By Grace

Recently, in fighting doubts, the Lord brought to mind Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” When the Evil One tempts and accuses, pointing at works instead of Christ’s righteousness, what a relief it is to say this verse. It’s not of works! God’s Word makes it clear that God has no respect of persons (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34) “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Romans 9:16.

Doubts can happen when Satan accuses us based on our works and instead of fighting with full intensity, using our shield of faith and our sword of the Spirit (the Word of God,) we begin to wonder- what if? What if I have done something unforgivable? This is dangerous ground. Satan tempts with two suggestions of unbelief which can be fatal. One is total despair, giving up on the faith and any hope of salvation. The other is trying to atone for one’s bad works by doing good works. When Satan suggests one is too bad for God’s grace, the implication is that salvation is dependent on our works. Yet, in God’s elect, Satan’s attempts at deception will not be fatal; we are sealed unto salvation by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 24:24, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 1:22.)  The only way out of doubt is trusting in the gospel promise by the grace of God. God through his Spirit, assures us of salvation (Romans 8:16.)

Doubts can also happen when we look to providences and falsely assess that the presence of suffering indicates the absence of God in our life. The Bible makes it clear that all God’s sons will experience suffering. Yet we know all things work together for good for those that love God (Romans 8.) On the other hand, false assurance can occur when we rely in part or in whole on our good works which are as filthy rags unto the Lord (Isaiah 46:6.) We can also falsely assume that comfortable providences mean we are in good standing with God. God gives good gifts to his children which include some providential comforts, (for example rest,) and some sufferings; we should take care not to look at providence outside of the light of scripture which points us to hope in Christ alone.

I wrote two poems this week as I reflected on God’s grace in salvation and the perseverance of the saints. Both poems are scripturally based and incorporate paraphrases of Scripture. God's truth strengthened me as I learned from recent sermons and passages studied in personal devotions. I am so thankful for God's gift of faith and the knowledge that doubts will not overcome me as I trust in the One who has overcome all my sins, including doubts.  

Broken and Contrite Heart

I come before thee with a broken and contrite heart

I’ve nothing to bring you, just a poor sinner am I

All that I have is a gift from you. There’s no room for boasting

May I boast in you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Grace abounds

You’ll have mercy and not sacrifice. Please hear my plea

Wash me and make me whiter than snow. Have pity on me

Though I fail daily, you are faithful and true

Forgiveness bestowed seventy times seven, infinite mercy

As far as the east is from the west so far are my sins removed from you

You know my heart better than I. Search and try me. Purge me of sin

The blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness

In his blood alone I trust. Abba Father, keep me from the schemes of hell.

A couple of notes on this poem: Although believers are washed and fully justified by Christ's blood when they come to faith in Christ, God calls us to repentance of the remaining sins in our life. True repentance is a grace of God in the life of the believer. The seventy times seven refers to Matthew 18:22 and is not to be taken literally; the seventy times seven indicates unceasing mercy. God will forgive us of all our iniquities if we trust in him alone. He calls us to do likewise, (extend mercy and forgiveness,) to those that sin against us.

Blessed

Father in your Son I’m blessed

By your decree, God Three in One

Christ’s precious blood atoned for me

God humbled himself to death on a cross

He rose victorious, defeating his foes

He’s not ashamed to call me sister

With loud singing he rejoices over me

My treasure is in heaven

Adopted, I boldly cry Abba Father

Through Jesus, the only Holy Son

I’ve perfect communion with God Three in One

There’s no other mediator, no other way

Nothing in me earned your favor

I’m sealed by the Spirit. He leadeth me

I’m walking by grace in no strength of my own

For from him, and through him, and to him,                The initialized lines are a quote of 

Are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen               of Romans 11:36

I’m kept in your righteousness, for your name’s sake

No scheme of hell shall prevail against my soul

I’m bought with a price and am made whole

Though hell may try to pluck me from your hand

I’m held fast- sealed to an inheritance incorruptible