Many say that we must 'be good', do this, do that, in order to have eternal life. Many say that obeying the 10 Commandments is the only way to eternal life. Have you ever tried to keep the 10 Commandments? It's impossible and then when we read our Bibles, Jesus said that it is even more than just what the words say. He says if we even get angry with someone, we have committed murder in our hearts. It is impossible for us to keep those Commandments. It's hard work...too hard for us.....but what does the Bible say about it?
But to him that worketh not, but BELIEVETH ON HIM that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
The day that I discovered this was the day that my life was changed. I had tried so hard to 'be good' to do 'His will', and all I got for it was disappointment. One day I just threw up my hands and said, "Jesus, show me who You are!!"
That's what He had been waiting for. He began to open His Word to me...verses I had never seen before just jumped off the page at me. The Bible became a beautiful book that applied to MY life.
But......I wrestled with the 10 Commandments because everyone believes that they are true. (I still do) I had learned though, that keeping them was not making me a good person. How do you keep a pig from wallowing in the mud? Do you post policemen around the mud puddle? Do you give him instructions to stay out of the mud puddle? How do you keep him out of the mud? The very first thing he will do when your back is turned, is wallow in the mud puddle. Pigs enjoy mud and the only way to keep him out of the mud is to make him not enjoy the mud. The same applies to me. I cannot keep myself from sinning. I cannot obey the 10 Commandments. You can post Church Elders around me, you can give me orders.....but the minute your back is turned, I'm right back out there doing the things I don't want to do. The only way to keep me from sinning is to make me not enjoy sin.
One day I found this verse in the Bible:
Now that sounded just like me!! That states my problem in a nut shell......just when I want to be good, I'm not. I began to like the words of Paul at that point. He understood me. I began to look for more......
"For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression." Romans 4:14,15
Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression."
Well now, I KNEW that this was talking about the 10 Commandment Law because it says that it's the one that gives us the knowledge of sin......so, it says to me, that if I am 'of the law', I am not a son/daughter of God! because then faith is made void......Whew!! What a statement and here I've been trying to be good to get to heaven!! But then......why are the 10 Commandments there? I mean, I don't believe in killing....or stealing......or in any of the rest of the things it talks against.......ask yourself...do you? No, I didn't think so........ so what's the point of it all?
Remember I said that Jesus said that there is so much more to the law than just the words we read....when we even get angry with someone....it's the same as murder.......do we kill? When we even think to keep the extra change....it's stealing........ and when we even turn on a light switch or flush a toilet (or turn on the sound system in our churches)on the Sabbath we have broken the 4th Commandment because we are expecting a 'stranger' to be working to keep our utilities functioning.
"Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise of faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe"
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
There were my answers. The law was ADDED because of sin....it is what makes me recognize that I am a sinner....
It is a schoolmaster....a teacher....to bring me to Christ Jesus. Now that I have received Christ Jesus as my personal savior, I am no longer under a schoolmaster (the law that shows me sin). I am a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus. It is now HIS job to change me.....to make me not like the mud puddles (sin). We are HIS workmanship. Praise His name. It is not my struggle. It is HIS and He has already fought the battle and won. Now I just trust in Him to get me through. No more discouragement. No more condemnation.
What wonderful, beautiful words. Words that changed me forever. I have given my heart, my life, my soul to Jesus and He has assured me that I will live forever because I trust in Him. Isn't that simple? and wonderful?
I am asking you to join me in this pure and simple faith so that you too may have eternal life. Just say to Him now.......Jesus, I believe. I want you to change my life. Make me hate mud puddles. Make me into a likeness of you. I trust you.
This faith and trust is an abiding thing. It is ALL you need. Trust in His word. Read it and claim His promises. It is so easy to start with faith and then try to clean ourselves up to make ourselves presentable to God but "He is the author and finisher of our faith"....Hebrews 12:2
Always remember that He will save us for eternity by our faith in Him. There is NOTHING that we can do for ourselves. We are His work........abide in His rest today.
Like a glass that is dirty, with smudges and spots. You must be presentable, having minimal blots. For My Living Water must be sweet to the taste. Therefore, I must prepare the container in which it is placed.
Your life is not yours, it belongs to Me. I knew you before you knew, now I want you to see. Your true purpose in life is based on My plans. So, I'll mold you and shape you with My own hands.
Yes, pain you feel and experience loss. But it's not as though I asked you to carry a Cross. Who has stretched you wide and speared you deep? Who has nailed your hands and pierced your feet? Are there stripes on your back or bruises on your face? When was the last time you saved the human race? Have you died lately and arisen from the dead? Did I ask you to adorn a crown of thorns upon your head?
My Son wore that crown, so that your's may be one of glory. Now, all I'm asking of you, is to tell the story. Tell them where you were when you heard the Good News. How you came to know that Jesus paid all your dues.
So, yes, you owe Me. But your life is not the fine. As a matter of fact, you're only giving Me back, what's already Mine. Just do what you must and give it your best. Don't worry, just have faith and I'll take care of the rest.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
"I'm Telling You What I Think"
First Page
