Salvation Vs. Sanctification

Four spiritual laws

Basic of Christianity. Yes. It really is this simple. We try to make it more complicated, because for it to be so easy, does not seem fair, or just by our way of measuring fairness and justice. We think we must be "good" or that "bad" people should be punished. But the truth is:

1. God created man to be in relationship with Him.
2. Man sinned, and irrevocably broke that relationship.
3. God sent Jesus to take away the consequences of that sin and to restore our relationship with God.
4. All we have to do, is reach out and accept the gift that Jesus holds out to us.

So if you agree that you are a sinner, in need of a savior, it's as easy as confessing that and saying YES please and Thank you, to Jesus'  gift.
That is salvation.

The process of sanctification, of pursuing holiness, of living a life that represents Jesus well...that is a different matter, but i believe it does not affect our salvation.  Which is a free Gift. But rather sanctification is a natural consequence of the choice we make to be Christ followers. This is a choice that is to be made daily. Actually, hourly. Moment by moment.

We are not "Christians" ...but rather sinners saved by Grace. We are Christians, if we are keeping Christ's  commands. "If you love me, keep my commands" ...the greatest commandment being to love The Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind etc...and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Still on His throne

Lord you are Sovereign. Help me to remember that when I don't understand what's going on. You ARE still on your throne last time I checked. Your ways are mysterious and marvelous. Praise you Jesus for you are GOOD. All the time. Even when I am broken, scared, weary, frustrated & spent. Much like I am now. You are good. I will proclaim it & refuse to let the enemy have any victory. Amen.

Worth repeating #1

I've said it before and I'll say it again! If I didnt have all my many many blessings, if I was down & out and my life was a mess, if I had no money, no home, poor health etc... it is ENOUGH that Jesus died for my sins. It's enough that I'm forgiven. 
Thank YOU for the Cross...Lord. 

Worthy is the Lamb of all my praise and thanksgiving. 
JUST for saving me. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJdutOWjvWg&feature=related

Things that make you go Hmmm...

Things that make you go hmmm...I believe a lot of us have Jesus as Savior. We believe & have accepted His free gift of eternal life. Many of us may even call Him Lord, we accept his authority in our lives & desire His will for our life. But how many of us call Him MASTER? that yearning with every pore of our body to serve him, sacrifice everything for him, to do his bidding... even to the point of death. YUP. Thats what I want. I want to call Him MASTER. Jesus I want nothing more than to serve you... I don't care what that looks like. I only want to do your bidding.


There are many times when I operate in my flesh or fall back on the "easy" part of a Christian walk, and so often God has said to me... "Remember that time, when you committed your LIFE to me? Did you really mean that? Or remember that time, you said to me... I could have my way? Did you mean THAT? " and then He goes on to use circumstances and people to refine me and it IS painful sometimes. Or scary... but I know that I know that I know... that He LOVES me. So whatever He does it comes from THAT. But it is VERY hard to put your money (or life) where your mouth is so-to-speak. But nevertheless its what I want more than anything. To represent Jesus well. He deserves nothing less than ALL of me.

Is it enough?

(Worth repeating) 

Answer this Question:

 If Jesus were to ask you, right now..."If I never answered another prayer, if I never give you another blessing... in fact, if I were to turn your life upside down and strip you of everything you love, if you NEVER felt my presence, NEVER received anything from me except your very salvation. Is it enough? Is it ENOUGH that I died on the cross for your sins? If that was all I ever did for you, is it ENOUGH for you to choose to Love me and serve me and follow me?" 

My Answer is YES. Its STILL enough. If everything I have is stripped away, if everyone I love were gone tomorrow, if you never answered another prayer, if I never received anything ever and never felt you by my side again, I would STILL choose to follow you, serve you & love you. Its enough that you CHOSE to die for ME. 

Bottom Line: EVERYTHING ... every breath, every penny, every answered prayer, all of it... everything beyond our salvation is a GIFT. Not an ENTITLEMENT. It is a blessing. When you begin to see your life this way daily... you will become OVERWHELMED with Joy, Contentment, Thankfulness. This TRUTH is something I am clinging to. No wonder Paul said he had learned to be content in all circumstances. Because he said YES to Jesus. Yes, you're sacrifice is all I need.

What's your answer?