Sin
entered in through the first Adam.
Redemption entered in through the second Adam, Jesus Christ.
“… sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! …The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” — Romans 5:12,15-19
Seems pretty simple. But if it is simple, then so why is it so hard to live in that redemption? The truth is that it is not hard, so long as you are willing to lay your life down and live by the faith and the power of the Spirit. You cannot live your new life through determination and effort. You can only live your new life through submission and sacrifice.
We must stop trying to “be good” and allow Him who IS good to live through us. The word Father means Source. God is the source of all that is good. It is by His grace that we are saved through our faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Do not be content with a mediocre Christian existence. It’s not merely attending church on Sunday that makes you a better Christian. You can sit in a pew with a hard heart just as easily as you can sit on your sofa at home. Another conference is not the answer.
Yielding your heart to God is the answer.
Picking up your cross daily and following Jesus is the answer. Offering yourself as a living sacrifice is the answer. Living by faith. Walking by the power of the Spirit. Not leaning on your own understanding but trusting God is the answer. Do you need other Christians to help, most probably. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken! But you can hang out with someone like Billy Graham with your hard heart and it will be to no avail. And this culture, this fallen world, will certainly harden your heart toward the things of God. Don’t kid yourself. Don’t pretend. We all struggle with this malady. Friend we all need more Jesus. He is the way, truth, and life.
“… sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! …The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” — Romans 5:12,15-19
Seems pretty simple. But if it is simple, then so why is it so hard to live in that redemption? The truth is that it is not hard, so long as you are willing to lay your life down and live by the faith and the power of the Spirit. You cannot live your new life through determination and effort. You can only live your new life through submission and sacrifice.
We must stop trying to “be good” and allow Him who IS good to live through us. The word Father means Source. God is the source of all that is good. It is by His grace that we are saved through our faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Do not be content with a mediocre Christian existence. It’s not merely attending church on Sunday that makes you a better Christian. You can sit in a pew with a hard heart just as easily as you can sit on your sofa at home. Another conference is not the answer.
Yielding your heart to God is the answer.
Picking up your cross daily and following Jesus is the answer. Offering yourself as a living sacrifice is the answer. Living by faith. Walking by the power of the Spirit. Not leaning on your own understanding but trusting God is the answer. Do you need other Christians to help, most probably. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken! But you can hang out with someone like Billy Graham with your hard heart and it will be to no avail. And this culture, this fallen world, will certainly harden your heart toward the things of God. Don’t kid yourself. Don’t pretend. We all struggle with this malady. Friend we all need more Jesus. He is the way, truth, and life.
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