The Bible says, “Study to show yourselves approved unto God, a workman that needth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim 2:15)
My sister dug long and hard to find a scripture to stand on to shore up her learned “just a sinner saved by grace” status. For the record, she used Eph 2:8, 9. Paul was not trying to convince the church that they were/are perpetual sinners, but to remind the church that salvation could/can not be attained by works or personal sacrifice, but only through Christ. Further, on in the same chapter of Ephesians, Paul says the saints are of the household of God. (Eph 2:19) Is it logical or even possible that the God who turned his back on his own son because he abhors sin would then welcome sinners and filthy rags into his household? I think not.
God told Abram, a man under the curse, to be perfect (Gen 17:1) how much more us who are joint heirs? Moreover, Paul himself admonished that light has no fellowship with darkness. (2Co 6:14) There exists in the traditional church teaching a long line of begging, groveling Christians and so often that filthy rag, just a sinner saved by grace mantra is touted as a show of humility. The devil is a liar. Humility is kin to obedience and the Bible says come boldly to the throne of grace. (Heb 4:16) Christ taught us to pray with thanksgiving and expectation. Even when he raised the dead, he didn’t say God have mercy on me a poor pitiful rag please if you could just help me if it be your will; no, he said, Thank you Father I know you hear me and will do as I have asked. (Jn 11:41, 42) Well we all know God is no respecter of person, and Jesus himself said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (Jn 14:12) We are changed/conformed to the image of Christ from glory to glory (2Co 3:18) and Christ ain’t no filthy rag sinner.
I challenge you this morning to truly put off the old sinful, powerless man and put on the image of Christ, as is your birthright. Don’t be an Esau and sell your birthright for a bowl of acceptability-traditional party line soup. The Bible says, “And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath.” (De 28:13) Internalize what God says about you (Rom 12:2); walk in who God says you are. Take back your power and take dominion.
So often, we hear Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, but church we have a job to do right here on this blue-green rock. We don’t need traveling instructions; we need a battle plan. In Christ, we are free; we are here to seek and save the lost. How about we change that acronym to Basic Instructions Before Liberating Earth and march ourselves into the enemy’s camp and take back what he stole.
I pray you a powerful, above only, blessed to be a blessing day.
Posted By: Michelle Diane
Friday, August 29th 2008 at 11:09AM
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