The Basics
Knowing good and evil is an undeniable fact. It is true for all of us. We display the effects that this knowledge has upon our lives. A display not hidden from God. Believing that, is to “believe that He is.” Now comes the problem. A devil walks in and tempts us with sin. To be truthful many still go looking. Old habits are hard to break, we are flesh. Before the devil takes his leave, we are handed a plate of guilt. Sorrow follows, and we cling to the cross wanting forgiveness. “From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me …….” (Psalm 118:5 NASB)
If that describes you then I am sure you are saved because of God’s graciousness. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB) Your faith that God is speaking to you, and the fact that you are still listening is a sure sign of salvation. Most flee to their distractions rather than heed what they hear.
Lots of folks believe that He is, and even devils confessed His name, (Mark 3:11) but few admit their guilt. They are kings and queens who are not about to give up their thrones. They set their own rules, but not you. You believe God’s laws are right even when you break them. That is why you feel guilty. Now that I have convince you, a saint who sins, that you are “saved by grace through faith,” take a deep breath before considering God’s call to be holy.
“but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Some verses are rushed over and given very little thought. They are like math questions we avoid when we haven’t a clue as to the answer. “You shall be holy” is our Father’s command to His children.
My problem was chains. Compulsions that held me prisoner. Sins that were visited time and again. Broken promises that were sincerely given. I was powerless to free myself from conditions that I hated. It took these awful experiences to finally learn humility. I needed a Savior who had the power to set me free. (Psalm 146:7, Luke 4:18) I will never be able to boast in my salvation, nor will you. It’s a gift.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30 NASB)
His Family Table 