationship.  Would this relationship last?  Ah, they had a distinct advantage.  They both had recently formed a strong relationship with their creator. From the start, God was at the center of their union. What that meant is that in hard, difficult times, they had God to turn to.  When times went well, they knew who to thank. 

So here I am sitting alone at my desk, and what is on my mind?  Gratefulness to God for this beautiful, wonderful woman he brought to me those many years ago.  God has been so good to us.  I am thoroughly convinced that God has been at the center of our successful marriage.

(Proverbs 18:22) He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

(Ecclesiastes 4:12) Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

God’s presence in any relationship is vital, because with him you can form a strong bond. Thus, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” In marriage his presence makes all the difference. 

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CHOOSE THE GOOD

(Psalm 64:1-6) Here me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.  Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.  They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.  They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.  They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?”  They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!”  Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

Since mankind rebelled against God, we have known the difference between good and evil.  God encourages us to do good; who encourages us to do evil?  Ah, we remember the snake.  He, the devil, and all his cohorts work very hard to lead us away from God and his goodness.

Because we have all inherited the rebellious nature of Adam and Eve, we must continuously battle between good and evil.  If evil wins, we see the fruit of it in our choices and actions.  In Psalm 64 David describes what evil looks like in those who choose to perpetrate it.  The people who David calls his enemies show no consideration to the consequences of their actions.  In fact, they delight in the devastation they inflict on others.

In Psalm 65 David talks about those who choose God’s goodness. (Psalm 65:1-4) Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.  You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.  When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.  Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!  We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.  In these people, we see God honored and praised; thankfulness is in their hearts and on their lips, and they are filled with the good things of God.

What a contrast between those who choose evil and those who choose good.  Yet, even If you have immersed yourself in evil, God has made a way to repent and turn to him. All his children have come to the moment of repentance, and they have been renewed by God’s perfect solution to overcome sins hold. He gave his only Son.  Now is the time to repent, humble yourself, and turn to God.  He will welcome you with open arms.  If you choose not to receive God’s salvation, you will be punished for all your sins.

Choose the good and live in the goodness of God.  Choosing evil always leads to destruction.  Living life the way God intended will lead us to loving others and ultimately eternal life.  Following the ways of evil leads to exploiting others and finally punishment.

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SEEKING GOD

(Jeremiah 29:13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Mankind has always thought there was more to life than just his time on earth.  Our history shows that we have always searched for eternity.  In Ecclesiastes 3:11 Solomon tells us why, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”  We search for eternity because God has placed it in our hearts.  We also know that there is a God because of the beauty of the creation in which we exist.  God is a mystery to be found, yet he does not hide himself from us.  We can find him if we seek him with all our heart.

There has always been, deep inside my consciousness, an awareness that God exists.  Through the years, I have developed a loving relationship with him.  How did this come about?  It came about when I came to a desperate place in my life, and I called out to him.  He answered me!  Since then, I have sought to know him. 

In those early years, during times of worship, I’d sing a song whose words were “I love you, Lord.”  I remember thinking, do I really love the Lord.  Today I can emphatically say “yes, I love you, Lord”, because I have spent time seeking him.  I have found him and developed a deep love for him.  Most of all, in those years of seeking him, I discovered his great love for me.

Jesus said, “Seek and you will find.”1 The writer of Hebrews said, “…anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”2 All of us, who are followers of Jesus, know that these words are true.  Because we have sought after him, we have found him, and he has rewarded us with eternal life and an everlasting relationship with himself.

1Matthew 7:7

2Hebrews 11:6

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THE END OF THE AGE – Part 2

(Matthew 24:9-13) “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

In this passage, Jesus continues telling his disciples of the end times.  It doesn’t sound like a time when I’d want to be around.  However, I know that most of Jesus’ disciples were put to death and often tortured, so they experienced what Jesus was saying to them. 

The reality of many turning away from the faith, betraying, and hating each other brings a deep sadness to my heart.  Just think what that will be like.  Some of those we worship and fellowship with will turn their backs on Jesus and will become people who hate and betray us.  And can you imagine a world where wickedness has become so prevalent that the love of many will grow cold.  What an image of horror that brings.

Fortunately, there is an Exception Clause, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  I love what the Apostle Peter said when Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they also wanted to leave (see John 6:67&68). Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  Eleven of the twelve stood firm until their end came, and multitudes of others have done the same through the years.  So, no matter what may come our way, let’s remember that only Jesus has the words of eternal life.

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GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

(Ephesians 2:3-5) All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.  Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

God is merciful, and he loves us; but he is also a just and a perfect being in whose presence sin cannot be tolerated. Jesus took it upon himself to pay the debt of our sins. the punishment of all the sins that mankind would ever merit were upon his shoulders.  His sacrifice on the cross cleared the way for grace. With the debt of sin covered by the blood of Jesus, grace was now possible.  God could offer grace to all of mankind, so they might receive the gift of redemption and eternal life.  His grace is available for all who will believe.

The words of this passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians clearly explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus paid for our sins; God’s grace applies this great gift of salvation to those who humble themselves and receive it.  We, his children, have been given the mission to share this great news.

Now is the time of salvation! The harvest fields are ripe.

Help us, oh Father, to not shy away from the opportunities to share this amazing message.  Make us aware when the time for sharing is before us.

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WISDOM

(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 2:1-7 NLT) My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.  Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasure.  Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.  For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

In my youthful years, I ignored so many wise instructions.   Many foolish and destructive decisions flowed from my young mind.  Since the Lord guided me out of my pursuit of a dark and destructive existence, I have often longed for a chance to redo those wasted years – wishing that I had turned to the Lord much sooner. I could have been a blessing to so many had I focused on the needs of others.

A fool can be defined as someone who is missing out on God and his ways.  We can ignore God, deny that he exists, or simply rebel against him, but without him we are missing out on the joy of knowing the love of our creator and the great value of living in the wisdom of his ways.  Jesus made the way for us, and he invites us to live in the light of his wisdom which dispels the darkness of foolishness.

In Ecclesiastes Solomon, the man of wisdom, gives these words of advice, “Be generous: Invest in acts of charity.  Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around.  Be a blessing to others…” *   God wants us to know the way of love and service that Jesus came to teach us.  This is just one aspect of the treasure chest of wisdom that can be ours.

God is the only true source of wisdom.  When we seek him, we will be granted access to his wisdom.

*Ecclesiastes 11:1&2 MSG

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OUR LIFE COACH

(John 14:25&26) All this I have spoken while I was still with you.  But the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus died on the cross to be an atonement for the sins of the world.  This includes all sins past, present, and future.  I became a recipient of his great sacrifice when I surrendered to him and put my trust in him.  At that moment, The Father forgave all my sins: past, present, and future; and He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell me and become my teacher.

Since that beautiful experience of salvation, the Holy Spirit has led me on the path of righteousness.  When I falter, he corrects me; and I repent.  There were times when I resisted, but he never gave up on me.  He was training me to become more like Jesus.  I will still be in training till my last breath.

Justification means that our sins are forgiven. That happens when we receive salvation.  Sanctification is the training that happens throughout the rest of our time here in this world.  The Holy Spirit seals us to identify us as God’s children, and he then takes on the task of our sanctification.  You might say he is our life coach.

There have been times when the Holy Spirit has tasked me with going to someone I have sinned against and asked for their forgiveness.  Difficult as that was, It always produced good fruit for them and me.  Over the years, the Holy Spirit has trained me in what to do when I faulter.  I have learned to first go to the Father and repent and then ask the offended person or persons for forgiveness.  

I believe complete righteousness happens after we leave our physical body.  Until then, we will wrestle with our sinful nature and the temptation from the devil.  God loves us, and he has provided us with the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us through this life till we go home to him.

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THE PROPHECIES THAT PREDICTED OUR REDEMPTION

(Isaiah 42:6-9) “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  I am the Lord; that is my name!  I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.  See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Isaiah wrote around the years 740-700BC.  The accuracy of his prophecies has been proven time and time again, and he is considered to be the greatest of the Old Testament prophets.  Here in this passage, he quotes the words of the Father about the coming of Jesus his Son.  Our Easter celebration is about the fulfillment of the Father’s plan of redemption. 

As Isaiah predicted, Jesus brought to us the new covenant for the people.  He brought light to us who live in this sinful world, and he has set the captives free.  We have been released from the dungeon of darkness.  All this has been offered to the whole world.  And we are celebrating with our whole hearts.   

Jesus carried the sins of the world to the cross.  He died for our sins, and on the third day, the Father raised him to life in victory over death.  I can’t think of anything more worthy of celebration than this.  May our gratitude overflow as we celebrate our Savior, Christ Jesus – the Son of God.

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KNOWING THE DEPTH OFGOD’S LOVE FOR US

(John 17:20-26) “My prayer is not for them alone (his disciples).  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity.  Then the world will know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.  Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.  I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Shortly before he went to his death on the cross, Jesus prayed this beautiful prayer for those of us who believe in him.  In this prayer to his Father, he expresses his love for us, and his desire that we would be with him.  This is why he was willing to surrender his life on the cross – because he loves us and wants to be with us. 

In his prayer, Jesus talks about the unity of believers.  He wants us to be brought to complete unity.  I’m not clear what that might mean or when that might happen.  Perhaps, we believers should also pray about our unity.  Why is the unity of believers important?  Jesus says, “Then the world will know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Jesus concludes by praying that the love the Father has for him might be in us. I believe that this shows the depth of Jesus’ love for us and clarifies our true worth to our God. We are about to celebrate all that Jesus did for us.  Let us take time to reflect on how deeply he and the Father love us.

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TELL YOUR STORY

(Psalm 107:2&3) Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Psalm 107 goes on to share various scenarios of the struggles people experience on their quest to find the Lord and his salvation. All of God’s children have a story that tracks their journey to salvation in Jesus. The psalmist writes to encourage us to tell our story.

I personally wondered through the mire of pride and foolishness on my path to Jesus.  When I finally came to the end of myself, I sat down on a rock and surrendered my life to Jesus.  I have often shared the details of my trek through life that led to this wonderful moment.  How about you?  Have you shared how God brought you to himself?

Telling my story never ceases to stir a deep warmth in my soul, reminding me of that glorious moment when the Holy Spirit came into my life.  I am encouraged by reviewing my story, but the real value is in the person who is persuaded to seek the God of redemption.

Tell your story!  What God has done for you is a treasure of truth that someone needs to hear.