J.A. Matteson
Few occasions more prominently contrast the sovereign activity of the Spirit than familial relationships where certain members have received transformative grace while others remain in darkness; "for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three" (Luke 12:52). Evidence of the authenticity of the Spirit's work in the soul is a resolute commitment to the Christ who calls at the expense of being accepted by members who reject the gospel. Marginalization from the family ethos and estrangement accompany disciples; it is their lot as they are perpetually challenged to deny their foolishness and denounce Christ to once again gain full acceptance into the family fold. But this they will not and cannot do, for His seed remains in them, and they would willingly die a thousand deaths than deny the Savior of their soul who raised them from spiritual death. And so it is with a heavy heart they stand fast as sentinels of grace and light before members in darkness, continually interceding on their behalf that the light of the gospel might pierce through the darkness and they be saved.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
By Grace
J. A. Matteson
Every religious system on earth seeks so merit a righteous standing before its deity(s) through an appeasement of good works. Christianity is unique in this regard, ascribing an imputed righteousness to the transgressor, not on the basis of works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ who God put forth as a propitiation for sin. "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed...." (Rom. 3:21). The righteousness to which the apostle speaks is not that by which God is righteous, but that righteousness He freely makes available to us who don't have it. The person who thinks they can keep the law fail to grasp its demands. For keeping the law in deed precedes from the heart and the heart of fallen sinners is opposed to the law. The thoughts and intent proceeding from the heart of sinners self-validate the laws indictment that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Helpless and hopeless are transgressors of the law who's will is in bondage to sin and death. But praise be to God who by grace raises the dead and brings into existence that which did not exist; namely, faith.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Every religious system on earth seeks so merit a righteous standing before its deity(s) through an appeasement of good works. Christianity is unique in this regard, ascribing an imputed righteousness to the transgressor, not on the basis of works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ who God put forth as a propitiation for sin. "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed...." (Rom. 3:21). The righteousness to which the apostle speaks is not that by which God is righteous, but that righteousness He freely makes available to us who don't have it. The person who thinks they can keep the law fail to grasp its demands. For keeping the law in deed precedes from the heart and the heart of fallen sinners is opposed to the law. The thoughts and intent proceeding from the heart of sinners self-validate the laws indictment that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Helpless and hopeless are transgressors of the law who's will is in bondage to sin and death. But praise be to God who by grace raises the dead and brings into existence that which did not exist; namely, faith.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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