The wages of [sin] is death; but the [gift] of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans6:23). [sin: is the transgression of the law. 1John3:4] [gift: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John3:16] Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempters purpose to thwart the divine plan in mans creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: Dead in trespasses and sins; the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint; no soundness in it (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6). We are held fast in the snare of Satan, taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:26). God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him. The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness. . . . God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. {God’s Amazing Grace- 313}
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:50:56 +0000
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