Declared Righteous By His Grace - Part 714

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Why? Because He who knew no sin became sin for us. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21)


As believers in Jesus, we are instructed to be "doers of the Word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22) Indeed, the scriptures state that when we are "hearers" of the Word only, we are actually deceiving ourselves. The rationale for this stance is that when we are only hearers of the Word, and not a doer, we become "like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass" -- beholding himself and going his own way "straightway forgetting what manner of man he was."

But for those who look into the perfect law of liberty and continueth therein -- he being not a forgetful hearer AND a doer of the work -- this man shall be blessed in his deed. What is being stated here is that those who look to Jesus for salvation and as a consequence continue in His Word, they will be set free. By His grace, we are saved. 

This was the initial purpose in God becoming flesh so that we might have salvation. Christ fulfilled the old covenant when He shed His precious blood on the cross. In so doing, He set us free giving us true liberty. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) 
For "if the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)

When we take this initial step of trusting Jesus further, we begin a new relationship with our Most High King. Jesus said to the Jews that believed on Him -- "if you continue in my Word, then you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." 

Unlike the Jews who answered Jesus saying, "We be Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to any man -- how say you, You shall be made free?" (John 8:30-34) Likewise, very different from the law under the old covenant that dictated how we should live according to endless laws and commandments. Or the man who seemed religious and bridled not his tongue -- deceiving his own heart -- and as the scriptures state, his religion being in vain. 

Rather, reading HIs Word daily gives us knowledge and wisdom. For "the law was given through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) We all have a choice. My choice is to willingly desire to His will. I hope your heart's desire is the same. Stand in the offering plate.