Righteous in Christ. The cross cleanses all sin. If we could do it, would Jesus have to die for our sins? People will argue with me on that point, but if you look at the original Greek, Eph 2:8-9 is in the continuous active sense (I don't know Greek, but have read works done by Greek scholars), meaning that it's something God did, it's done, and it continues in that state (because of what God Has done). The work of the cross is for all time.
The concept that set me free, more than anything else, was understanding Jesus life and ministry. Jesus lived under the old covenant (or old testament truths), before the cross, and lived a life worthy of the law. And He taught that the law was much more perfect than anyone understood. No one could live up to it. Except for Himself. He proved that he was a worthy lamb, before He was sacrificed. After the cross, Paul taught the grace of God, which was the result of the perfect sacrifice. The blood of Christ washes away our sins continuously. It has to, because no one can live a sinless life in the flesh. The cross cleanses all sins, past, present, and future. If it doesn't, then the sacrifice was insufficient. But the sacrifice was perfect, for all time. That is what sets us free from sin, and provides the power to live according to the Spirit. Yes, we'll fail, but we're continuously washed in the blood of the lamb, and that inspires us to get back up and persevere in an overcoming life.
Sorry, kind of long, but it's hard to describe 30 years of struggling to grasp that concept, and what it means.
That being said, the scriptures say that our faith without works is dead James 2:14-36 and in Matthew 7:21 it says that "He that doeth the will of my Father shall enter into the kingdom of heaven"
.. so we should try not to cuss ?
What did Jesus say was the work of God in John 6:29?
The lie of the devil is that we can do anything apart from the cross. I'm sorry to be that blunt, but that is a trap that is set for the believer. Focus on the first part (God's love and redeeming sacrifice for us) as Mary did in the story of Mary and Martha, and the works of God will flow forth. It will be natural, like breathing. Focus on the works (which is focus on self), and the devil wins. Focus on Christ, God wins. It took the cross to save us, and it takes the cross for everything else. There's a reason why Paul said he can do all things through Christ. He stopped working in his own strength. Anything else is a lie that has been taught for generations.
Thanks. I appreciate your taking time to consider the point I'm trying to make.
Many moons ago, I was reading an article about performance driving school (kind of wanted to do it myself) and one of the first points the instructors of the school makes is focus on the track, and you'll stay on the track. As soon as you focus on the weeds, that's where you will end up. They weren't saying you'll never end up off the track, but your best chance of staying on the track was to keep your focus on the track. Later I realized that also applies to the Christian life. Christ is the track, the weeds represent everything else.
The new testament warns us of 'course language' and as 2day pointed out, also warns us of what defiles a person. I'm not saying I'm not guilty myself, it's one of those things (self control and mastering our tongue) that we strive for. Fortunately, we have a host of handy psuedo cusses, like dang for damn and so forth.
Righteous in Christ. The cross cleanses all sin. If we could do it, would Jesus have to die for our sins? People will argue with me on that point, but if you look at the original Greek, Eph 2:8-9 is in the continuous active sense (I don't know Greek, but have read works done by Greek scholars), meaning that it's something God did, it's done, and it continues in that state (because of what God Has done). The work of the cross is for all time.
The concept that set me free, more than anything else, was understanding Jesus life and ministry. Jesus lived under the old covenant (or old testament truths), before the cross, and lived a life worthy of the law. And He taught that the law was much more perfect than anyone understood. No one could live up to it. Except for Himself. He proved that he was a worthy lamb, before He was sacrificed. After the cross, Paul taught the grace of God, which was the result of the perfect sacrifice. The blood of Christ washes away our sins continuously. It has to, because no one can live a sinless life in the flesh. The cross cleanses all sins, past, present, and future. If it doesn't, then the sacrifice was insufficient. But the sacrifice was perfect, for all time. That is what sets us free from sin, and provides the power to live according to the Spirit. Yes, we'll fail, but we're continuously washed in the blood of the lamb, and that inspires us to get back up and persevere in an overcoming life.
Sorry, kind of long, but it's hard to describe 30 years of struggling to grasp that concept, and what it means.
Thank you for this!!! I needed it!
Very beautifully and succinctly put.
That being said, the scriptures say that our faith without works is dead James 2:14-36 and in Matthew 7:21 it says that "He that doeth the will of my Father shall enter into the kingdom of heaven" .. so we should try not to cuss ?
I fully understand that argument.
What did Jesus say was the work of God in John 6:29?
The lie of the devil is that we can do anything apart from the cross. I'm sorry to be that blunt, but that is a trap that is set for the believer. Focus on the first part (God's love and redeeming sacrifice for us) as Mary did in the story of Mary and Martha, and the works of God will flow forth. It will be natural, like breathing. Focus on the works (which is focus on self), and the devil wins. Focus on Christ, God wins. It took the cross to save us, and it takes the cross for everything else. There's a reason why Paul said he can do all things through Christ. He stopped working in his own strength. Anything else is a lie that has been taught for generations.
Love your words and your spirit, G45colt. Thanks for sharing them
Thanks. I appreciate your taking time to consider the point I'm trying to make.
Many moons ago, I was reading an article about performance driving school (kind of wanted to do it myself) and one of the first points the instructors of the school makes is focus on the track, and you'll stay on the track. As soon as you focus on the weeds, that's where you will end up. They weren't saying you'll never end up off the track, but your best chance of staying on the track was to keep your focus on the track. Later I realized that also applies to the Christian life. Christ is the track, the weeds represent everything else.
:-) My 45 Colt is easily my most accurate shooter. The 10mm is second. After that, it's a toss-up.
Lord, i apologize.... - Larry....
roflmBo
Yes! All the time ?
You’re not alone. I absolutely draw the line at taking the Lord’s name in vain, though.
You're in good company ?
I’m glad I’m not alone ?
Wait... I'm not allowed to fucking cuss?
Matthew 15:11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.
Well... I can’t tell you not to when I do ?
No, seriously though. Is that a sin? I can understand things like not taking the Lord's name in vain, but is cussing a sin? I'm new at this lol.
BAHAHA you are funny Heckles
I think it is if you use in the intent of wrong. If that makes sense.
The new testament warns us of 'course language' and as 2day pointed out, also warns us of what defiles a person. I'm not saying I'm not guilty myself, it's one of those things (self control and mastering our tongue) that we strive for. Fortunately, we have a host of handy psuedo cusses, like dang for damn and so forth.