Tuesday 1 September 2015

The Just Shall Live By Faith






Scripture: Galatians 3 v 11 - 13:

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree."



For a number of years good and faithful Christians have been turned away from God's grace of forgiveness back to following the law of Moses and denying the salvation through the Blood of Jesus. He died to justify us and make us sinless and holy before Him.



Those who turn back to the Law, Paul calls bewitched, and becoming cursed. If you choose to live under the Law you must obey all 664 laws. This was only ever achieved by one Man, Jesus Christ, and His dying words were "It is finished"! He was referring to the bondage of the Law and its inability to save from sin.



He said that the New Covenant was better than the Old Covenant, which was imperfect, and saved no-one. In Hebrews it says if the old covenant was perfect there would be no need for a new one, based on better promises.



So those who were once saved, lose their salvation when they follow the Jewish laws and they are no longer justified by faith. They lose God's forgiveness of their sins because the death of Jesus has lost its power and meaning for them.



I knew a brother who was a strong Christian, whose life Jesus saved after he was shot at point blank range with 5 bullets in his body, who went back to the law and even rewrote the Bible minus all the words of Paul. This man now lives in fear, surrounded by bodyguards. I challenged him about his changed circumstances and belief and he told me I was not enlightened enough to know the truth.



I do know the truth! Jesus Christ died for my sins and His shed Blood washed them away. I am born again by faith in His grace and the Father's forgiveness. I have eternal life through the Holy Spirit who indwells me and has blessed me with His gifts and filled my life with His fruit - against such there is no law. I am humbly and eternally grateful for the sacrifice of the Lamb and pledge to serve Him and His people all the days of my life.



Those who choose to live under the burden and curse of the law never know the peace of forgiveness, nor the security of salvation, nor the promise of eternal life with God. They become Pharisees and hypocrites who teach this false gospel to others and will face the wrath of a Holy Judge and there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Thus saith the Lord.



Prayer: Father God, You have done everything to bring us back to Your grace and lovingkindness. We ignore Your salvation at our own peril. We pray for those who have strayed from the truth to realise the error of their ways and repent so they may not have their names blotted out of the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev 3 v 5). In Jesus' name. Amen.