Faith in the Law

My fellow lawbreakers, do you have faith in the law? That question could conjure up many different notions, so please allow me to elaborate.

Most religions advocate salvation by works. If you follow the rules, you get the prize. Christianity is very different in that we teach the prize comes by faith. Faith in what? Faith in Christ. But what would faith in Christ be, if Christ had not followed the law?

Christ was perfect, spotless; the unblemished Lamb of God. Certainly, he was tempted and tested, but without sin. Had he sinned, would not his sacrifice been disqualified? Christ's food was to do the will of His father. Christ did the things the Father showed Him. Christ adhered to the ways of the God. Christ obeyed the law; the Truth of God. In fact, Christ was and is The Way, The Life and The Truth. No one comes to the Father, but through Him.

Now, back to the question,

"Do you have faith in the law?"

More precisely, do you have faith in the Ways of God. Salvation is ultimately found in the ways of God. Our life here on earth is greatly impacted by our own adherence to the ways of God, and it is impacted by the adherence of those around us. When we follow God's commands, we are less likely to suffer the practical ill affects of sin. When we walk in the ways of man, we are beset by the short-comings thereof. His ways are perfect. Ours are ... well, they're human.

Furthermore, do you think heaven will tolerate the ways of man? Contemporary U.S. citizens believe freedom is the right to do whatever you desire, regardless of its alignment with God. True freedom is found in doing what is right and good. In heaven, theft, lies, lust, envy, deceit and death itself will be absent. The will and ways of God, holiness and righteousness will dominate. That's what makes it His Kingdom. His Kingdom is under His Rule. The enemies of God are tolerated in this temporal setting, but God promises to destroy them.

May your faith be extended to trust and depend on His Ways above man's ways. Not because keeping his laws will make you a Christian or bring you eternal security. Rather, may you keep His ways, because you are a believer, and you because you do have eternal security through the one that does keep the law, Christ Jesus Our Lord. May our sin be transferred to his account, and his righteousness be transferred to our account, both now and forevermore.

America Bless God

Weak-Willed Women (and Men Too)

Weak-willed women; that's the way the NIV says it. The various Bible translations use a variety of words to describe these women: weak-willed (NIV), gullible (NJKV), weak-minded (GW), foolish (BBE), or silly (KJV). Reading this passage today, the first thing that hit my mind, was weak-willed men too! Yes, men and women fit this description. Read the passage with me.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

This passage is describing the characteristics of people in the last days, the end times. The attributes of humanity shall be godless, amoral, and wicked in His sight. The part that really captured my attention was the phrase "weak-willed". I confess. I am prone to self-indulgence. I am prone to be drawn away from the "right things" into the "good stuff". You know, the good stuff from man's viewpoint. The sensual indulgences that delight our eyes, ears, noses, finger-tips, and taste-buds.

Regardless of what word is used to describe the will of these women, here are some common elements to consider. First, their sin is a burden. Guilt has brought doubt onto the stage, and the person is temptation prone due to doubt regarding past sin. In other words, sin breeds sin. Another common element is the deceit of sensual indulgence. You know the sensation that goes with the indulgence. You know the taste, smell, vision, sound or feel. You can vibe to the rhythm of the wicked thing you're about to do. As the good preacher said, "I may not know your sin, but I know you know where to find it." And then, as soon as you find it and partake of it, the good feeling quickly passes and the weight of guilt sets in. Your moment of pleasure turns to guilt, heavy weight, a burden, and you're right back where you started, wishing you had chosen different.

Here's the hard part to swallow; "a weak will". When I allow sin to invade my life, I have a weak will. My flesh has conquered my will or my spirit. I know; its a major fight. It's a constant battle. It is also a matter of resolve. Think of Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wive, "How can I do such a wicked thing, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph was resolved not to sin against God. Joseph was committed to the right action, not tempted by the good stuff.

You can compare the verses for yourself. There are some interesting phrases in the various translations. But the bottom line: Get a will; Be convicted; Stand resolved to honor God!