Wednesday, August 1, 2012

EPISTLE: Romans 8:8-9

Reading:
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Commentary:
The Lord tells us in His Word, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  It is then absolutely impossible for anyone who is not a Christian, to do anything good in God's sight.  To do anything good with the expectation of a reward is evil and not good.  Good works then are impossible for all unbelievers.  This is because all men are born in sin, that sinful "flesh" under spiritual bondage to the devil.  Only God can resurrect from such a death, by giving His Spirit who gives spiritual life by the Word.  Once Christ shines as our Savior, good works begin.  Believers truly want to do good works out of thankfulness for what God has done.  Unbelievers works however come only from guilt or fear, never godly faith and love.  Regarding believers Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."  Let us then, as the Redeemed of the Lord remember (and rejoice) Christ has done all good works necessary for our salvation, and by His blood our evil works are paid for.  Being free from sin, let us happily serve the Lord in all goodness and truth, serving our neighbor in love.  

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