[309 words]
We are God’s people, His holy people, the church of God, the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). We want to do what pleases Him; it is our new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) and our identity as His children (1 John 3:22).
However, we do fail, we sin! If we claim otherwise, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). So, what do we do to repent of our sin? What do we do to live upright and godly lives? Do we try to use the word of God to berate and punish ourselves into saying no to worldly passions and being eager to do good? If we have been using the word of God to punish ourselves into repentance and doing good, we may be missing the power of the gospel.
“For the grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-13).
The power of God to save us and transform us is the gospel, and it is this same gospel that brings God’s grace to us in a powerful and transforming way. There is no other way for us to be saved from the practice or the penalty of sin. There is no other way for us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, the Son. The next time we face sin or temptation, let us lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). Let us, rather, look to God’s word for His message of grace and kindness (Rom 2:4).
Jay Don Poindexter
Merkel church of Christ
Merkel, TX