First principles. Heb 11:6 6 “But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Do we give much of our money to the poor in the secret hope that this will justify us? Do we do grand works thinking God could not possibly turn us away on that eternal day? Do we attend services twice every Sunday and on Wednesday thinking surely we can rest easily? Do we accumulate knowledge and have the entire alphabet next to our name showing our theological or other degrees helping us believe we are saved? How about a vow of poverty or chastity or maybe living on a mountain alone praying? Mk 16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Good news. The answer is that all of these things are good but we must never seek God on our merits – if we have any. It is only grace through faith that will save. Think upon your worst failure and sin (just briefly😁). Let it remind you that you are not able to cleanse this (or Christ would have died in vain) and you have no place in heaven on your merit – AND THEN REJOICE – this gift of eternal life has been freely bestowed upon those who please God. SO – how do we please God? Jn 6: 28 “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” AND by the way this is not a change in plan! Rom 4: “3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Do you question His power to forgive your greatest sin? You insult Him. FEAR NOT – ONLY KEEP ON BELIEVING. You will please God and all of your efforts shall receive a great reward.
