TRANSACTION or TRANSFORMATION?: PART 13 of *I BELIEVE IN GOD vs I OBEY GOD | TO CHURCH vs TO GOD*
When you're born of the SPIRIT, you can not help but bear the fruit of *OBEDIENCE* .
*John 15:5* reminds us, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing".
*OUR LIFE OF PURITY, PRAYER, AND OBEDIENCE FLOWS FROM THE VINE, CHRIST HIMSELF!*
It is NOT a means to earn his love, *BUT AN OUTPOURING OF OUR LOVE FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR US*
The prophet Isaiah already stripped bear the illusion of self-made Holiness. Read Isaiah 64:6.
*ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE LIKE FILTHY RAGS*
_Think about this:_ The very best you can produce in your own strength, the most sacrificial service, the most passionate prayer, the most radical acts of devotion, ALL OF IT! *WITHOUT CHRIST* IS UNWORTHY BEFORE A HOLY GOD.
_But the wonder of grace is this:_ God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us. That we might become the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21.
*WE ARE NOT ACCEPTED BECAUSE OF WHAT WE BRING, BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT CHRIST HAS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED*
This truth humbles the proud and liberates the weary. It means the Christian who stumbles in weakness but clings to Christ is safer than the religious man who stands tall in his own works! But is *NOT FULLY RESTED ON THE CROSS.*
It means that Holiness as "Performance" CAN NOT SAVE YOU! but Holiness as "Fruit" testifies that YOU'RE TRULY SAVED.
It means that Church Attendance, Fasting, Prayer, Bible Reading, Giving, and Service, "though noble and necessary *MUST NEVER BECOME THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR CONFIDENCE*
For the foundation has already been laid, and that foundation is *JESUS CHRIST* His death and resurrection! For no one can lay any foundation other than the one which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ. *1st Corinthians 3:11*
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Enjoy Your Day.
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