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| May 18 |
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And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also ... |
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Romans 4:11 |
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Paul here is saying Abraham is the father not only of the circumcised Jew, but of the uncircumcised Gentile because he was pronounced righteous before his circumcision. Thus, circumcision did not confer righteous. It confirmed righteousness.
So too, you can be baptized thousand times next summer, but it won’t save you if you don’t believe in your heart that the work is done, the price already paid for your sin. The basis of everything we enjoy is based upon what God has done for us, and how He looks on us through the lens of His Son.
So I get baptized because I want to go on record externally, declaring what I know is already true internally.
I come to Communion because I want to do outwardly what I’m excited about inwardly.
I have devotions not to earn His favor, but because He has already shown me such favor.
It’s not responsibility, folks. It's response. Why is it so hard for us to understand this? Could it be because our culture says, ‘There’s no free lunch,’ and ‘God helps those who help themselves’? Could it be because our flesh says, ‘Set the alarm earlier. Stay up later. Memorize more. Study harder. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be blessed’?
If I could communicate one thing to you, precious people, it would be this: Quit trying to give God a reason to bless you. It’ll never work because God will be a debtor to no man. Just marvel at His goodness. Enjoy an intimate relationship with Him, and watch what He can pour out on you because you won’t be taking the credit. |
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