Our Christianity, and the wonderful salvation it brings BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH. This is the saving grace of God which has appeared to every man, and equally offers to every human being, redemption, which is provided for the whole world! “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to FIGHT FOR THE FAITH that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” (Jude 1:3) It’s so wonderful that the Spirit of God witnesses with our spirits, who have this grace through faith, that our sins are blotted out! We must believe, also, that our Abba Father rewards us when we earnestly seek Him; He blesses, and especially protects and saves, us who in simplicity and uprightness of heart seek and serve Him! “Now faith is CONFIDENCE in what we hope for and ASSURANCE about what we do not see. By faith we understand that THE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED AT GOD’S COMMAND, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible…WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He REWARDS those who earnestly seek Him. (Heb. 11:1, 3, 6) They all heard of the promises made to Abraham of a heavenly rest, and of the promise of the Messiah, for this was a constant tradition; but they died without ever having seen Jesus Christ our Lord! “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since GOD HAD PLANNED SOMETHING BETTER FOR US so that only TOGETHER WITH US WOULD THEY BE MADE PERFECT.” (Heb. 11:39-40) This is the conclusion drawn from all the examples from chapter 11. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the JOY set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2) He shall gather us as lambs with His arms, and carry us in His bosom! “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…equip you with EVERYTHING for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21)
WE MUST THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS!
-Bill Stockham