His Sufficiency
(These "bleeding hearts" are from a friend's garden. I think they are (were) beautiful).Our Lord has done all that is needed for the entirety of the human race! That sounds a bit like heresy, but it isn't -- it is good theology. Our Bibles tell us that He entered into the Most Holy Place of the eternal sanctuary "once for all" just like His sacrifice was "once for all." Sometimes we protestants have fought the catholic people over their words in their liturgy without realizing we do the same thing when we do not understand that all sins have been forgiven. It is true that everyone must accept our Lord and what has been done for each and every one of us, but our sins were taken away over 2,000 years ago!
No one will be eternally separated from God because of their actions. We, however, will be separated from Him if we do not receive Him and move into relationship with Jesus Christ. The lesson of Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews (I do not believe Hebrews was a Pauline book -- due to internal textual evidence) sin was paid for on the cross and mankind is now free to relate to God freely and very personally.
When we try to impose "law" upon one another, we undercut the work of Jesus. I think Paul makes that very clearly. We cannot live by law and by grace. Titus 2:12 tells us that "grace teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness." So we do not even need the law to teach us right and wrong. Grace does that.
Just how grace does that, I am studying and working to find out its pieces parts. It is exciting so far and oh so life giving. I am hearing the Good News all over again in newness and freshness. You are welcome to come on the journey with me.
"Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so" -- He is not mad at me or at you. Isn't that wonderful?!
Comments
The world of grace is not a permissive world, but a world of presence and training in Spirit and spirit; a world of inclusion and provision. Grace will and does teach us of His ways. Even when we violate those ways, grace continues to teach.
Many times we have thought we went away from Him, yet the Bible teaches that He is always with us. So even though our guilt and shame may try to beat us down, when we begin to understand His love for us just a little bit, He is present -- even in the dark.
Thank you for sharing with me and receiving my ponderings.
His work really was complete at the cross. Everything we will ever have need of has already been provided for us. As we learn to walk in belief, we will receive.
Of course, the more time we spend listening to Him, through His Word and in intimate time spent with Him, the more we will learn to simply take Him at His Word and accept the gifts for which He has already paid.
I am enjoying your teaching! :-)
That was so well said! Thank you. I think I'm saving that for future pondering.