In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes: The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. Where do you suppose he got that idea from? I proffer he most likely got that idea from the Holy Spirit and the Lord who inspired Ezekiel to write this: Ezekiel 14, 14:1 Then some of the leaders of Israel visited me, and while they were sitting with me, 2 this message came to me from the Lord: 3 “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests? 4 Tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel have set up idols in their hearts and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the Lord, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves. 5 I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols.’ 6 “Therefore, tell the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins. 7 I, the Lord, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice. 8 I will turn against such people and make a terrible example of them, eliminating them from among my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord. In 1 Timothy Paul writes about the heart of mankind being washed so that it is pure and so that the conscience is clear and so that our faith is genuine. When you read down further in Ezekiel 14:12-14 you see these words: 14:12 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 13 “Son of man, suppose the people of a country were to sin against me, and I lifted my fist to crush them, cutting off their food supply and sending a famine to destroy both people and animals. 14 Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, says the Sovereign Lord. Who could say either one of those great men, Noah, Daniel or Job had anything but genuine faith in their day? Are they not a good example for us to come to understand genuine faith and to seek the Lord to have our hearts and consciences washed clean? Im finding love from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a genuine faith is a goal as I approach old age. I was saved in 1975 and Im still being saved from myself primarily in 2015! I wish I could say I have been sinless all these years but I cant. You?
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:28:28 +0000
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