It took a little longer than we may have anticipated, but we finally made it through the Smalcald Articles. You should be proud of yourselves we have had a good journey.
This weeks article is one that says the things that human beings make up and do, are not things that merit salvation or the forgiveness of sins. We live in a world where we like to be in charge. We like to do things and to have the ability to control what is going on in our world. We like to think that what we do earns God's forgiveness, that way we can say we earn it. Well, maybe I should qualify that last statement. Our sinful nature likes things to be that way.
Instead this article lifts up and reminds us that none of the things we do can earn us anything before God. Not only is this the case, but we should reject any ideas that would try to say that this is even possible. This is the case because it would then take something away from the salvation that we have in Jesus. This means that we would not be saved because of Jesus, but that we would be saved because of Jesus and something else that we do.
Yet on the other hand, this is true because we do not want to be in a position where we see ourselves or make ourselves out to be better than someone else. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all need that salvation that is freely offered to us in Jesus. We all need to live in that great gift.
It truly is a great gift, and one that I pray is a source of comfort and encouragement to you this week and always. Blessings.
Sincerely,
Pastor CJ
1 comments:
Happy Reformation Day (observed) on Sunday. Wear RED!!!!
Thanks for the study on the Smalcald Articles. What's next?
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