Welcome to Hank’s Place —
Jesus had words for the Laodiceans. They are found in Revelation 3. Lukewarm they were. Jesus said, “Be Hot — or Cold.” Hot representing the New Covenant, cold — the Old. Living in Him, by the Spirit, or keeping the rules, at least trying to. That would be good because the Law was given as our tutor to lead us to Christ. It reveals our need for a Savior for it exposes to us our sinful condition apart from Christ. Romans 3:20, and 7:7.
God did not give us grace so that we might fulfill the law. To think grace enables us to keep the 10 Commandments is mixed-up thinking. Like the Laodiceans. Don’t be a Laodicean. Law and grace do not mix. The Law deals in death: “You are a sinner!” it screams. Grace deals in life: “You are saved by grace through faith!”
We can only be declared righteous “by FAITH apart from works of the law.” Romans 3:28. That faith must rest in God’s Savior, Jesus Christ: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
The Old Covenant was only a shadow of the good things to come. And Hebrews 9:10 and 11 tells us the Old had a built-in expiration date – when Christ arose in victory.
However, many preachers preach a mixture of old and new. I did as a young preacher. I couldn’t believe the Good News was that Good! Pray for them to receive revelation as to Christ’s total sufficiency! But don’t receive the mixture. Mixture waters down the power of the Law, and weakens faith in Christ Jesus. Mixture presents the gospel as what Jesus Christ did, PLUS some effort on our part.
What sort of effort? Anything, even very good things in themselves, but that are described as necessary for Christian growth, delivered in such a way that leaves you puzzled, thinking “Have I done enough?” “Should I do more?” “Can I do better?” “Am I pleasing God?” “I feel I’m a miserable and inferior Christian.” “Is Jesus disappointed in me?” “Am I on the shelf?” “Am I being disobedient?” You get the picture.
Let me share something: Paul’s words in Colossians 1:26-29 —
“There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery, of Christ embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! Christ is our message!
Dear friend, may your ‘mix’ be 100% Grace, Faith, Holy Spirit, leaning upon JESUS CHRIST WITHIN YOU, and not self-effort. It’s the way to fully COME ALIVE!
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