If It Is with Difficulty

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If It Is with Difficulty

There are some things in life  that we know for sure  are difficult for us.      So, when we know we have to deal with it  ( like it or not ),  we tend to take time  to really think it over.      God’s word talks about  coming to terms with the most difficult thing in life.      One passage is in 1 Peter 4:18-19,

And  if it is with difficulty  that the righteous is saved,  what will become of the godless man  and the sinner?      Therefore,  let those also  who suffer according to the will of God  entrust their souls  to a faithful Creator  in doing what is right.

The absolute,  most impossible thing  for any of us to do  is to save ourselves from hell  by our own efforts.      It is impossible  because we sin all the time,  before we even realize  what we have done.      We are sinners by nature.      God’s word tells us that no one can save himself  from eternal judgment.      For every good thing we do,  we’ve also had  all sorts of sinful desires,  thoughts,  back-bitings,  etc., etc., etc.      It’s a no-win situation.

We would be lying to ourselves  if we claimed to be living  perfectly  according to God’s demands.

Then we must come to terms  with what Jesus has already done for us  on the cross.      Looking at all that Jesus went through  for us — being mocked,  beaten,  and crucified — and knowing that His suffering paid the penalty  for our sins,  we see that truly,  “it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved.”      Jesus was holy and sinless  when He suffered and died  in our stead.      In His suffering He bore the sins of the world.

The righteous  who are saved  are only counted as righteous  because of their faith  in Jesus Christ.      It is with difficulty  that these people of faith  have been saved through the blood of Jesus.      Because God’s faithful children  have been saved  from their sins with difficulty,  we do need to come to terms  with what will happen  to all those who refuse to believe  in the merits of Jesus Christ.      What will be the eternal judgment  for those who arrogantly continue  in their sins — which is another mocking of Jesus’ love,  suffering,  and death.

In Matthew 13:42,  Jesus describes  the demise of the wicked unbelievers,  saying that in judgment God will,

cast them  into the furnace of fire;  in that place  there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Everyone  needs to  come to terms  with the truths of God’s eternal love for us  in Jesus Christ  and the consequences  of all those who despise God’s love  in Christ.

Because God has proven His faithfulness  in keeping all of His promises,  we can rest assured that only our faith in Him  will redeem us from our sins.      That is God’s promise.

That is why we “entrust our souls to a faithful Creator”  as we strive  to live to His glory.      We know our own goodness  is not good enough  to merit eternal life  —  but,  God’s promise for Christ’s sake  is perfect and trustworthy.      In thankfulness  and praise  we now do “what is right”.

As we trust in Christ’s merits  on our behalf, we  say,  “Hallelujah!      Lord Jesus,  Your righteousness  cancels all our sins.      So work in us  that we may  joyfully live for You.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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

 

Oh 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

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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