Scripture Read: Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people
* Meditation Questions: Do you just take what God states in His Word as is or do you have to figure it out before you believe? Can you trust God even though you will never comprehend Him? Why? What is your definition of Faith? Write it out and compare with scripture what it states.
Application: Verses like this really bring to light several things. 1. The desperate condition of ALL people. Until God provided an option ALL people only had one. According to scripture ALL have fallen short, ALL have sinned and are separated from the life and person of God. When Christ came and sacrificed Himself the opportunity for salvation was made available to ALL people. What an awesome God we have. 2. Just because an opportunity is given, it does not mean that ALL will get. I do not understand the nonsensical debate that goes on in the church and higher education circles concerning the SIMPLE truth here. Everyone I have ever met would agree that in their life they have had different opportunities to do different things. None would say the opportunity was what must happen – their CHOICE was the deciding factor. So why do we insist this opportunity is any different – God’s Word does not. Salvation was brought to ALL people – simple – they still have to act on that salvation. Everywhere it is presented in the Word it is clear that “IF” the person has trusting belief - “faith” - in that salvation they will receive it. 3. Why do we insist on bringing finite thinking to infinite thoughts? It amazes me – the Bible is clear – God chooses you and you choose Him – how that works, which comes where – blah, blah, blah??? We need to get over it! This is His stuff and He does not explain it. You want to have fun coming up with an “ism” to explain it all – have at it – BUT don’t split the Body over it.
Most of salvation is God’s territory and we are not going to fit His mind into that pebble of a brain we have. Deut 29:29 – What He does want us to know He has made clear – Grace – by Faith – no Works – Christ paid it all – You must believe. SIMPLE – not complicated. To all those with degrees and authors of books, which for some reason seems to carry weight, which confounds me because the Word says what it says: to you I would say this – Those that have spent so much time developing their intellect are to be admired, yet, they need to be careful of pride - *remember it was the scholars and “know it alls” that crucified our Lord. I have been scoffed at and told I was shallow, for me all I can say to those that would smile and shake their heads because I am obviously not a “deep” thinker – I think too simplistic – Salvation is a “complicated” topic – I will just offer this:
Luke 10:21 (NASB95) — 21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Luke 10:21 (NLT) — 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.
Please Lord – Keep us a child!
No comments:
Post a Comment