A Law To Themselves
A Law To Themselves
Many think that they have the ability to become a Christian whenever they want. They might say when they get a bit older, they will turn their life over to Christ. Or, they might decide it’s about time they turned over a new leaf right now and start doing all the things Christians do, like attending church, giving offerings, praying, taking part in church activities, etc.
As changed as they try to appear, all this Christian stuff is a real burden. It’s a duty with the pressures of trying to do everything rightly, in order to be a good Christian. What’s wrong? After all, they became a Christian, and they’re trying their very best.
The problem is that they are depending on their own efforts. They imagine that they have the power to turn their lives over to God whenever they choose. They feel that everyone has a free will to choose to believe in God. But, God’s word shows us a deeper depravity in our natures. In Romans 2:14-16, Paul describes all unbelievers (Gentiles),
For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…
We all have a conscience that guides us, so we instinctively know what is good and bad. We can all be a law to ourselves and make ourselves do what is right. That can include going to church and singing in the choir. But, obeying the law outwardly has nothing to do with having a saving faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Even heathens know how to be good. But that won’t get them to heaven. Paul tells us in Romans 8:7,
The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.
We are all of the “flesh“ and have that feeling of wanting to be independent and able to make up our own minds. So, when it comes to honestly turning our lives over to God, we find that we are “not even able to do so.” Try as we might, deep down inside, we don’t really want to spiritually subject ourselves to God. We cannot convert ourselves. We are dead in our sinful natures, even though we can talk about God and do good works.
So, how can we become a true Christian in God’s eyes? Romans 10:17 says,
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
And then, in Galatians 3:2, Paul asks,
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
Considering many such passages we learn that faith comes from hearing “the word of Christ” — and that we will receive the Spirit “by hearing with faith“. So, should we just determine by our wills to start reading God’s word and believing it? We can’t do it. It just doesn’t work that way. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul says,
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
From beginning to end, a real faith is “the gift of God“. We have a worldly free will to reject God’s word. But, we do not have an honest free will to determine when we will accept God’s word by faith. As we hear God’s word, God Himself will work in our hearts “the gift of faith“. We are helpless and dead in sin, but God can make us spiritually alive with faith, as we hear His word. Romans 11:36 declares,
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
As we hear God’s word, we say, “Hallelujah! Lord, create in us clean hearts and right spirits to Your glory.”
Love,
Margaret
.
Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus by the Yupiq Eskimo village of Quinhagak, Alaska
.
… Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus …
A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods
Pray for our country
**************
.
.
.
The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
.
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
.
Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
.
How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
.
O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
.
**************
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
