"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." - Colossians 2:11-14
What a wonderful truth that, in Christ by faith, we have forgiveness. Our names are written forever in the Lambs Book of Life. But - that does not mean that there are not consequences that are birthed from those sins. I think most people that I have known are more concerned about avoiding the consequences of their sins and not the fact that they have sinned.
Nowhere in the Bible does it talk about our avoiding consequences with the exception of Christians not being tossed into the lake of fire on Judgement Day.
"When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'” John 8:10-11
The man (not mentioned) and the woman had committed adultery. There were consequences for those families. The woman at the well had been with five men. There are entanglements caused by those relationships that are impossible to untangle and would ripple through the third and fourth generations. David sinned with Bathsheba and killed her husband - there were consequences.
We all face trouble in this life. Some of it we bring on ourselves. Do you ask God to relieve you of the consequence? I don't think He is obliged to. Some would call that enabling if He did. Making it easier to continue sinning. As parents we are often guilty of that - our children make poor choices and we want to step in and relieve them of the consequences. Believing that we are being loving and responsible parents. Seldom are the consequences life threatening - just the source of inconvenience, but we hate to see bad things happen to our children.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:2-5
What is wisdom but understanding and perspective about life events. Not a bad thing to have.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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