Wednesday, April 16, 2014

35

Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from?
All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself. (Titus 3:4-6) (from here)

Thank you for giving me faith, Lord. I saw that Christianity was desperately important and I saw that if it was true, I must sign on. It was you who made me so sure of its truth, even before I'd heard the historical evidence. I wasn't even there intellectually - had someone asked me, I may well have said that it could be true spiritually but not literally. Yet that wasn't what I believed - without understanding it, in my heart I knew it to be actually, really true.

My faith brought me life, now and always. Thank you.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

34

Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God's Word?
Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faith by the fruits; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ. (1 Peter 2:9-12) (from here)

Lord Jesus, you saved us that we might make something of our lives. You could not be more loving or more good and generous. You could not have done more for us. What you did was unthinkably, unimaginably, breathtakingly, heartbreakingly kind. A deed so beautiful it illuminated all history.

We submit to you because in an instant you won our hearts. And it is so good living as you tell us to live. There could not be a better Master or Dad.

You change us. You are more than the best human ruler - you are God Almighty, and having won us, you change us. We are obedient when it hurts; we do things we never would have done before. For now we know you. And if we sometimes doubt our faith, we have these changes to assure us that it is real.

May we never grow weary in doing good. May we fight for it, fight with your Spirit. May there be nothing in our lives that says you are not good or you are not strong. May it be our greatest privilege and joy to follow you. May our changed character be a source of great assurance. May people be saved as they look on our good, hope-filled lives.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

33

Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else?
No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ.To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior. (Galatians 2:16) (from here)

Thank you, Lord - I might doubt your desire and power to work in the world and be endlessly worried that I'm not serving as I should, but on this most basic of beliefs I do okay. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for assuring me that I am saved and safe only because of Him. Thank you, Lord, that it is so and that I know it to be so. That you did it all, leaving nothing, nothing for me. That on the cross it was done.

Thank you that in those times when I feel like I'm not good enough to approach you, that that is exactly what you died for - for people not good enough to approach you. That in those moments I don't need to - I should not - first improve myself and then draw close. That I can and must simply kneel at your feet and receive forgiveness. Thank you, Lord, that these times don't come as a surprise to you, but they have been provided for - that there is no sin that falls outside of what you brought to pass, hanging there.

There is nothing else; there is no other hope; we do not even have hope in ourselves. Praise you that it is all in you. All!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

32

What do justification and santification mean?
Justification means our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness, made possible by the Spirit’s work in us. (1 Peter 1:1-2) (from here)

We are perfect in you. Knowing this, we strive to live out who we are, having our very selves changed by you. It's radical and profound and I am well-accustomed to it. Yet my life betrays how feeble is my actual faith - the anxiety, worry, stress, pressure, and striving I live by show I doubt my perfection and the security I have in you. I strive for my sanctification with more than a glad, grateful confidence and a serious purpose. Forgive me, Lord. Thank you for the people who have helped me to - at last - see this about myself. Give me the assurance I lack - of your goodness, power, and trustworthiness and my security in you. Help me ever strive, but as your beloved child. Have mercy on me.