We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Sin Has Unchangeable Consequences


God can and will cleanse the record, but He does not change the results. No one can unscramble an egg.

Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Real [commentary on 1 John], pg. 30

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So true, and yet where sin abounds, grace more abounds! Romans 5:20... I know that one in KJV-paraphrase, just because a dear brother in the Lord (a non KJVO believer, fyi) has always quoted it to me that way. :)

-Carolyn

Martha said...

Good Word for the day, Carolyn. I love it and needed to be reassured of that one today.

Oh, how God the Holy Spirit moves His saints in building up the Body of Jesus Christ.
No bricks or mortar needed, simply listening to His quiet (yet Powerful!) voice and then acting upon His instruction.


So many in bondage to not receiving that pure, unadulterated grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, alone.


Have a wonderful week, Carolyn, ministering to those who need to receive Jesus' Word and love. You are a breath of fresh air!

Blessings back to you, sister.

Martha

Anonymous said...

Glenn,

These quotes from Wiersby have been thought provoking so far, thank you for posting them!

Martha,

I am so grateful to hear that the Word encouraged you and reassured you of the love of your Savior!

I appreciated the Wiersby quote - and then added the verse that came to my mind - because they are (at least how I saw it), two sides of the coin of God's marvelous grace. By His grace - I guess we can call it "preventative" grace, or as a believer I knew once called it the "preserving power of the Holy Spirit" - anyhow, if we can be sensitive to His Spirit and obey His Word, we can often avoid the sins that so entangle, and steer clear of those situations where unfortunately we would end up reaping painful consequences. However, the other side of the coin is the balm of God's healing grace, maybe we can call it "restorative" grace. As the Romans 5 verse notes, even where sin has greatly abounded, His grace so much more abounds! The good news of the Gospel, even to those who already believe and are in His grip... that even when we stumble and sin, "scrambling the egg", our Lord and Savior is still very much present, ministering to us, teaching us, and restoring us. Sometimes He will kindly mitigate the consequences by the grace of His rich mercy... and always, Romans 8:28, working all things for good of those who love Him.

It is always better to obey than not, but we have a God who loves us yet, even while we were sinners!

Both of you have a wonderful week in the Lord, ministering as He gives you direction!

Blessings,
Carolyn

Martha said...

Amen Carolyn!

Martha