Jesus died on the cross. He has finished the work. He absorbed our sins. It is over and done. His resurrection is our hope...completed.
Yet, while Jesus has finished the work, faith leads us step by step. Faith is ever ongoing due to or in the finished accomplishment of Jesus' saving grace.
....the unity of salvation is a single piece, and yet a flowing stream. I became a Christian once for all upon the basis of the finished work of Christ through faith; that is justification. The Christian life, sanctification, operates on the same basis, but moment by moment. The whole unity of biblical teaching stands solid at this place. If we try to live the Christian life in our own strength we will have sorrow, but if we live in this way, we will not only serve the Lord, but in place of sorrow, he will be our song. That is the difference. The "how" of the Christian life is the power of the crucified and risen Lord, through the agency of the indwelling Holy Spirit by faith moment by moment (Francis Schaeffer).
...but in the place of sorrow, he will be our song is the verification of the one-time conversion. Who is singing in the center of sorrow? Only the faith-full.
Stress happens to all. Grief is unbiased. The singers of the Jesus song are the believers who get it. Salvation is a done deal. To partake of it at the moment of disruption is surely a sweet aroma to all.
Sing His praises!
3 comments:
If we try to live the Christian life in our own strength we will have sorrow, but if we live in this way, we will not only serve the Lord, but in place of sorrow, he will be our song"
I love that line! And I believe it to be true. The times when I've had the most sorrow in my life, He is my only song that has gotten me through it. But, what worries me most is when I feel like I've lost my "song". I know personally that my loss is caused by human nauture and NOT of God. God puts the song in my heart, it's up to me to find it in those times of darkness. It's a choice.
Brenda,
In those times of darkness, have you tried connecting with the body of Christ to receive encouragement, uplifting and renewal of your song? Sometimes in times of sorrow, reaching out to others in need can bring double blessing, bringing a song to others and self. It is important to be faithful, especially when the feelings seem lost.
Lynn,
Connection to the body is His design. Brenda is one of the most connected. At times we hit low spots, and you are right, that's when the body supports.
Rest assured, Brenda is one who is good at receiving and giving encouragement. That's why she never gives up.
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