It can happen that Christians spent all their life going to church because it is part of their culture to do so; but yet cannot say that they have assurance of salvation. Then there are those who say they had assurance of salvation from day one in their walk with God. So we ask, `What is man's problem?'
"And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Ephesians 2:1.
Paul says, `You he has made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins.' What is it with those who find themselves in this condition of being spiritually dead? Those who follow their religious, church going routine like it is a habit? Don't they know that Christ longs to set free the captive who is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin?
Is there something lacking?
Is there a lack of understanding the power of the gospel?
Are the words falling on stony ground?
How can such get out of that condition of spiritual death and come alive?
Let us read in Isaiah.
"Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment."
Isaiah 1:5,6.
Whom does the prophet describe here? Is this not the condition of one who is spiritually dead? - the whole head is sick and the heart fainting? There are bruises and puss oozing sores and no ointment to heal it.
It almost sounds like one with leprosy.
What a sad condition. A condition only the Healer can cure.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1.John 2:15-17.
But you know, we did not choose sin. We were born into this world with no vote or chance to choose.
But you know what? That is the very reason why God will not hold it against us. There comes a divine interruption of our daily life. An opportunity to take stock. We can add it all up and look at the end result and say, `Well, if I continue this way I am going to have to declare bankruptcy unless I can find a source of new wealth.
So God gives us a reprieve.
Why? Because God is a merciful God. Let us read it.
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
Micah 7:18,19.
All we can say is, `Amen.' God is rich in mercy. His mercy never runs out. So what is the problem of the sinner who is unsure of his salvation? Has he thrown himself upon the mercy of God?
Has he read the declaration we find here . . .
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."
Psalm 103:8-10.
So much mercy is found in His great love for us.
Galatians 2:21.
| 
Bible Topics