5/1/2013
Faith Like a Chair
"12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" Colossians 1:12-14
Why is there only one way of salvation through faith, and one way to receive the forgiveness of sins? How is it like sitting in a chair? Read on.
Our text today says that Christians have received the forgiveness of sin. Why doesn’t the Lord allow those who have done good works to get into heaven? Very often, we know people are still relying on their works if someone asks them why God should let them into heaven, and they say, “I’ve been good; I’ve never done bad things like Hitler or Stalin. I’ve never told big lies or stolen anything of importance, so God has to let me in. Right?”
Our text today says that Christians have received the forgiveness of sin. Why doesn’t the Lord allow those who have done good works to get into heaven? Very often, we know people are still relying on their works if someone asks them why God should let them into heaven, and they say, “I’ve been good; I’ve never done bad things like Hitler or Stalin. I’ve never told big lies or stolen anything of importance, so God has to let me in. Right?”
Wrong! Who determines the standard of how good is good enough to enter heaven? Who came up with the rule that we need to be perfect to enter heaven? God did. What do the scriptures say about our innate goodness? That we have none. “There is none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10. If heaven is where God lives, who says He is not allowed to make the rules for those who can live there?
The VFW tells us only veterans of foreign wars can gain membership; there are many other clubs where admittance is granted only under certain conditions. We follow those rules and conditions; does not the same principle apply to the Lord?
Membership to heaven is gained by those whose sins have been completely forgiven. You don’t have to wait until the First Sunday after Easter either to receive it! And once you have it, you will never lose eternal life. How can you receive this forgiveness of sin?
Think of a chair; you sit in it and put your full weight into it and have faith that it will hold you up. So too, you must completely believe that only Jesus Christ is capable and sufficient to die for your sins, forgive your sins, and give you a new heart to follow Him! Another hymnist wrote it this way: "Nothing in my hand I bring. Simply to the cross I cling” Put your full weight on Jesus; be saved today! Learn more here.
Listen to the complete sermon that inspired this blog post here:
04.28.2013 - A Rejoicing Grace - Pastor Doug Mann
MP3 Download
The VFW tells us only veterans of foreign wars can gain membership; there are many other clubs where admittance is granted only under certain conditions. We follow those rules and conditions; does not the same principle apply to the Lord?
Membership to heaven is gained by those whose sins have been completely forgiven. You don’t have to wait until the First Sunday after Easter either to receive it! And once you have it, you will never lose eternal life. How can you receive this forgiveness of sin?
Think of a chair; you sit in it and put your full weight into it and have faith that it will hold you up. So too, you must completely believe that only Jesus Christ is capable and sufficient to die for your sins, forgive your sins, and give you a new heart to follow Him! Another hymnist wrote it this way: "Nothing in my hand I bring. Simply to the cross I cling” Put your full weight on Jesus; be saved today! Learn more here.
Listen to the complete sermon that inspired this blog post here:
04.28.2013 - A Rejoicing Grace - Pastor Doug Mann
MP3 Download