Presumption of Grace

Have you noticed a growing trend towards a presumption of grace, rather than a reliance on the evidence of grace? The subject of grace is a "hot" topic in Christianity, especially when you mention the law of the Old Testament. If you claim to have God's grace, how do you feel towards the 10 Commandments? Your reaction towards the moral law that God gave Moses could be a warning signal that you have received a false teaching, not based on scripture, but on human reasoning.

Commentary that digs into the Greek meanings of words in 1 John Chapter 3 may shed light on false teachings that have arisen. John examines if a "born again" person can commit sin. He writes in v. 6 "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not....." and in v. 8 "Whosoever is of God doth not commit sin...and cannot sin". The commentary reads: If it were possible for a Christian to sin, there would appear to be a contradiction in these portions of Scripture. In this instance, John says if it is really not possible for those who are really born again to sin, there must be few genuine Christians. Man still possesses a fallen, sin nature, as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit. Also, the doctrine of eternal security is evident in Scripture (John 1:12; 10:28 Romans 8:38, 39). Though they may fall into sin, the believer's sonship is not affected, nor his eternal salvation.

These verses expose two erroneous doctrines: antinomianism and perfectionism
antinomianism = anti (473) "against" + nomos (3551) "law" It contended that the covenant of grace was not established based on conditions. The result is that man cannot be held accountable to any moral law. It is only required of him that he believe, and then he can then live as he pleases. Perfectionists go as far as to say that the sin nature in man has been eradicated as though surgically removed as a cancer. John was warning believers against this form of thinking, that they not continue in sin, but abide
in righteousness (v 8, 9). Moreover, the apostle exposes these doctrines in the command, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). This is not the proper rendering of the verse. It should denote that the mere action of a sin, not the idea of habitually sinning. John explains that he was capable of committing sin, not in a habitual sense, but as one particular action. The phrase, used in verse 9, "does not commit sin" is in the present tense denoting continuous action. On the other hand, in chapter 2, verse 1, John uses the aorist sense, speaking of one point in the past when sin was committed. Furthermore, there are those who taught that mere intellectual knowledge was enough to make men acceptable to God, even though they lived impure lives (Perfectionists).

Therefore, John reiterates in verse 7 that only those who continue in righteousness (ho poion, [4160], a participle phrase meaning "the one habitually doing"), were considered righteous. They were not only making the righteousness and holy life of Christ the object of their trust, but also the pattern of their walk and practice. John's idea of committing sin on a permanent basis is further explained in 3 John 1:11 "...He that doeth good is of God: But he that doeth evil hath not seen God." There are two participles in that verse, ho agathopoion [215], meaning "the one being a doer of good, a benevolent person," and
ho kakopoion [2554], referring to "the one doing evil, a malicious person." This is the same usage found in 1 John 3:7: "...he that doeth righteousness is righteous...." John does not imply that merely acting good will make one righteous. A man is an artisan who has acquired a skill and works at that trade as his calling or occupation. Hence, the correct translation of 1 John 3:8 should be, "The one who practices sin." The expression, "he cannot sin," (1 John 3:9) simply means the true believer cannot sin habitually, deliberately, easily, and maliciously (e.g. Cain sinned out of hatred to goodness, 1 John 3:12).

There is a distinct contrast drawn between divine and human natures of man. John speaks of the divine nature in this abstract way; however, he does not ignore the existence of the sinful nature in the believer, which exists as a mortal in a corrupt world. Consequently, John states in 1 John 1:8: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

How have you been taught to live a righteous life? The Bible says we certainly shouldn't hate God's moral law, but embrace it for its very character of God. We are taught by God to hate sin.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandments holy, and just, and good. Romans 7:12

For I delight in the law of God after the inner man: Romans 7:22

I want to immediately make it clear that I totally hold fast to the doctrine that "For by grace ye are saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). But please remember how scriptures defined faith:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

James warned us to look for evidence: Faith without works being dead. Paul says to examine yourself to see "if" you are of the faith. What evidence do you have that God gave you His grace? Are you, like an artisan, practicing the righteousness of God? Have you looked back into the mirror of God's moral law to look for evidence? I thank God for the law of Moses (10 Commandments). In fact, the Bible says that believers should delight in them; no longer feel the sting of them; and never have a disdain for them. As Romans 7:12 clearly testifies: the commandments are holy, and just, and good. Why then do we find such sensitivity when the moral law of God is brought up? People are being wrongly taught antinomianism. The major consequence is that both teaching lead to the opposite reaction that Christ intended. They lead the followers into a deluded comfort that the sins committed are not their fault. Over time they quench the Holy Spirit' attempt to bring conviction as their flesh is allowed to "practice" iniquity.

Was then that which was good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might
appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. Romans 7:13

The law was, and is, good according to scripture, if used lawfully. Paul, on the honor role of evangelist, by the end of his ministry, persuaded people to Jesus by only two ways.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God; persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23

Even Paul needed rest at night. But understand that the law works in our conscience to show us the truth; that we have transgressed God's laws. When we are forced to look into the mirror of the 10 Commandments (God's Moral Laws), they provide evidence that we are not really good moral people, but "sinners". We have nothing to say, because they prove us guilty. The law makes sin, appear to be sin. You now see lying, coveting, theft, lust, and unwarranted anger as breaking God's law. Your behavior now becomes known to you as "sin", offensive to God. The law has done part of its job. It has showed you what sin is, so you know you are a sinner. It is no longer offensive for you to be referred to in that manner.

Suppose when we look in a mirror, we see we are getting too fat (you skinny people just go with the analogy). We may not want to look in that mirror anymore because of what we see. We may avoid it, take it off the wall, or look for another mirror. Until we decided that it is not the mirror's fault, but a truthful reflection of us; and decide to seek help; nothing will change. The mirror just reveals truth, like the moral law that is holy and good and just; it can not lie. It can, however, become our measuring tool at how well we are progressing, once we decide to go on a diet. As we get skinnier, we can delight in that same mirror that once made us look fat as we now begin to look better. We now delight in the truth that it reveals; evidence that the diet is working. It now reflects the success, to the glory of the developer of the diet. As we look into the mirror of the law as a sinner, we are shown the truth of how bad we actually look in God's eyes. When we decide something must change; and fail as we try hard in our own strength; we hopefully will cry out to God for help. We must face the ugly truth of sin that the mirror reveals until we are disgusted enough by our appearance to seek change, which is repentance.

If we repent ask and allow God to change us; we can then look into the mirror of the law for a different purpose. We can watch as God transforms us. We may even be so amazed at what is happening, that we no longer fear looking into the mirror. In fact we may even delight in looking into it, because it proves God is at work in our very souls. The reflection from the mirror of the law, now glorifies God. We now go out into the world, reflecting that holy image of God, as He intended us to do. The law has not changed; it still reflects holiness, justice, and goodness. It doesn't lie, just to make us feel better.

Beware of sellers of fun house mirrors! Some would have you believe that you can just change the mirror you use. False teachers, afraid of the mirror of the moral law themselves; because, it may reveal something in them they don't want to accept; simply teach us to exchange the mirror of truth, for one that lies and make us feel better. The fun house mirror makes a fat person look skinny, or can make a skinny man look like a muscle man. It is an illusion! It does not reflect truth! Many have been told by "a man" that they have been saved and have grace. When the "saved" person goes back to that false teacher and says "I am still fat"; they are told not to worry and instructed to look at a different mirror that will no longer make them look fat. The problem is that they are still fat. The false teacher glorifies that the fatter they get, they can glorify in how many degrees of mirrors there are for their level of obesity. This is like the story of the "Emperors Clothes". The commandments are like the truthful little boy who finally said the "the Emperor is naked". Everyone's conscience told them the Emperor was naked, but their pride deluded them to accept the lie. If the mirror of the law is holy, and just, and good (the very reflection of Jesus); and we are to be holy as He is holy; why believe the lie and switch mirrors? The only reason would be to appease the complaint of the flesh nature, which removes the truth of the light of the Lord, to the delight of satan.

The deceived are tricked by this bait and switch into thinking they have the righteousness
of God, while in fact they lack God's power over sin, and are still in bondage to. You belong to the one that you are in bondage too, do not be deceived! (Romans 6:16)
Another very important feature of the law, which clears up confusion about the real beauty of God's law, is that the commandments magnify sin that it might become exceedingly sinful, and drive us to change; repent. How do you view your sin? Do you view it the way God does? He says He hates sin. He should! It caused His only Begotten Son to have to be tortured and murdered to pay the penalty for it. Many of you saw "Passion of the Christ" and saw what Jesus endured. In fact, the scriptures say He was marred more than any man, and was unrecognizable as a man. How often is real life, worst than we see in the movie? Think about how much Jesus suffered and then dwell for a moment about how God must feel towards your sin.

As Christian's we know we are to focus on our personal relationships with Jesus Christ; however, have you ever accepted full personal responsibility that "your sins" caused Jesus to have to endure horrific suffering, and death on the cross? I know that is hard for us to accept, but critical to our Christian walk. You see when sin abounds (becomes exceedingly sinful); the result is to become broken which produces true repentance. It should also produce an unquenchable love for the One that was willing to suffer and die in our place, which is to esteem the blood of Christ. Jesus demonstrated His love for us that while we were yet sinners, He died for us. Now that we know better, and esteem the blood, it should cause us to turn from the things that lead to His suffering and death.

Please take no comfort in that he died for "us". There is a legal term called "strict and several liability". That term means that all parties are equally being held responsible for the total damages. We are all individually, and totally, responsible for Jesus' suffering and death, and unless forgiven, will stand alone before God to be condemned and sent to Hell for it. The fact is we all deserve Hell, because we murdered Jesus. Do you think we might tend to minimize sin, and get some comfort by spreading around the blame for Jesus' death, dividing the damages among every person that has lived, and even assigning more of a portion to the "really bad" people? When asked, almost everyone will say they are a good person, yet scripture says there is not one good but God.
How do you look at sin in your life? Has there ever been a time that you
saw yourself with that hammer and nails in your hands, nailing Jesus to that cross, or is that too much to bear? Did you know that the only part Mel Gibson played in his film was the part of the one that hammered in the nail? That part was played by you and I and accepting that fact will radically change your Christian walk. Why do you think so many Pastors were even broken by this movie? It is because we presume grace, rather than experience it.

For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:14

If the law is spiritual and reflects the very character of God, then why all the ill feeling towards it? Could it be a carnal response of our flesh? Certainly! How do we know this? Because Paul in a most confusing part of scripture, describes this battle over doing what he wills not, and not doing what he wills to do; you know verses 15 through 21. But he clears it up in the next verse and describes very clearly how our saved inner man should view the law.

Do you delight in the law? Remember it reflects the very holiness, justness, and goodness of God. Your answer reveals whether you are walking in the Spirit, or in carnal flesh. Remember, Jesus delighted in doing the will of the Father. He lived a sinless life, through abiding in the Spirit which allowed Him to overcome sin. Did Jesus really live a sinless life? If He didn't, we have no salvation, because if He had sinned, His would have died guilty and couldn't have satisfied the law (the wages of sin is death). Was Jesus tempted to sin? Of course! He was all man and all God, because, if He wasn't capable of being tempted to sin, then Satan would have an argument that Jesus did not have free will; therefore, it was unfair for Him to be the one sent to live a sinless life. Jesus proved that a person totally submitted to God, and walking in the Spirit of God, would have the power not to sin. Paul knew this and therefore knew where the power not to sin came from. He didn't assume grace, he experienced it. He saw the wretchedness of himself, and saw nothing good in it. He knew that we "should" walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4b), but knew we had a problem with our flesh and its desires. Paul gives the credit, and the answer to how we should walk in these verses.

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with my flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:25

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free of the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

Praise God! The law was the enemy of my flesh (law of sin and death), which the flesh hated because it shined light in the dark deeds of the carnal flesh. My spiritual inner man, through God's Spirit, was able to delight that the law is holy, and good, and just. It can now delight in the law because it caused me to see sin as exceedingly sinful, and thereby desire to repent of it and forsake it. If we repent, forsake our sin, and are given grace, we are freed of the law of sin and death. We no longer look at the law as a bad thing, but delight in it and how God used it in converting our soul. Did you know that the Bible says that the law is perfect! It becomes perfectly delightful, when we understand it.

But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; 1 Timothy 1:8

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

Do you agree with God, that the law is perfect? That it is perfect, in converting the soul? God says it is so, so it must be so! How you view the law may reveal your heart to you. The law is a reflection of the character of God, and should be delightful to a believer because it is holy, and good, and just; as is our Lord and Savior. Do you love the law? Do you love Jesus? Do you love grace?

The Lord put the following on my heart. He asked me "Why do my people love my grace, more than Me?

Dwell on that for a minute and ask yourself "Do I love the gift of grace more than
Jesus; the giver of that grace?" An honest answer may reveal something in your heart that you may resist wanting to see. Have you presumed grace, because you prayed a prayer and "accepted Jesus"? I heard R.S. Sproul's message last winter about how many come to the Lord. He likened it to us feeling like we have blessed Jesus by the fact that we "accepted" Him, like we were doing Him a favor. Do we think that God is just trying to fill the empty seats in heaven, and is desperately trying to get people to pray that prayer, so He can fill another seat? God forbid, quoting from Paul. That attitude cheapens grace, because it lacks key ingredients that God requires before He says He provides
grace; namely, humbleness and repentance. The Bible says that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

If you have presumed grace, without experiencing the "evidence" of humbleness and repentance in your life (that should be evident before God grants grace); you may have presumed grace; and may show up to heaven like the presumptuous Emperor deceived into thinking that you are clothed in God's righteousness, when you are actually naked. You may not believe me, because you are serving God and are doing works in His name; but maybe you will take heed and consider the warning in God's word.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

I hope you are asking "What is God's will, and am I doing it?"

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:22

These people obviously think they are saved when they call Him Lord, Lord. They have even prophesied in His name, cast out devils in His name, and done wonderful works in His name. Many might even recognize these as "Christian's on fire for the Lord". But none of these things are indicators of whether you are saved and have grace in Jesus' own words.

And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23

Imagine standing at what you thought was the Bema Seat Judgment of the saints, only to be horrified that you are actually at the Great White Throne Judgment. You suddenly realize that you will spend eternity in hell. They obviously presumed grace, but never experienced evidence of it. Their lifestyles never turned from iniquity. The words that will haunt them or even you for eternity are: "I never knew you, ye that work iniquity".

Does your life reflect the life of Jesus Christ, or one of iniquity (sin)? Have you been taught, don't worry about the law? Did a person tell you that you are saved, so you have "presumed grace", and therefore, ignore, or even minimize sin in your life? Will you continue to ignore sin and go on practicing iniquity? It is your choice. You might ignore this by assuming that I am just a "legalist". Ask yourself if you delight in God law
and are walking in the Spirit, as Jesus did, or justifying your sins as the fault of an "old man" or "the flesh".

You may quickly point out "Hey, I am not under the law; I don't have to obey them; all things are lawful for me". That does certainly make a convenient excuse to dismiss iniquity doesn't it? I even read an author who said that believers can then look at their sins as "foolish things" we do even though we are covered by grace. His point was that God really doesn't care what we do for Him, or even if we sin occasionally, but is more interested in us having a personal relationship with Him. Since when did God start to wink and nod at the very disobedience that caused His Son to suffer and die? The Bible is full of examples of "believers" that paid heavy penalties for their sins. Ask David! Isn't God the same today, as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow? He hates sin! We should too! And we should delight in His law which revealed this truth of God to us.
I had a professed believer tell me recently that the Bible no longer brought him under conviction, because he had been forgiven for all his sins past, current and future. If that were true, we would have no reason to confess any sins or ask for forgiveness, ever again. If that were true, we wouldn't need to pray in the manner that Jesus taught us to pray.

How presumptuous! We wouldn't need to pray, Father, your will be done, because we would have already decided we are free to do it our way. We wouldn't need to ask for forgiveness, of our debts/trespassing, because, they would have already been forgiven. It wouldn't matter if we prayed for not being lead into temptation or being kept from the evil one; because who would care. Maybe the thrill would be fun. God won't care if I am a little foolish; He said all things are legal right? Ridiculous? Isn't it ironic that many who hold to God's word regarding their liberty to sin, accuse those who suggest we are to be slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18) of being legalistic? We have been set free from the control of sin to serve God in righteousness. (Romans 6:20, 22). Should we hold tighter to the fact that we have the liberty to sin, or delight in the fact that walking in the Spirit provides the power in our life to overcome the desire to sin? We can now use the mirror of the law, not to see how bad we are, but to track God's progress and help us know when we are not walking in His Spirit. Do you love and hold tightly to a presumption of grace, because a man told you had it, or because there is evidence of God's grace in your life? Are you going to demand being let into heaven because you presume to have obtained a reservation, even though you do not bear the image of His righteousness, unless you use a funny mirror? Or, does your love and obedience to the giver of grace, Jesus Christ, through walking in His Spirit provide tangible evidence that God's grace is present and growing in your life?

The greater you see the sinfulness of your sins; the greater grace is magnified, to the glory of Calvary. Have you ever seen yourself individually and totally responsible for Jesus' suffering and death; because you are? The wages of sin is, and was, death. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Your sins placed you on death row. Some may still be on death row and think they have grace, like those in Matthew Chapter 7 discussed above. Have you seen your sins through God's eyes? He hates sin, and His wrath is against it. If it is present in your life, do not minimize it, for your sake. Face your terrible sins. See them as the detestable and abhorrent things that they are, and repent.

The Greek defines "repentance" as a turning from one way to another. When our mind is turned from a desire to sin, toward a desire to be obedience to God it involves an intervention by God that results in a Christian detesting or abhorring sin. If a person were repulsed by sin, the way God is, they would not return to it. If we truly understand the cost paid by Jesus for our sin, we would not want to return to it. God likens that to a dog returning to his vomit. The dog still sees it as "good food". I know that is gross, but it serves a point. If we could see sin through God's eyes, the way we will in our new bodies, were wouldn't return to it any more than our own vomit. We are told that once we actually escape the pollutions of this world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are not to go back to it (sin).

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end will be worse with them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing mire. (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Beware of teachers that promise liberty (freedom to sin). Realize how appealing that teaching is to our flesh nature. Forgiveness, and a license to sin; what a great deal, where do I sign up! The scripture says they are in fact servants of corruption.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (2 Peter 2:17-19).

Could it be that you may actually be in bondage to a "presumed grace"? Do you think of yourself as a good person, or realize the damage your sins have caused? Do you think God will overlook sin? Consider the following scriptures:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgement; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:1-6

What make us so special? Yes God is love; however, the nature of God does not stop there; unless we want to break the second commandment and create Him in our image. He is also a God of justice and condemnation for those who do not repent. That has always been the message, and was the entire ministry of John the Baptist. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is either deceived, and or is a deceiver. Scripture proves that He is Holy, and just, and good; just as the Bible describes His moral law. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it; it was already condemned.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, John 3:18 a

God's love reached into a condemned world (starting with Adam) looking for humble people to provide with grace. The presence of a godly Spirit filled life provides evidence of the presence of that amazing grace. Their lives do not reflect ungodliness, but newness of Spirit. They do not presume grace, but it flows naturally from their lives as they abide in Christ Jesus. Does your life provide evidence of grace, or do you just presume it is there? Do you know Him? Does He know you? The scriptures say the following:

And why call ye, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say. Luke 6:46
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:3-6

How then shall we walk in the Spirit? What will that look like: Jesus-like character, not a life with iniquity. Did you know that all sins begin as covetousness? Think about that. The fall of man started that way with Adam and Eve. We are not satisfied with what God has given us, and we rebel. Jesus showed us how to fulfill the 10 Commandments with two great ones (loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength; and loving our neighbors as ourselves); but said He didn't come to destroy the law or the prophets.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthews 5:17-19

I suggest you read all of Matthew 5 so you can clearly see how Jesus describes what actions are blessed, and condemned. He magnified the law, by showing us that it is also a matter of our thoughts and heart. How terrible must sin be to the Father, if Jesus suggested we might pluck out our eye, or cut off a hand, if it causes us to sin (verse 29). He said it would be profitable to lose an eye rather than go to hell. Really think about that! He takes us right through the 10 Commandments, so our consciences will realize that we are transgressors of God's law, and that there is hell to pay. Then He tells us what to do about.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The law forces us to seek after Him, and His righteous, because we cannot do it in our power. The law brings us to Christ according to Galatians 3:24. We must come to a place of repentance, brokenness, and detesting our sinful behavior enough to be on the verge of plucking out an eye, or cutting off a hand, if it would cause us to stop sinning. His word says that without repentance, we will likewise perish. Have you ever really repented for your sins, the terrible things that you did that caused Jesus to be beaten, and nailed to the cross to die? When we realize this revelation, we, like those at Pentecost, are cut to the heart. We cannot do anything but cry out to Him that can save us, Jesus Christ. Have you ever gotten that revelation in your life? Ask God to truly show you your sins as He sees them.

I remember being face down in tears, sickened by the fact that I couldn't stop a particular sin; but also realizing that I couldn't bear being a hypocritical Christian and poor example of Jesus Christ to non-believers. I remember asking God to either deliver me, or kill me. I realize now He did both that day. I wonder now whether I really had been saved before that day, because I am not sure until then that I had experienced true remorse and repented for my sins. I remember the feeling that I had of complete surrender, even unto death, if it meant deliverance. What comfort He provided me that day. What power He provided me to live the way he wanted me to live. I no longer had, nor have claim to my body, or life. It is His now. I gave up my self will for His will in my life; my sinful nature, for His righteousness. That is really amazing grace! Now it is He that lives in me, not me that lives. Praise God!

Might you have presumed grace? Did the giver of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ, give you a
repentent soul; His Spirit? Did you ever reach a point of desiring death for your sinful life? Do you delight in His law now, because it convinced you that you deserved and needed to die? Have you ever really ever denied yourself, taken up your cross, and asked Him to change you?

I pray right now that you allow the law of God to magnify the truly sinfulness of your sins to a point that they look like the vomit that they are. They were a death sentence to you, but instead became torture and death to the innocent Son of God. Do you esteem that blood spilled for you enough to desire nothing more than to be made clean? I pray your sins will be so detestable that you too will cry out to the only One that can really change you, Christ Jesus. I pray that you are terribly burdened by any iniquity in your life that He shows you, until you truly repent, forsake your sin, and are driven likewise to the cross of Calvary to die to sin.

Jack Jackson