“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis on works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (ESV)
Our insistence on salvation by grace alone must be absolute. If we allow even a smidgen of works in the door the whole thing comes undone. Grace flies out the window and doesn’t return until we drive out works completely. When it comes to salvation, grace and works are mutually exclusive. You can have one or the other, but not both. Period. Read the rest…
“For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'” (ESV)
Have you ever believed something, invested a lot in that belief, and then it turned out not to be true? Have you ever argued some point to the ground with another person only to discover that they were right and you were wrong? Crow doesn’t taste good no matter how you serve it. Read the rest…
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (ESV)
How many times have you watched a talking heads program as the two (or more) guests responded to what each other was saying almost as if they hadn’t heard them at all? The fact is, a lot of the times they haven’t. They come ready with their list of talking points and are committed to firing those off regardless of what the other person has said. Those shows may attract some audiences for the spectacle of it, but not for the news they offer. It’s really embarrassing. Read the rest…
“Adam, Seth, Enosh…” (ESV)
The first Bible reading plan I ever went through was three years long. It had you read basically one chapter a day. The major exception was when you started into 1 Chronicles. They had you read the first nine chapters all at once. I remember doing a double take when I saw it. Then I started reading and did exactly what they figured I would do, justifying their decision to group all nine chapters together. I skimmed. Quickly. Because it was boring. Read the rest…
“I shall random them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.” (ESV)
This prophecy, quoted by Paul in the magnificent conclusion to 1 Corinthians 15, was fulfilled in Christ who provided the ransom God promised here. Here once again, though, we see God’s heart. He will punish the people for their embrace of injustice and idolatry (and idolatry in whatever form it happens to take always leads to injustice), but He will not leave them there. He will redeem them. That redemption was fulfilled in Christ. And, it is a redemption made available to all who would receive it. We have all walked the path of Israel, the path of sin and rebellion. In His justice, God allows us to taste the consequences of our choices, but in His love He has provided a way out through Christ. We need only take it.
The Nexus 