THERE IS NO LASTING VALUE IN JUSTIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ONES OWN WORKS.

Galatians 3:22- But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

"The Old Testament has "included" or "enclosed" or "shut up" all of humanity under the umbrella of sin. Not a single person can appear before God on the basis of his own merit or righteousness. The totality of mankind is enslaved by sin and does not have the means to break free from its grasp. By "concluding" that everyone is under the bondage of sin, or under the curse of sin, the scripture shows that something external to mankind has to act to provide a solution that can save man from himself and his sinful nature. This "conclusion" also demonstrates that none of the paths that man has embarked on—primarily justification on the basis of one's own works—are of any lasting worth.

"Because all other paths are shown to be futile, the only option for salvation and glorification is the way that Jesus Christ has set forth. There are no other alternatives. Faith in what Christ has done, is doing, and will do is mankind's only hope.

"The story of the Israelites is a record of a people whom God chose, set apart, and blessed with incredible blessings and opportunities. But it is also a record of mankind's sinful nature, and how illogical it is that a man could stand before God on account of his own innate righteousness. God revealed just a portion of His will and character—the letter of the law—to Israel, and its history powerfully demonstrates that, by himself, man is unable to live up to God's standards.

"This should be a glaring testimony that some other means is required for man to have a relationship with his Creator. The solution is justification—being brought into alignment with God and His law—on the basis of belief in the Savior and His perfect sacrifice. This marks the beginning of the relationship. But because faith without works is dead, the way a man lives his life demonstrates who and what he believes in. If he has been justified before God and is being saved, his life will reflect God's mercy, providence, and sovereignty. We are not justified or saved by our works, but if we are justified our works will demonstrate that we are being saved. "Belief" in Christ will be an everyday, continual reality, and true belief will shape every thought, word, and deed." (David C. Grabbe, http://www.theberean.org/03/21/2017 )

DEATH AND TAXES - BOTH ARE INEVITABLE!

YOU WILL DIE!

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW JESUS WHEN YOU DIE, YOUR DEATH WILL BE ETERNAL!

It is a fact.  10 out of 10 people will die.  You just never know when it is going to happen.  There is no alternative to this fact.

So, what can you do?  Do you just need to accept this fact? 

The simple answer to these questions is, “You need to know and believe in Jesus.

The Word of God tells us, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him,” (John 3 : 36 ).

We are all sinners and as sinners we can never have everlasting life unless our sins are forgiven.  The only way to do that is through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

“…sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  (Galatians 5:19-21).

We break God’s laws on a daily basis and because of this we need Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ, took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross.  But, He rose from the grave and He now sits at the right hand of God His Father.  He will pass judgement on all who do not accept Him as their Savior.

The good news is that it is easy to secure your eternal future by simply turning from your evil ways.  The Word of God tells us:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Turn away from sin, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and live your life following Jesus’s example.  You can start today by praying this prayer:

God, I know I have sinned and deserve Your punishment.  But I thank you for sending Your Son to take my place in death, then raising Him to life.  I turn from my sin and invite Jesus into my life so I can live with you forever.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

 

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LIFE AFTER DEATH!

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HOW YOU CAN RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE.

Let Mankind Boast Of Their Glories.

In Jeremiah 9:1-26, the prophet, began his lamentation because he saw the inevitable catastrophe coming to his country and people. God pronounced judgment over Jerusalem, and when God says something, He does it.

What they would face wasn't something that was going to happen by accident or by chance, was going to be designed by God.  It was not just one of those terrible and inexplicable things that happen from time to time.

What they would face was going to be the direct judgment of God. And it was this realization that was causing Jeremiah such sorrow. They were bring this catastrophe on themselves.  It was not God being vindictive, it was them bringing this on themselves.

The cross should be a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that sin has brought to the heart of God our Creator.  But, like in the time of Jeremiah, people continue to ignore this fact.

When there comes the calamities that are sure to result from our separation from God, it is said that God and “His soul [is] grieved for the misery we bring on ourselves.' 'In all [our] affliction [God is] afflicted”.  (Judges 10:16, Jeremiah 63:9)

Read Jeremiah 9:1-26, tIt is about the prophet's sorrowful lament. Focus especially on Jeremiah 9:23-24. Why are those words so relevant even to us today?

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

• People gain success and riches, but if they do not know God it is ultimately fruitless when it comes to death and eternity. All the riches in this world are worthless it you do not have a relationship with God.
• Wisdom, might, and riches all have their place, but to rely on these things, especially amid catastrophe, or when death looms, is fruitless, meaningless, and empty.
• People are told what really matters, and that is to know and to understand the loving kindness, the justice, and the righteousness of God.
• There is nothing else.  Nothing can give us hope and comfort when everything earthly fails us.

What does the Cross tell us about the loving kindness, the justice, and the righteousness of God?

• God gave us His everything in order to save us.  He gave his Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly sacrificed His life for us in order that we may be saved.  All we need to do is repent and believe.

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CHRISTIAN LIVING FOR GOD-TODAY AND BEYOND

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