Unbelief Rejects Christ

Holy Spirit conviction exposes the sin of unbelief. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit convicts of unbelief, "of sin, because they believe not in Me" (John 16:9). No one living in unbelief can receive God's blessings in Christ. Faith receives all the blessings of God in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Unbelief rejects God's blessings in Christ. Unbelief spurns the goodness of God. Unbelief is the choice of a heart that is hard against the goodness of God. It never considers that it could be wrong, even eternally wrong. Unbelief defiantly says, no, to all that God graciously offers in Christ. Unbelief is the sin that rejects the love, goodness, and grace of Christ. Unbelief sees the promises of Christ as foolishness.

Faith receives the blessings of God in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "You believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1). All the blessings of God come to us in Christ. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Believing is receiving Christ (John 1:11-12).

Faith comes as an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit; unbelief rejects the gift of God in Christ. Faith testifies that Christ is trustworthy; unbelief will not trust in Christ. Faith walks in the light of Christ; unbelief is satisfied to stand in darkness without Christ. Faith receives the blessings of God in Christ; unbelief rejects Christ.

The Covenant Meal

The Lord's Supper is the covenant meal in the New Testament. Some refer to it as communion, and so it is. The word communion, from the Greek word koinonia, may also be translated fellowship. At the covenant meal, we have fellowship or communion with the Lord of the covenant and other believers. We are bonded in union and communion with the Lord and others in the body of Christ.

The covenant meal is a time to remember what Christ did for us, as he died on the cross for our sins. Jesus said, this do in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19). We give thanks to the one who died for us. We thank God for the new covenant through the shed blood of Jesus. Our Lord Jesus said, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22:20).

After giving thanks to God for his Son Jesus shedding his blood for our sins, we eat the bread and drink from the cup. The bread represents the body of our Lord given for us. The cup represents the blood of the new covenant shed for us. We eat and drink to the glory of God in communion with Christ. Believers receive the covenant meal as an act of worship.

Jesus mentioned the kingdom of God twice at the first covenant meal. He said, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:16). He also said, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes (Luke 22:18). The kingdom of God comes in all of its fulness at the second coming of Christ. Yes, Jesus is coming again and the covenant meal calls it to our remembrance.

Interpreting the Bible

Frederick Bruce wrote,"Any part of the human body can only be properly explained in reference to the whole body. And any part of the Bible can only be properly explained in reference to the whole Bible." The Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible is the same Holy Spirit who will helps believers interpret the Bible. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth (John 16:13).

Interpret Bible verses within the context. The Bible is given by inspiration of God the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). When you interpret a verse with other verses, you are being taught by the Spirit of God. Bible study will guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

Interpret Bible verses comparing Scripture with Scripture. Look at the other verses in the same chapter, as well as the book and the whole Bible. That is to say, you can interpret Scripture with Scripture. A verse in the Bible is not properly interpreted, when taken out of context.

Satan tempted Jesus, quoting a verse taken out of context (Luke 4:3-8). Other Scripture was ignored. Jesus overcame this temptation, quoting another Scripture to interpret Scripture. That's a warning for us today not to take verses in the Bible out of context. Interpret Scripture with Scripture. The Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible will guide believers to interpret the Bible.

How God Is with You

God is like the very air you breathe. You can't see the air. Yet, you know that without air, you can't live. So it is with God. His very presence sustains your life. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?"(Psalm 139:7). Wherever you are now, God is with you.

"God is spirit"(John 4:24). That means God is unseen to your eyes. God is like the air you breathe. You cannot see Him. Only faith can recognize God's presence. That's the reason you must come to God by faith. 

Your faith is not based upon what your eyes can see."Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1). Faith is sure of God's presence everywhere and always.

Only the heart transformed by the Spirit of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can know God's presence always. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). God's Spirit enables you to believe that His presence is with you. God says,"I will never leave you. I will never forsake you"(Hebrews 13:5).

Think how God is with you. He is like the very air you breathe, in and all around you. So it is with God. We walk with God by faith and talk with God along the way. He is there for you today and everyday. No matter where you are, recognize how God is with you.

Baptized with the Spirit

John R. W. Stott wrote a classic book on the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit. He taught that "1 Corinthians 12:13 indicates that the baptism of the Spirit is identical with the gift of the Spirit, that it is one of the distinctive blessings of the new covenant, and because it is an initial blessing, is also a universal blessing for members of the covenant."

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Dr. Stott made it clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not found in the Old Testament, because it is distinctive in the New Testament. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is baptized with the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ, the church. It is our union with Christ, and our unity with the members of Christ. 

Jesus prayed that those who believe in him should all be one (John 17:11). His prayer is fulfilled with the baptism of the Spirit. This baptism is not for only some believers in Christ, but for all in one body. That's the reason Dr. Stott taught "the baptism of the Spirit is identical with the gift of the Spirit."

Dr. Stott made an important summary statement on the baptism of the Spirit. He wrote, "The fundamental truth that is involved is that by uniting us to Christ, God has given us everything." That is to say, we have already been blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

Born Again and Sure

We may not comprehend all the movements of the Holy Spirit in new birth, but we can be born again and sure by faith in Jesus Christ. There is mystery involved in new birth (John 3:8). Jesus taught that people enter the kingdom of God through new birth (John 3:5). It is a work of the Holy Spirit changing our hearts to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9).

The Bible confirms who are born again. "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of him" (1 John 5:1). We are born again and sure by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

New birth is confirmed by truly believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is the gospel of Christ? He died for our sins. He is risen from the dead as our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The written word of God and faith in the risen Christ is the evidence. That's certainly true in new birth.

Evidence of new birth is believing that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah in the Old Testament and revealed as the Christ in the New Testament. Our new birth is confirmed by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That's the reason Charles Spurgeon wrote, "You are born again, if you believe Jesus is the Christ." 

How We Are Converted

Conversion is repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). The Holy Spirit enables us to repent and believe the gospel of Christ. God's goodness leads us to repent (Romans 2:4). We are converted, turning to God by faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

We are converted believing the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The Holy Spirit brings conviction as you hear the gospel. Conversion is preceded by the Spirit of grace. The Lord opens your heart to hear the gospel (Acts 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces you of the need to believe in Christ (John 16:7-11). 

We are converted to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Repentance is a change of mind through the renewing of the Holy Spirit transforming us (Romans 12:2). Faith is an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 18:27).

We are converted believing Jesus is the Christ. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him (1 John 5:1). Conversion to Christ is confirmed, as we love God and others. Love is the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit, because God is love (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:8). 

Anyone May Be Saved

J. I. Packer wrote, "Rather, we should live in light of the certainty that anyone may be saved if he or she will but repent and put faith in Christ." 

Anyone may be saved who believes and confesses Jesus Christ is Lord (John 1:12; Romans 10:9). The promise of God is certain, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32). That's who God saves.

The Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our salvation is receiving the gift of God in Christ. The Spirit of God convicts us of the sin of unbelief, not trusting in Christ alone to save us (John 16:8-9).

The Holy Spirit enables us to put faith in Christ our Lord. Saving faith is an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:13). Through faith alone in Christ alone is how God's grace saves us.

What about those who will not repent and put faith in Christ? Dr. Packer wrote, "God gives them over to their sins (i.e., removes restraints on their doing the disobedient things they desire), this is itself the beginning of judgment. It is called 'hardening' (Romans 9:18; 11:25; cf. Ps. 81:12; Romans 1:24, 26, 28), and it inevitably leads to greater guilt."

How We Repent

Charles Spurgeon explained, "To repent is to change your mind about sin and Christ and all the great things of God." He went on to say, "The person who truly repents is never satisfied with his or her repentance. We can no more repent perfectly than we can live perfectly."

Repentance is God's command to all people everywhere (Acts 17:30). We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We know that only the Lord Jesus Christ can save us from the curse and condemnation of our sin. The Christian life begins with repentance, turning from the sin of unbelief to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).

Christians are not perfect people in this life. We are still tempted and sin from time to time. Therefore, we repent, confessing our sins to God. Then, we find fresh cleansing from our sins, through the blood of Jesus Christ. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Spurgeon said, "To repent is to change your mind." As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through Bible study, our minds are changed by receiving more truth from the word of God. That is one reason Spurgeon taught that "we can no more repent perfectly than we can live perfectly." 

Prayer of the Heart

We should pray from the heart. It is not learning a formula nor simply repeating words. Prayer is never intended to be a vain repetition of memorized words. Jesus gave us a model prayer to understand our personal relationship with God our Father. If we only say memorized words, without considering their meaning, our hearts are not in it. Prayer must come from our hearts before it is spoken from the lips.

We should pray from the heart in our relationship with God. It is fellowship with God. The believer who prays effectively has a personal relationship with God as Father. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our hearts are open to God as our heavenly Father. Jesus said, In this manner, therefore pray, our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (Matthew 6:9). A personal relationship with God as our Father is the heart of prayer.

All real relationships are heart to heart. So it is with God our Father and prayer of the heart. God's Spirit works in our hearts. Prayer becomes more than words from our lips. Our hearts are open to God. The heart includes our mind, will and emotions. We share our thoughts, desires and emotions with God our Father.

God speaks to our hearts in prayer. Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (Hebrews 3:15). He often brings Bible verses to our attention. He may bring people to mind, because we need to pray for them. That's how we should pray from the heart.

The Gospel for All

The word gospel simply means good news. It's the good news of God for all nations, about the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It's good news because Christ died on the cross to save us from the judgment of our sins. It's good news because God gives us eternal life, through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is risen from the dead to give believers everlasting life (Romans 6:23).

The gospel of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all. Yes, all are sincerely invited to Christ. Most assuredly, the gift of eternal life in Christ is certain for all who repent and believe. Therefore, the gospel must be preached to all nations and people without exception (Matthew 28:18-20).

If the gospel of Christ is for all, why are all not saved? Jesus answered the question. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). All people will simply not come to Christ, but many are certain to come to Him. All who do so will never be turned away (John 6:37).

The gospel for all people certainly doesn't imply that anyone is saved without responding to the gospel. It does mean that the death of Jesus Christ for our sins effectively saves all who believe. Christ risen from the dead saves all who call upon him (Romans 10:9-13). Therefore, the gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached to all nations and people (Mark 16:15). 

Faith In Christ Alone

John MacArthur said, "Salvation from eternal condemnation is by faith alone (sola fide), and Christ alone (solus Christus) saves. Apart from Christ, there is no hope for anyone."

What MacArthur wrote is based upon clear Bible teaching. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Christ alone saves as the way to God the Father.

Christ alone is the way to God the Father. He said, I am the truth. He is the truth according to the Holy Scripture. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth of Christ in our hearts. The Holy Spirit enables you to believe and confess the truth (1 Corinthians 12:3). 

Christ alone is the living way to God the Father. He said, I am the life. The resurrection of Jesus from the grave on the third day proves that He alone is the living way. The power of the Holy Spirit raised Him from the grave (Romans 1:4).

Jesus said, No one comes to the Father except through me. Others may say, "There are many ways to God." Choose the words of Jesus as your risen Lord over other opinions. Jesus Christ alone is the one who died for our sins. He is risen from the dead as our living Lord. His words are true. Salvation is by faith in Christ alone.

See God by Faith

Jesus said, "God is Spirit ..." (John 4:24). That means we cannot see God with our eyes, because he is invisible to us. However, we can see God and walk with him by faith. 

Moses was an example of faith that sees God who is invisible. "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27). He fulfilled his destiny, because of faith that endured, seeing him who is invisible. 

We see the invisible God like we see the wind move. We see what the wind is doing and where it is moving. So faith is able to see what God is doing and where he is moving. Faith sees "that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17). Faith sees the Most High God ruling and reigning in life. Faith enables us to see what God is doing in our lives.

Faith sees not by natural vision through our eyes, but with understanding from the word of God (Romans 10:17). We walk with God daily by faith. We remember that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). We are walking by faith, "as seeing him who is invisible."

Those who have faith in God see him ruling over all. "For of him and through him and to him are all things, to whom be glory forever" (Romans 11:36). Faith sees God according to the truth of the word of God. Believers see God at work in all things to his glory forever.

Predestined to Adoption

The word predestination is a controversial term. However, the important point is that believers in Christ are predestined to an inheritance as adopted children of God. Most people probably think it means predestined to heaven or hell. The Bible does not teach that. However, Scripture does teach that God in love, predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ. 

He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:4-5). 

Believers are predestined unto adoption in Christ, and in Christ alone. The word predestined means to foreordain or mark off before hand. Christ was chosen by God the Father to be every believer's Savior before the foundation of the world. God has predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ.

Believers are predestined in Christ to be adopted children in God's eternal family. God chose us in union with Christ as His adopted children. Jesus is God the Father's only begotten Son (John 3:16). Through God's Son, we are predestined to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. 

Assurance of Salvation

From time to time genuine believers may have disturbing doubts about their salvation. Such doubts are most often because we focus upon ourselves and not on Christ. Trusting in ourselves leaves room for all manner of doubt. Assurance of salvation is by faith in Christ alone. It's knowing who saved you. 

Faith in Jesus Christ is our assurance, testifying, "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until that Day" (2 Timothy 1:12). It's faith in Christ alone. He alone has the authority and power sure to save and keep us. 

Do not focus on your work for Christ, but his work for you and in you. The grace of Christ initiates your salvation. What he begins, Christ is more than able to finish. "Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Your salvation is sure by faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. What he began in you continues even to the final day. That is the day of Christ, when he returns.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved and sure (Acts 16:31). You are saved by what Christ has done for you at the cross and through his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). You are saved by what Christ is doing in you and through you (Colossians 1:27; Hebrews 13:20-21). Christ alone saved you and not yourself. Assurance of salvation is knowing who saved you.

How to Love God

Love God through a personal relationship with Him. It's all about love. Remember the greatest commandment of all. Jesus tells us, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength (Mark 12:30). 

Love God in response to His great love. God gave His only begotten Son as eternal proof of His love for us. You can testify with the apostle Paul in these words, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). That's your relationship with God. It's all about love so amazing, so divine.

Love God after receiving the fulness of His love through the Holy Spirit. You experience the love of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit works in your heart, that you may be filled with the love of God in a personal way. For we know how God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love (Romans 5:5).

Love God through worship. You adore and praise Him for His great love. You surrender to His good will. You desire to please Him in the way we live. More than that, you love others because His love is in you. Jesus said, Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). God loves others through us. We love God by loving others.

Do You Know God?

There is a difference in knowing God and knowing about God. Most people know about God from things they have observed or heard. Your parents may have talked to you about God. You may attend church and hear sermons about God. However, knowing about God is not knowing God.

Know God by faith. He who comes to God must believe (Hebrews 11:6). You cannot come to God any other way. Because God is Spirit, you cannot see Him with your eyes (John 4:24). Only faith can usher you into the presence of God.

Know God in your heart. The word heart refers to your mind, will, and emotions. God changes our hearts through the gospel of Jesus Christ, enabling your faith to know God the Father through the Son (John 14:6). You know God by looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Know God in a personal relationship. You walk with God by faith. For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is assurance that God is with you, and all the time. Faith is assurance that God hears your prayers. Faith is the evidence. When you know God, faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

How to Rest in Christ

Works may boast and say, "I can get you to heaven, if you try hard and labor to do your best." Salvation is the gift of God to be received. We don't work to earn a gift, we simply receive it. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is not by our works, but resting in the finished work of Christ. Salvation is the gift of God through faith in Christ.

Jesus says to you,"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"(Matthew 11:28). Jesus invites all who are weary to come to Him and find rest. The word rest refers to our salvation as the gift of God in Christ. Rest in Christ alone means completely depending upon Him to do in us what we cannot do.

Salvation in Christ is by God's grace alone. Salvation is about what God has done for us in Christ. It's what God is doing in us and through us. That's called grace, and its fulness is found in Jesus Christ our Lord (John 1:16). He is the fulness of grace.

Salvation is resting with confidence, trust, and reliance in Christ alone, to do in us what we are unable to do. Only Jesus Christ can save us. That means we rest in Christ alone. Rest in God's love, mercy, and grace, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31).

Grace Alone Saves Us

Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Men need to be told that, unless divine grace brings them out of their enmity to God, they will eternally perish." He went on to say "that if they are to be saved, it must be by grace, and by grace alone."

Grace alone saves us and not our works (Titus 3:4-5). If salvation is by works, we could boast of what we have done. However, salvation is by the grace of God, which means it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, to the glory of God!

Spurgeon knew that if we are saved, it's not by grace plus our works. Many teach that salvation is initiated by God's grace and must be completed by our works. Not so. We are saved by God's grace alone. His grace begins and completes our salvation in Christ (Philippians 1:6). 

Grace alone saves us through faith in Christ. Faith receives the gift of God in Christ. The gift of God is the grace of God, found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). He alone died for our sins. He alone is risen from the dead as our living Lord. Grace is trusting the finished work of Christ for us, and the work of Christ in us. We are saved by grace alone, as the gift of God in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

How to Please God

"But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Our relationship with God is based upon faith. Without faith we can never please God. Therefore, we need to understand the faith that pleases God.

Faith is the way to please God. Faith is a gift of God's grace, an abiding gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:13). The indwelling Holy Spirit gives us faith in God. That's a gift which abides and endures (1 Corinthians 13:13). It comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Faith is the bond of trust in our relationship with God. All good personal relationships are built upon trust. To know God in a meaningful relationship is to trust God through Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Ephesians 1:13). In the Greek New Testament, the word pisteuo means to believe or trust. The Bible describes God as trustworthy. Those who trust in God and His Son Jesus Christ are not disappointed (Romans 10:9-11).

Faith is confidence in God. That means God is working in us to please Himself. "For it is God who works in you both to will and do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). God works in our hearts to trust Him and believe on His Son. Faith is "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

Is Jesus the Only Way?

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Believers in our Lord Jesus Christ come to God. The Bible was not written simply to give us academic information about God. It was written to tell us how to come to God for our personal salvation. Jesus is the only way to God.

Jesus is the way we come to God our Father (John 4:24). Jesus is the truth. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth of Jesus in our spirit (Romans 8:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ is God's way to salvation from the condemnation and judgment of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Only Jesus died for our sins. Only Jesus was raised from the dead to be our Savior and living Lord (Romans 10:9).

Through Jesus Christ, believers come to God to be saved. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31). Come to God through faith in Christ. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only sure way to God. We personally come to God believing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sin separates us from God. Jesus died to take all our sins away (1 John 1:7).

Jesus is the only way believers come to God our Father in prayer. Pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13). That's because Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Pray to God our Father in the name of Jesus.

How God Accepts You

God accepts you in His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Our sin is always unacceptable to God. He sent his Son into this world to take away your sins. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). At the cross, Jesus died for your sins. You are accepted by faith in God's beloved Son. "He made us accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).

God accepts you through the righteousness of Christ. God takes away our sins and accounts us righteous in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21). Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, you receive the righteousness of God. That's why you can sing, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness."

God accepts you in Christ, though you are not perfect, and never will be in this life. We have all failed God in many different ways. The Bible calls it sin. We can never earn our way into God's favor. His unmerited favor is called grace, and it's always a gift received by faith in Christ. Then you may testify, "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10).

God accepts you with love divine. His love for us is personal. God's love for you is reality seen at the cross of Jesus (Romans 5:8). He died for your sins. His sacrifice takes away all your sins (1 John 1:7). His resurrection gives believers life abundant and everlasting. God accepts you by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). God's love for you is forever (Romans 8:38-39). 

The Holy Spirit In You

The Bible teaches that God is everywhere. He is omnipresent. However, God's will is to indwell believers. He makes His home in our hearts. Believers in Jesus Christ become the house of God. We are God's temple. The Holy Spirit indwells you. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Holy Spirit is in all who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells us to do God's will. He changes our hearts. He gives us new desires. God works in us according to His good pleasure. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). God is pleased with us, because the Holy Spirit is working in us.

The Holy Spirit is in our hearts. That is your mind, will, and emotions. He is doing more in us than we can understand. He is always doing more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). The Lord will use our lives to bring glory to His name. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to do God's will.

Thank God today that the Holy Spirit is in you. Rest in the assurance that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Rely on God's ability to do more through you. Give God all the glory for what He does in you and through you. The Holy Spirit is in each and every believer.

What's to God's Glory?

All things are to God's glory. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36). It is God's will for us to bring glory to him in all things. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Creation is to God's glory. We were created to the praise of God's glory through Christ. You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created (Revelation 4:11). We were created to bring glory to God. The Bible defines sin as falling short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).

Salvation is to God's glory. We who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:12). As a believer, God is working in you and through you to the praise of his glory through Christ, "working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, forever and ever. Amen" (Hebrews 13:21).

Prayer is to God's glory. We pray to God our Father, For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matthew 6:13). Prayer should always be centered upon God's glory in all things. God's kingdom and power work to the praise of his glory. We should pray to the glory of God in all things.

Spiritual Growth

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are born again desire the "sincere milk" of God's word (1 Peter 2:2). This comes through Bible study and teaching. We are enabled by the Holy Spirit to understand more and more of God's truth in Christ. That's how your faith in Christ grows.

In the New Testament, salvation includes regeneration and sanctification. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). Through regeneration believers have been born again in Christ. Sanctification is growing as believers in Christ.

Immediately upon regeneration, sanctification sets us apart in Christ (1 Peter 1:2). Regeneration is an immediate act by the Holy Spirit within our hearts, whereas sanctification is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within us. Simply stated, regeneration is your new birth in Christ, whereas sanctification is your growth in Christ.

The Holy Spirit will guide us to grow in truth found in the Bible (John 16:13). It is necessary for us to yield to the Spirit, otherwise we become carnal Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Our choice is between the Spirit and the flesh. It is an ongoing battle in every believer's life (Galatians 5:16-17). Yielding to the flesh hinders your growth in Christ.

What's Preceding Grace?

Because of our sinful nature, God opens our hearts to respond to the gospel of Christ. God's preceding grace enables us to respond freely to the gospel. In conversion, we respond to the gospel through repentance, turning to God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14). These words speak of Lydia, a woman who worshiped God but had not yet heard the gospel to believe in Christ. God's preceding grace opened her heart to hear and respond to the gospel. The word "heart" describes your mind, will, and emotions. It is a term for your inward person.

God's grace initiates our conversion. God opens our hearts to hear the gospel and to receive Christ (John 1:12-13). It may be identified with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). It is the gospel call for us to trust the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13). God's preceding grace opens our hearts to convince us about the truth of the gospel.

Our hearts are opened to hear and understand the gospel. God's preceding grace enables us to respond freely to the call of Christ. God works concurrently with our choice. Our hearts are open to believe the gospel and receive Christ (John 1:12). Therefore, we give God all the glory!

Be Free in Christ

Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Believers are free in Christ from the condemnation of sin, the curse of the law, and eternal judgment. He purchased freedom for every believer at the cross by his own blood. Believing the truth of Jesus Christ makes you free indeed.

Be free from the bondage of sin. Jesus said, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). That's freedom from the bondage of sin, guilt, shame, and fear. All of us have been prisoners to the bondage of sin, until we are free in Christ. All who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ are free indeed. "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

Be free from the old life of your past. We are free from the past with a new beginning. We are forgiven of everything that we have ever done wrong. We are reconciled to God and renewed in Christ. God is working all things together for our good, according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). 

Be free from the guilt of sin. Believers are cleansed from all sin (1 John 1:7). God has justified you by faith in Christ. Our sin debt is paid in full at the cross. Believers have a new life, even everlasting life in Christ (Romans 6:23). Thank God Almighty! You are free in Christ, free indeed.

True Faith In Christ

Charles Spurgeon said, "It is not great faith, but true faith that saves you; and salvation does not lie in the faith, but in Christ whom faith trusts. Faith as a grain of mustard seed will bring salvation to you." Spurgeon made it clear. True faith in Christ saves you.

True faith is trusting in Jesus Christ our Lord. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He is the only true way to God the Father. Our faith in Christ is faith in the truth. The power is in the truth of Christ, not our faith. It is faith that receives the truth of Christ.

True faith in Christ is a gift of the Holy Spirit. He is sent to bear witness of the truth in Christ. He confirms the truth in your heart and life. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to you through the Holy Scripture. Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 14:6). The gift of faith comes from the word of truth, inspired by the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:17). Our faith in Christ is based upon the word of truth.

True faith abides in Jesus our risen Lord. Saving faith comes from the one who is the truth, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Saving faith is always looking unto Jesus. Look not to yourself, nor any other but Jesus. He who is the author of our faith is also the finisher of our faith.

Believers Are Sanctified

Martin Luther wrote, "There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow."

In Scripture, all true believers are sanctified in Christ. Sanctification is not the second blessing, coming as a distinctly separate stage in the Christian life. One who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is immediately justified and sanctified by the Spirit of God. 

We are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:2). The blood of Jesus sanctifies every true believer in Christ. Believers are sanctified, set apart, as God's chosen people in Christ.

God sanctifies or sets us apart as the purchased possession of Christ. You are bought with the price of His blood shed at the cross. The cross work of Christ is applied to your life in justification as well as sanctification.

God sanctifies us by faith in the gospel, upon trusting Christ as your Lord and Savior. However, our sanctification is a continuing process of growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Sanctification leads to our glorification at the return of Christ. Until then, believers are sanctified in Christ.

Is God Your Joy?

Fellowship with God gives us joy. His joy is our strength for living. "Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you do rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8). Believers experience joy in the presence of God. Words are not able to express it. Fellowship with God gives us joy as believers in Christ.

"Truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). Fellowship with God is through Bible reading, prayer and worship. When we are out of fellowship with God, we need to confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Then, your fellowship with God can be restored. Sin separates us from the joy of fellowship with God. 

Restored fellowship with God gives you joy. The barrier of sin is removed, as we confess it to God. The joy of your salvation is restored. You may pray, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12). Make fellowship with God a daily part of your life. Praise God through prayer and singing unto Him. Give thanks to God for His love, mercy and goodness in Christ for you. 

Let us ask God to bring to our attention any sins that we need to confess. Recognize that our fellowship with God gives us joy through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Then, we can truly sing, "what a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms." God is your joy.