In our man-made religions it is easy to believe that change comes about from our own efforts.
We try this, we loose off that, we struggle here, we add habits, we work and strive and concentrate until we are exhausted and weary and beaten up.
This is NOT the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While self effort may be good for our outer bodies it has no impact whatsoever on the core of who we are.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
We are transformed as we hang out with Jesus Christ. End of story.
The grace of Christ, enacted out on the cross and covering us to this day and all our days forward, is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16)
Salvation is active and current in all our lives. The ONLY prerequisite to the transformational salvation of the Kingdom of God is faith. Not effort. Not concentration. Not striving.
We are changed by the power of Christ and Christ only.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:6
Amen and amen.
Rest in the Lord today. Enter into his presence with singing. Relax and take unto yourself the easy yoke that marks all those that walk with God.
“For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
Cyndy Lavoie 