Lesson 3725

(Lesson 3725)(03-31-22) Romans 6:19-23

    “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

    Today’s quote speaks clearly for itself. Thank God for the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord! ~ 

Lesson 3724

 (Lesson 3724)(03-30-22) Romans 6:1-18

    “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

    In today’s quote, Paul explained how those of us who have had the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into us, through faith in Him, should stand clear of all sin. After having our sins buried with Jesus, we are to walk in “newness of life”. That means that, even though we are “justified” by the blood of Jesus before God, in whatever we do, we are to do all we can to avoid even the appearance of sin, for Jesus sake.~

Lesson 3723

 (Lesson 3723)(03-29-22) Romans 5:18-21

    “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

    Today’s quote reiterates yesterday’s lesson and need no further commentary.~

Lesson 3722

 (Lesson 3722)(03-28-22) Romans 5:12-17

    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

    Today’s quote tells us that the sin of one man (Adam), brought sin, and death, upon all of mankind, and likewise, through the sinlessness of one man, (Jesus) redemption from sin, and eternal salvation, was granted to all who believe in Him.~

Lesson 3721

 (Lesson 3721)(03-27-22) Romans 5:9-11

    “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

     Today’s lesson reassures those of us who believe, that we are “justified” for the sins of the flesh by the blood of Jesus Christ. (1 John 3:9), “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."~

Lesson 3720

 (Lesson 3720)(03-26-22) Romans 3:1-8

    “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

    To me, the most important word in today’s quote is the word “justified”. The quote assures those of us who believe in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, that we are “justified” in the things that we do. Be they for the good of bad. 

    It is important to note also, that those of us who believe, because of the Holy Spirit that lives within us, make ever effort to obey the will of God in everything we do and to shun evil in all it’s forms. 

    There is, as I have said before, a great difference between the words forgiveness. To be forgiven is to let an offense slide, or be ignored in the final judgment. To be “justified”, is to not be charged with sin in the first place. A “justified” sin needs no forgiveness. 

    Thank God for both His forgiveness AND His justification for sins.~

Lesson 3719

 (Lesson 3719)(03-25-22) Romans 4:16-25

    “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

    Today’s quote establishes the assurance that “justification” comes by faith alone. It is not something that can be earned by the law, nor is it something that was granted to the Jews alone.

    It should be noted that there is a great difference between forgiveness and “justification”. For sin to be justified is to be held blameless in spite of that sin.

    Those of us who have believed on our Lord Jesus Christ are “justified” for the sins of the flesh because the righteousness of Jesus Christ has been inputed into our etenral souls and sin can no longer be counted against us.~

Lesson 3718

 (Lesson 3718)(03-24-22) Romans 4:14-15

    “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.”

    Today’s quote tells us that wherever there are laws that, supposedly, provide righteouness, the law of faith is made void. For instance, if we are capable of making ourselves righteous through the law, there is no need for grace. However, seeing that we CANNOT become righteous by obedience to the law, because we are incapable of obeying the law, we MUST have faith in order to receive God’s grace. Therefore, “by grace are ye saved through faith”.~

Lesson 3717

 (Lesson 3717)(03-23-22) Romans 4:6-13

    “ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

    Today’s quote establishes that we are ALL, Jews and Gentiles, the children of Abraham and heirs to the grace of God through the faith of that same Abraham.~

Lesson 3716

 (Lesson 3716)(03-22-22) Romans 4:4-5

    “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

    Today’s quote is one of my personal favorites in that it speaks loudly for itself and needs no further commentary. 

    The quote substantiates yesterday’s lesson in that it clearly establishes that the “good works”, we might do from day to day, have NOTHING to do with the salvation of our eternal soul. 

    It establishes that, if we work for something, the reward for that work cannot be a gift of grace. But rather, the reward for the work would be payment for a deed done.

    Although “good works” are the right thing for ALL Christians to do, they have NO bearing on whether or not we are accepted into heaven. ONLY the imputed righteousness of Jesus which we receive BY FAITH ONLY, can be a true gift of grace.~

Lesson 3715

 (Lesson 3715)(03-21-22) Romans 4:1-3

    “ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

    In today’s quote, Paul explained that the works that Abraham did, although GOOD works, gained no glory for God, but rather, they gained glory for Abraham, himself.~

NOTE: Tomorrows lesson demonstrates what is intended by today’s lesson.

Lesson 3714

 (Lesson 3714)(03-20-22) Romans 3:27-31

    “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”

    Today’s lesson established, very clearly, that spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation come by faith ALONE. The “good” works we do here on earth have NOTHING to do with whether or not we achieve eternal salvation. 

    That point cannot be made clearer than how Paul expressed it in today’s quote.~

Lesson 3713

 (Lesson 3713)(03-19-22) Romans 3:21-26

    “ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

    In today’s quote, Paul established that, through faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, obedience to the old laws of the Jews, so far as spriritual rebirth and salvation of one’s eternal soul is concerned, is no longer required of anyone. “But now the righteousness of God WITHOUT THE LAW is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which IS BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE”.

    God WILL NOT accept an unrighteous person into heaven. Conceding that, one might ask, how can I be righteous without obeying the laws and the Ten Commandments? The answer is that, those of us who believe in Jesus Christ have the righteousness of Jesus Himself (The righteousness of God) imputed into us because of our faith in Jesus Christ. 

    Speaking of Abraham’s righteousness, Paul said, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; BUT FOR US ALSO, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our JUSTIFICATION." (Romans 4:23-25)~

Lesson 3712

 (Lesson 3712)(03-18-22) Romans 3:19-20

    “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

    In today’s quote, Paul made it very clear that the Law of Moses applied to the Jews ONLY. Again, the laws of the Jews applied ONLY to the Jews. This should put to rest the erroneous contention that one can “work out” one’s own salvation.

    In the quote, Paul went further saying that “ by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight”. That means that the “good works” we do here on earth, have NOTHING to do with the rebirth and eternal salvation of our own eternal souls.

    Do good works even matter to God? YES! They matter to Jesus! We can know they matter because there will be a judgment of the reborn just as there is a judgment of the condemned. That judgment will be at the “judgment seat of Christ” whereat your good works will be rated by Jesus Himself, and those eligible will receive rewards for their good works. (2 Corinthians 5:10) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”~

 Lesson 3711 (Romans 3:1-18)

    What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood:

Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

In today’s quote, Paul continued to explain the Jews relationship with the Law of Moses. He further condemned them for their disobedience. ~

Lesson 3710

 (Lesson 3710)(03-16-22) Romans 2:17-29

    “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

    In today’s quote, Paul further berated the Jews for their blatant hypocrisy as he explained how the Gentiles would also receive the soul saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 3709

 (Lesson 3709)(03-15-22) Romans 2:2-16

    “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”

    Today’s lesson assures us that we will ALL be judged and punished for the things we do here on earth, just as the lost, who have rejected the saving grace of Jesus Christ, will be judged and cast into eternal damnation.~

Lesson 2708

 (Lesson 3708)(03-14-22) Romans 2:1

    “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

    Today’s quote makes it very clear that we are NEVER worthy, nor authorized, to judge the sins of those around us.

     Far too many “Christians” today spend most of their time condemning others instead of cleaning up their own sins. ~

Lesson 3707

 (Lesson 3707)(03-13-22) Romans 1:20-32

    “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

    Today’s quote relates Paul’s description of the sinful behavior of the Jews. It also tells us how God, in turn, revoked the “chosen” status of the Jewish people.

    While taking away the “chosen” status from the Jews, God added the Gentiles to His amazing saving grace so that we ALL now have the power “to become the sons of God”.

    We are ALL inherent sinners in the flesh; However, as to those of us who believe in the virgin born life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to do all that we possibly can to rise above the inherent sin that consumes our mortal bodies. Because we have the righteousness of Jesus imputed into our eternal spirits, the “inner man” we are to demonstrate the love of God in our daily lives so that those who are lost may see the benefits of being a child of God.

    “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved". ~