There Is No Hiding it!

Do we sometimes pretend to be a good person by showing our 'good side' in public? Or worse, do we even think that deep down we really are a good person? God's Word the Bible tells us otherwise by accurately describing us all as sinners (Romans 3:23), incapable of doing good for all our righteous acts are as filthy rags to Him who is holy, for they are all stained with sin! (read Isaiah 64:6)

Now what do you think of this? "But God showed His great love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

The same God who hates sin loves the sinner! He provided a way to justly forgive our sins and deliver us from the punishment we deserve. That way of deliverance was very costly to God, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16. Sinless, the Lord Jesus Christ, God's eternal Son, suffered the penalty for sins, so guilty sinners could escape punishment. The value of that sacrifice is sufficient for God to offer forgiveness to all. "The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" Isaiah 53:6

We cannot know the depth of His love for us unless we are willing to face the facts of what we are before Him, a sinner through and through! Otherwise we are fooled into believing He must love the people we pretend to be, not the sinners we actually are! ( B.N.)

For each one who recognizes that his sin is a matter of personal concern between him and God, this is wonderful news: "Be it known to you ... that through this Man (Jesus Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38. You cannot work for this or pay for it. You cannot receive it by 'being good' either. Salvation (the forgiveness of sin) is a free gift from God. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

The Apostle John and all the disciples convince us that God is able and willing to accept us as we are. His love is not given in exchange for our 'being good' or for our efforts; His love frees us to really live! Have you accepted that love?

Now, will you choose to bear God's judgment for your sins through an eternity of torment, or will you repent of your sin and come to the Lord Jesus Christ, believing that He died in your place and rose again? You can choose to accept the Lord Jesus and so become a child of God! (John 1:12) The message of God today is the same as it has always been: "I call heaven and earth to record this day ... that I  have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life ..." Deuteronomy 30:19

Precious Pearl:
-Because this involves your eternal destiny, either Heaven or Hell, you should respond today.
 -"what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness!" Romans 5:15

(p.s. my husband came to the Lord while reading this hymn Easter Monday 1987)

Just as I am  - without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am - and waiting not,

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am - though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings within and fears without

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am - poor, wretched, blind,

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am - Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

May this new year bring you love, joy and peace in abundance but most importantly of all, eternal life with God!

Claudine