Seven things about Jazzy

Marcian of ruminations and ramifications has tagged Jazzy to give seven interesting things about herself. She has delegated the job to me and I hope I do not reveal anything too sensitive as I know she will call her attorney the honorable I.R. Sleaze to take legal action if I do.

1. Jazzy is 9.5 years old.

2. She loves to get in my lap, purr, and get nose to nose.

3. She pretty much gets to go outside on demand, but she stays real close to the house and lounges around. When she was younger she loved to stalk and try to catch squirrels.

4. About a year ago Jazzy had an encounter with a copperhead snake that I killed. (See Dec. 1, 2005 in Jazzy’s own words post.)

5. Jazzy needs a tummy tuck.

6. In the above photo Jazzy is using her tail to shield her eyes from the light as she naps on the couch.

7. Jazzy has been enjoying her super retirement plan since she was about 6 weeks old. At that age she methodically climbed into my lap and up on my chest. She got eyeball to eyeball with me and proceeded to rub her face against my cheek. My heart melted like a popsicle in an Al Gore global warming movie and her retirement was secured.

Romans 1:21 (First, the bad news)

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Darkness overcomes light that enters a cave, as light is absorbed in short order and cannot reach into the depths. In a like manner, spiritual light in unregenerate man cannot reach into the depths of his heart. Man, through his senses and his ability to think, knows there is a God. However, Paul says this thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. The spiritual light that is available in general revelation is squelched and not allowed to penetrate. Men do not desire to glorify and give thanks to God. They do not want to be accountable to a creator. Men will even choose the nonsense of matter popping into being from non-being with no outside cause before they believe in super-natural creation by a creator God.

In these latter days men believe that science, which has brought amazing technological advances in the last hundred years, will solve the problem of why there is something instead of nothing without a creator God as the cause. Apart from God’s grace, man’s thinking is as futile today as it was in Paul’s day, and spiritual light still does not penetrate the hearts of men without this grace.

Fight global warming with Jazzycat Carbon Credits

Whereas Al Gore, Sheryl Crow, and other activists have warned that CO2 emissions are causing global warming, hurricanes, breast cancer, and are going to cause flooding of the whole state of Florida.

Whereas we human beings are causing this crisis and should feel very guilty.

Whereas some global warming internet sites warn that we only have about ten years to fix the problem.

Whereas we only have to spend several trillion dollars and ruin our economy to lower the temperature of the earth 0.2 of one degree.

Whereas the predictions of the global cooling and the coming ice age of the 1970’s did not offer any socialistic solutions and the “experts” had to re-load.

Whereas global warming will offer all kinds of opportunities for new taxes such as the proposed carbon tax.

Whereas it is estimated that “concerned” Americans will spend billions of dollars purchasing carbon credits.

Whereas trees take evil ole carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen which takes green-house carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Whereas Jazzycat Farms has several thousand trees……………..

We hereby announce that Jazzycat Farms will remove its acreage from the real estate market for housing development. Instead we will preserve all the carbon dioxide eating trees and offer them for sale as carbon offsets so guilty feeling American liberals can keep on using huge amounts of energy for their homes, autos, and airplanes. You can be just like Al Gore and consume obscene amounts of energy and rest assured that you have covered your carbon foot-print by purchasing your very own tree or trees.

For only $100.00 per each inch of tree diameter, you can purchase your own tree. For only $50.00 per year extra, you can name your tree and receive a photo of your tree every year to document its growth. The bigger it gets the more CO2 it eats. What an uplifting and rewarding feeling it will be to see your tree grow and produce more oxygen. For a one-time fee of $500.00 you can a purchase a lifetime ticket to personally come and visit Jazzycat Farms and hug your tree. If you come to visit your tree in a carbon free manner (walk or ride bike) we will give you all the natural spring bottled water you can drink. While we do not allow idol or creation worship at Jazzycat Farms, we will provide maps to all the missional emergent village churches within 25 miles of Jazzycat Farms.

In an effort to “make a difference,” Jazzycat Farms also plans to use part of the proceeds from the sale of carbon credit offsets to open the Jazzycat Institute for Guilt Free Mental Health. Our Institute will have two courses of study and therapy:

(1) If you are a secular humanist liberal and feel guilty about your prosperity, wealth, injustice caused by your ancestors and you blame everything on America, then our “Help Save the Planet” course will be just right for you. While a complete cure from this condition is unlikely, you can significantly reduce your guilt with courses that will teach you how to be a better activist for causes you probably have never considered.

(2) If you are a professing Christian or a basically conservative thinking person and have bought into the never ending barrage of propaganda from the left-wing news and entertainment media, then our
“Truth Through Discernment and Common Sense” course will be right for you. A complete cure is possible and probable from this course.

For more information contact:
Jazzycat Farms, Inc.
#1 Sucker Street
Cashcow, MS 39299-$$$$
Tel: 1-800-buytree
Website: jazzygreen.com

Romans 1:19-20 (First, the bad news)

Romans 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Paul is declaring the same thing that David said: Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. The photo above is an example of the glory of God. The more one observes and studies bees and flowers the more they point to the divine nature and eternal power of God. The photos on my computer to illustrate God’s glory are endless. Whether you choose a wide-angle landscape photo or a macro close-up, they all point to God and these attributes.

Therefore, It is plain to human beings that a creator is the reason the world exists. It is plain, and human beings read it loud and clear. It is clearly perceived, and this means that men have no excuse in denying a creator God. However, men do deny him by suppressing this truth.

The teaching here is not that God reveals this information and man does not realize it. No, it is that man does not miss it and in fact clearly sees it. Man suppresses this truth because he does not like the truth. He prefers another truth, and we are living in a time when all kinds of “other truths” are supposed to be considered equally valid responses to God.

Praise God that we are not only blessed with general revelation, but we also have his special revelation. If men are without excuse with general revelation only, then what must be their status with God when they also have access and knowledge of special revelation.

Romans 1:18 (First, the bad news)

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

In spite of all the biblical revelation and empirical evidence to the contrary, many people in our culture today are convinced that man is born basically good. As a result of this thinking many churches and preachers present the gospel as a mere call for ‘basically good sinners’ to accept the unconditional love that Jesus Christ already has for them. God’s wrath against human sin is not considered significant and repentance marginalized. There are even some that think that repentance should not even be included or mentioned in a gospel presentation. After all, why should a person that is ‘basically good’ need to repent to God who, they say, unconditionally loves all of humanity. (God’s love for his redeemed is unconditional, but for unbelievers to be told this love includes them without mentioning sin and wrath is a huge disservice to their eternal security.) Not only is repentance unnecessary in the thinking of some, but a Christian can continue to live ungodly and unrighteous lives for the rest of their years safe and secure in a salvation based on a momentary decision of belief. This view has a man made decision of belief, without any sincerity or repentance, binding God to responding with a get out of hell free card.

Paul in verse 18 answers this false teaching loud and clear. They are WRONG and are suppressing the truth of the extent of their depravity and ungodliness. The truth is that the extent of the depravity of ALL mankind is extremely severe and Paul begins to expound on that truth in this verse. Because of this ungodliness, the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven. God, who is holy and just, is extremely angry with the sin of humanity and his wrath is a righteous anger that his justice demands must be satisfied. On the cross of Calvary Jesus received the full brunt of God’s wrath and anger. This was an amazing display of God’s love and also His wrath and righteous anger for human sin. Sinners should understand that the cross indicates that human sin is a very serious problem and that a “so-called” salvation that does not result in a gratitude that addresses unrighteousness and ungodliness is pure folly. Romans 8 reveals that nature has also been subjected to futility and decay and the photo above confirms that even the atmosphere is capable of producing violent outbursts. There was no lightning in the Garden of Eden and there will be no lightning in the new earth and new heavens.

While his wrath is great, praise God that he provided a covering, of the righteousness of Christ, for all that flee to the cross of Calvary.

Global Warming Hysteria

Jazzy and I were amazed when we saw this global warming singer activist say that all the cool weather we have had this April was due to global warming. If that wasn't enough to insure her complete lack of creditability, she went on to say that global warming was causing breast cancer to be worse. Dick Gregory of MSNBC did not question her a bit on this assertion. I hope cooler heads will prevail before we dismantle our economy and spends trillions of dollars to try to lower tempatures 0.2 degree C. The Coral Ridge Ministries broadcast has been running a series on this hysteria and it is worth checking into before buying into this agenda driven propaganda...........

BTW, Jazzy says if you think her carbon footprint is large, you should see Al Gore's

We will begin a new series on the next post

Romans 8:38-39

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Natural light from the sun floods the interior of the all glass Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Jesus Christ is the spiritual light of the world and this Chapel symbolizes this by allowing physical light to pour in unrestrained by bricks and mortar. Just as physical light is not separated from the interior of this chapel, spiritual light cannot be separated from those who are in Christ Jesus.

This spiritual light that shines in the hearts of believers is assurance that the love of God is set upon those that are in Christ Jesus. Here in the closing two verses of Romans 8, we are assured that God’s love for his redeemed believers is so secure that nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from that love. This point has been made several times in this glorious chapter and Paul closes the chapter by pointing it out yet again.

Praise God that Romans 8 teaches that salvation comes from God through his love, power, justice, and mercy. God renders justice by the atonement on the cross of Calvary and the Holy Spirit enables man to respond to the amazing grace that Jesus purchased for the elect. All three persons of the Godhead are very much involved in our redemption as it is presented in Romans 8.

(First the Bad News) Photo Devotionals

Romans 1:18
Romans 1:19-20
Romans 1:21
Romans 1:22-23
Romans 1:24-25
Romans 1:26-27
Romans 1:28-32
Romans 3:10-18
Romans 3:19-20




























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Romans 8:37

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

There are seven very bad temporal things mentioned in verse 35 that can and do happen to believers, and in verse 36 Paul points out that believers are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. However, in this verse Paul states that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us. Imagine being slaughtered like sheep and being the victors. In all the pitfalls mentioned in verse 35 we are the conquerors because of Him who loves us. Grace for meeting whatever calamity happens to us will be provided, and eternal life is a present possession of those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, even persecution that brings the sword and death will just be a magnificent door to the glorious presence of Jesus Christ who suffered much worse on our behalf.

Just as Jazzy is safe in human arms from all the calamities that homeless small animals face, Christians are safe in the arms of Jesus Christ from any threat to their spiritual security. Praise God that the love that brought us our amazing redemption from the penalty and power of sin will carry us all the way home. This makes us conquerors no matter what temporal persecution may come our way. Let us pray that we will remain faithful to King Jesus when Caesar demands that we renounce the gospel or refrain from publicly practicing gospel commands such as the great commandment.

Romans 8:36

Romans 8:36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

Christians have been persecuted and killed since Christ walked on this earth. From the days of the old Roman Empire right up until the present, Christians have suffered persecution and death for faithfully following Jesus Christ. Even here in the United States, which was founded on the principle of religious freedom, Christian liberty is being eroded on a daily basis in the name of tolerance. Christians who oppose the decline in moral behavior in America in many forms are being accused of being the problem due to their intolerance of immoral behavior. One famous Hollywood personality said recently, “I hate it when people tolerate intolerance.” Translation: Deviant behavior should be tolerated, but opposing deviant behavior should not be tolerated. Don’t be fooled by thinking the secular culture is for universal tolerance. With even an ounce of discernment, it is obvious that tolerance is selective and the leaders of the secular culture intend to do the selecting for us all. Christian beliefs, activities, writing, and speech will not be included in what is to be tolerated. Therefore, Christians should be prepared to face persecution right here in the United States as the early stages have already begun.

Praise God that even persecution that leads to death is done for the sake of Christ and the gospel, which we are to proclaim regardless of the dictates of Caesar. While Christians will be regarded as sheep to be slaughtered, it will indicate their unity with Christ and the glory to come. The victory is secure.

Romans 8:35

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Just as no one can separate us from the light of the sun, no one can separate us from the love of Christ. The photo above shows the sun shining physical light into the world. Jesus Christ came into the world to shine spiritual light and be the savior for those that God predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. This amazing grace is final, and none of the calamities mentioned in this verse can separate believers from the love of Christ. While these troubles have fallen upon Christians in the past and will in the future, they are not an indication of separation of the love Christ from the elect. As Paul has already stated in verse 18, these physical worldly sufferings are not worth comparing to the spiritual reality of the glory to come. Therefore, let us remain faithful to the Word of God and not be cowed or intimidated by the prince of this world as we see his influence increase in our secular dominated culture.

Praise God that though our bodies they may kill, his love for us is secure from any temporal or spiritual foe.

Romans 8:34

Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

The pentagon, shown in the photo above, is a symbol of American military might that is always ready to intercede and defend the United States. This is a comforting thought for the temporal concerns of Americans, but this military might is not able to perfectly protect and defend Americans as we saw on
911.

However, on a spiritual and eternal level there is one interceding for us that is perfect and perfectly performs his role as a mediator. We are in union with Christ, and no one can successfully condemn those that are in Christ Jesus. There will be no spiritual 911s for those who stand upon the solid rock of Christ. There can be no condemnation because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin by dying and then being raised, which proved that his atonement was worthy and acceptable by God the Father. Christ is seated at the right hand of The Father and is worthy and able to mediate on our behalf with the Father against any temporal or spiritual being who attempt to condemn. This point was made in verse 1 of this glorious chapter, and Paul is revealing more of the details here in verse 34.

Praise God that he provided a mediator that serves as our savior, prophet, priest, and king. This provides an eternal security that is fail-safe.

Romans 8:33

Romans 8:33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

The photo above shows a building that contains a courtroom for the purpose of rendering justice for American citizens. Charges are brought by the state and defendants are tried before a judge and jury. Witnesses are called and both sides have lawyers that argue their cases. Since the truth is sometimes hard to determine, the facts of what actually happened are hard to prove.

However, on judgment day before God there will be no jury, witnesses or lawyers. God will be the judge and all the facts will be known. The truth will be known thoroughly and completely. One hundred percent of all the human beings that ever lived will be guilty as charged and subject to the penalty that God is sworn to dispense to sinners. God will justify those, which are found in Christ Jesus, on the basis that their penalty has been paid in full by the atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The remainder of humanity that is not found in Christ will serve its own penalty. It is God who justifies and no one can make any charge stick against God’s elect since God has provided a covering for all their sins in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Praise God that He has provided a savior to atone for all the sins of the elect and no one can bring any charge that hasn’t already been paid in full.

Romans 8:32

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

If God gave his own son for sinners to secure the only way to salvation, then how could He not graciously give all things to those that he has called? This passage brings into perspective the seriousness of sin to our Holy God. If the only way to reconciliation was for the Son of God to suffer the torments of the crucifixion, then human sin is extremely serious to Almighty God. However, God not only provided the solution in Christ, He also graciously gives us all things.

Although God provides showers of physical blessings in this world, the truly important blessings He provides are spiritual blessings such as peace, patience, joy, love, kindness, goodness, self-control and the like. These are the important and lasting things that are enduring and truly satisfy the yearnings of the soul. Our hearts can never find rest in material wealth, but God does give rest and contentment to those who are in Christ.

The photo above shows a picture of a boxed-in area off from the main street in Telluride where people can leave or take anything they want. It is called a free box and this verse reminds me that God has given the children of God a spiritual free box that is never empty. Have you received the spiritual gifts that are available in God’s free box?

Praise God that while rust may claim our material wealth and death will claim our physical bodies, He destroyed the sting of death by piling grace on top of grace.

Romans 8:31

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The us in this verse is referring to those who are in Christ Jesus and are clinging and trusting in the solid rock that is Jesus. This is illustrated in the photo above by a Bible resting on a rock with an attached cross. Chapter 8 of Romans has shown us in great detail how God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit accomplish redemption by conforming a people to the image of Christ. Every step along the way has been accomplished by our triune God to redeem sinners who are unable, apart from this grace, to come to faith in Christ. Since God is for us by doing all of this, Paul asks rhetorically, who can be against us? While many can be and are against Christians, no one can be successful in their opposition to the children of God. Many Christians express concerns about worldly adversaries to the Christian Church, but no one can prevent a single saint from reaching his heavenly home, let alone destroy the Church of Christ. Christians may have problems, suffer persecution and even go through premature death, but nothing or no one can change their inevitable salvation in Jesus Christ or frustrate God’s purposes for their lives. This comforting truth is one that gives peace and joy to Christians as they consider and meditate on this magnificent chapter.

Praise God that, through his grace, he generously gives to sinners everything that is needed for their salvation. This grace is secure and nothing can alter or change what God has predestined to occur.

Romans 8:30

Romans 8:30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Those whom he predestined, he also called. Many are invited to come to salvation in Jesus Christ by faith in his atoning sacrifice. The external call goes out in evangelism and by preachers world wide every day. Sinners are called to place their trust and faith in Christ. However, because man is spiritually blind and in fact spiritually dead, he cannot see or hear spiritual things. Like a person who is deep in a tunnel with no lights, he cannot see the glorious mountaintop that faith in Jesus Christ secures. Therefore, God, through the Holy Spirit, makes this external call effectual by quickening to life and giving sinners sight in order that they may hear and respond to the external call. God calls sinners by changing them and giving them a new spiritual birth, which is regeneration and referred to as being born again. Sinners respond to this new life by willingly coming to faith in Jesus Christ. All whom God calls by this intervention come and are justified.

God justifies them in his sight by declaring them not guilty. He does this because of their faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross for them as their substitute. They are counted as righteous because of Christ and not themselves. God glorifies those whom he justified by finishing the job of conforming them to Christ at their death. In all the steps leading to salvation in verses 29 & 30, God does it all. God provides all that he requires of man. As Abraham told Isaac in Genesis 22:8, “God will provide.”

Praise God that He does provide everything in salvation and none are lost on the journey to eternal life. This provision is God’s grace and it began before the foundation of the world and is present every step of the way. The proper response for redeemed sinners when talking about their salvation is to begin the sentence with “God” rather than “I”.

Romans 8:29

Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

In the photo above, the Blue Angels’ tight formation requires that the three wingmen be conformed by following the speed and three dimensional direction changes of the lead aircraft. Christians are likewise conformed to Christ by following Christ through sanctifying grace.

In the verse above, God predestines those whom he foreknew to be conformed to the image of his Son. This is not based on what God foreknew through foreknowledge but is based on whom God foreknew. The meaning here for foreknew is the same as in Matthew 7:23 where Jesus told the hypocrites, “I never knew you.” This verse is the first of a two-verse chain where Paul reveals that God does everything required to bring the children of God to conformity with Jesus Christ. Those he foreknew are those he chose through his sovereign grace, and these are the ones he predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. This conformity to Christ is not completed until a believer is glorified after death, but the process is begun when a believer comes to faith in Christ. This process of becoming conformed to Christ is called sanctification, and all who are predestined to be conformed respond in varying degrees to the urging of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.). This verse does not allow for any possibility that some would not respond to this sanctifying grace. This is but one of hundreds of passages that refute and destroy the false teaching that a person can be saved and continue in a life of sin with no interest in following Christ. The verse ends with the glorious truth that believers, who are conformed to the image of Christ, are brothers of Christ.

Praise God that, through his grace and mercy, he saved and conformed many to be brothers and sisters of Christ.

Reminder

Also visit Bluecollar where Jazzycat is a contributor. Current Jazzy series at Bluecollar is on Hebrews 12.

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

The 1973 flood of the Mississippi River was a huge setback for farmers who were counting on a crop to pay off their notes and obligations. While it was not good for the temporal concerns of the Mississippi Delta area residents, God has assured us in His Word that all things work for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Therefore, the flood of 1973 worked together with other things for the good of God’s purpose for believers. This purpose is a spiritual purpose and, as the next verse states, it is for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ. This promise of good does not include temporal concerns such as wealth and health, and it does not include unbelievers at all. This does not mean that God does not pour out temporal blessings on all people at times, but that is not the blessings this verse addresses. This verse is stating that all things work together for the spiritual good of those God has called and will call in the future.

An example of this would be the contribution that the pilgrims gave in founding this country. While it involved much suffering, even this suffering of the pilgrims several hundred years ago has worked and is still working for the good of people being called to this very day. The apostles suffered and died for the gospel, and this has worked together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.

Praise God that all things work together for the good of his purpose, and this purpose is to redeem and prepare a people to have eternal life as brothers and sisters with Jesus Christ. How is any temporal setback even worth comparing to this spiritual good that all things are working toward?

Romans 8:27

Romans 8:27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

The bride in the photo above has searched her bridegroom’s heart and is confident of his love for her and that their hopes and dreams are set on the right course. However, she cannot be certain as only God can search hearts and know for sure about a person’s desires, intentions, motivations, and such. In verse 27 above, God is in such harmony with the Holy Spirit that he knows the mind of the Spirit and that the Spirit intercedes according to his will. The Holy Spirit is in perfect harmony with God as well and in his groanings becomes the perfect advocate for believers who struggle in their weakness of prayer. Believers are in Christ and are doubly blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them and interceding on their behalf in accordance with the will of God.

Praise our triune God that everything needed for our salvation is provided.

Romans 8:26

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

The photo above shows a statue of Moses holding The Ten Commandments on top of the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson, MS. (I suppose the ACLU hasn’t noticed since it is located so high and their minds are not interested in things above.)

Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites during the time of the Exodus, and lawyers intercede on behalf of their clients in courthouses all across America. Believers also have an intercessor as Jesus promised that the Father would send a Counselor to be with us after he had gone. This Counselor, The Holy Spirit, is active in many ways in God’s plan of redemption and Paul continues to explain the work of the Holy Spirit in verse 26. We are told that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness in prayer since we do not know what to pray for or how to do it. The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Paul had already mentioned the creation groaning and Christians groaning with anticipation and longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Therefore, the groaning of the indwelling Holy Spirit is not a groaning from indecision or confusion but is a ministering empathy for the plight of a redeemed sinner who has the attributes that Jesus outlined in the Beatitudes. The redeemed sinner, according to Jesus, is so convicted of sin that he mourns for his poor in spirit condition and longs for righteousness. I believe it is at this point of our weakness and futility that the Holy Spirit intercedes in support with groanings too deep for words.

Praise God that Jesus did send a counselor to minister and intercede on our behalf when, in our weakness, we do not know what to pray for or how to do it properly.

Reminder

Also visit Bluecollar where Jazzycat is a contributor. Late Wednesday or Thursday we will begin a series on Hebrews Chapter 12 over at Bluecollar.

Romans 8:25

Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Just as pilots have a hope and expectation of finding an unseen runway through the use of navigation instruments, Christians have a hope and expectation of unseen heavenly things through faith in Jesus Christ.

Unbelievers have their attention and focus on the things of this world. All of their hopes and dreams are on the temporal things that they see, feel, and touch. Since they know that their window of time to achieve temporal riches, fame, and power is limited, they are usually impatient and in a bit of a hurry to acquire and enjoy the riches offered by this world. This worldview was popularized a decade or so ago with the advertising slogan that stated that you should go for the gusto since you only go around once. However, Christians have a different perspective and worldview. Our minds are on things above and not earthly things. Our hopes are not in the earthly things we see, but are in the heavenly things that we do not see. Since we know that what we do not see is eternal and solid, we wait with patience and a feeling of joy and peace. This is why Paul could say that he had learned to be content in any situation. Christians seek to glorify God and enjoy him forever rather than going for the gusto today.

Praise God that, by his grace, Christians are able to handle hardships and suffering better than unbelievers sometimes handle success and riches.

Romans 8:24

Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

Paul in v. 16 revealed the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God. However, we still live in a fallen world that groans along with us as we wait for the final step in our salvation, which is the redemption of our bodies. Although we have been saved and are eternally secure, we are still being saved as we groan and wait eagerly for the consummation of our salvation. In this hope we were saved and we rest our confidence in reaching the celestial City of God. Believers understand that the world is not our home and we are only passing through on a journey to our eternal home for which we hope and anticipate. While the hope that is in us is unseen, it is a sure hope and expectation that is based on the promises of God. Just as the airline passengers in the photo above have a hope and expectation of landing safely at home, believers also have an expectation and hope of landing safely in the eternal kingdom that is based on a much stronger promise than any airline could ever give.

Praise God that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that our hope is based on the solid rock of Christ and not sifting sand.

Reminder

Also visit Bluecollar where Jazzycat is a contributor.
Romans 8:24 will be posted later this morning here on Jazzycat.....

Romans 8:23

Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

The fishermen in the photo above are all trying to get to that prime spot where the fish seem to be biting the best. Some are not quite to the hot spot and are literally groaning inwardly with eagerness to make it all the way to the prime spot that fisherman refer to as the honey hole. They have the required boat and fishing gear, but their quest has not been fully realized yet. They are waiting eagerly for the fulfillment of being able to drop a hook into that coveted honey hole.

In a similar manner, those who are in Christ Jesus have the firstfruits of the Spirit but are still on the road to glory that passes through the gate of death. While we have been adopted as children of God and experience the joy and peace of salvation, we still struggle with sin. We still experience pain and suffering due to the effects of disease, accidents, and aging. These hardships and trials that we experience cause us to inwardly groan as we eagerly wait for the final stage of the redemption process. This will occur when we receive our glorified bodies and our adoption as sons of God will be completed.

Although the journey is not over, praise God that safely reaching the destination is secure for those that are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:22

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.

A few verses earlier, Paul affirmed that the creation was subjected to futility, death, and decay due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve. After their disobedience, God revealed that fallen man would be redeemed by a savior. But, until that became a reality, man was going to suffer with many hardships as the creation was cursed because of this disobedience. Eve was told that the pain of childbirth would be multiplied and Adam was told that the very ground was cursed. Therefore, the lives of human beings would be extremely difficult due to the degeneration of man’s nature, and death was going to be the end result.

Verse 22 above refers to this as the whole creation groaning in the pains of childbirth. God has promised to redeem a people unto himself. And, as this progresses throughout redemption history, the creation has been groaning as in childbirth. As the children of God are continually being redeemed, nature groans as the process moves toward completion. Just as joy and a new child follow the pains of childbirth, unimaginable joy will follow the pains that the creation is enduring during this period of redemption of the children of God.

Praise God that the pains the creation is undergoing will result in a new heaven and earth for those who are redeemed by the power of our triune God through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:21

Romans 8:21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

The giant Sequoia tree is the largest living thing in the world. It can live up to 2000 years and grow to well over 300 feet high. Yet, it is under the same bondage of death and decay as are all plants and animals in the world. This bondage came about because of the fall of man and was ordained by God as He is in total control of the universe. Nothing happens that does not suit His purpose and desire (Isa. 46:10). What an insult to the majesty, power, and sovereignty of God when even Christians claim that God has no control over natural disasters. Verse 20 reveals the truth that God is very much involved and in control of the universe.

In this verse, Paul is stating that all of creation will be set free from this bondage and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. God’s creation will be renewed and restored when the eternal kingdom begins. Peace and harmony will reign as glorified believers and animals will live together without strife. There will be no erupting volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or any other natural disasters, as God will maintain His creation with precision. He is in control now and will be in control when He brings His creation back from its present state of bondage.

Praise God for the glory that is to come for His creation.

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Romans 8:20

Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope

When the fall of man occurred in the Garden of Eden, the entire creation was subjected to decay, death, calamities and futility. The animal kingdom did not willingly participate in the fall, but it suffered as a result of the sin of Adam. The beautiful fawn, in the photo above, is just a few months old and there is plenty of food and a pond for drinking water to sustain it and its mother. However, they live within the city limits of a large city and have only about 25 acres to roam before encountering some serious problems. While the photo above appears to be serene and peaceful, it was taken about 150 feet from a major four-lane highway. Vehicles have hit at least three deer within 1/8 of a mile of this photo location in the past year. Deer that are located out in the country have more freedom, but they become vulnerable to being hunted for sport. The plight of this creature is just one example of the futility that animals face in our fallen world.

While many secular humanists believe that man can make everything right in this world for humans and animals, the Bible reveals that this is wishful thinking. Praise God that the creation will be renewed one day by God and the animals and deer will be a thing of beauty to behold.

Romans 8:19

Romans 8:19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

The creation refers to the entire universe or the cosmos as the late Dr. Carl Sagan would call it. Since the fall of Adam, the created world has not been peaceful as it was in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship and peace with God. When Adam sinned, the entire creation was affected. It has resulted in God allowing all kinds of natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, etc. to adversely affect all of creation, including animals. When the world, as we know it, ends and the sons of God are revealed, such natural disasters will come to an end because God will no longer allow such things to occur. There will be no more pain and tears for the sons of God, and all creation will exist in perfect harmony as ordered by the creator of the universe. God has the power, and he will use it at the proper time. This is what Paul means when he speaks of looking forward with eager longing to that glorious day.

Look at the magnificent beauty that is already in this fallen world and imagine what glory waits when God removes the thorns and thistles from his creation.

Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

The photo above shows a replica of the inside of an early one room American cabin. The suffering that the early Christian settlers experienced from disease and death was extensive and hard beyond our imagination. They came to America to escape religious persecution only to find a suffering of another kind. The early Christians during the Apostle Paul’s time also suffered greatly and many, like Paul, gave their lives for being believers in Jesus Christ. In this verse, Paul tells us that these sufferings, as great as they were, are not worth comparing to the glory to be revealed to Christians. Paul is affirming that even the greatest downside to being Christian in this world is nothing compared to the upside that will be seen in the eternal kingdom of God.

Praise God for this glorious fact and pray that we may remain faithful to Jesus Christ, no matter what persecution and suffering comes our way. Pray, also, for our brothers and sisters in Christ where such suffering and persecution is an ongoing reality.

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Romans 8:17

Romans 8:17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul continues the wonderful news of redemption through the Holy Spirit. Those who are in Christ Jesus are, first of all, justified in the sight of God. They are then adopted as children of God and walk according to the Spirit. In this verse, Paul tells us that adopted children of God become heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Here in chapter 8 Paul reveals what each step along the way looks like in terms of having the Holy Spirit dwell in believers. This journey of being in Christ results in a believer walking according to the Spirit, and here in verse 17 Paul mentions that suffering with Christ may be part of this walk. Jesus told of the persecution and suffering that would be part of being his disciple. Paul and the early church experienced severe persecution that included death, and persecution is ongoing in the world today. Christians have always been persecuted and suffered for following Christ.

Many N.T. passages, along with this one, teach that suffering and persecution are sometimes a part of following Christ, and this shows that the health and wealth gospel, so pervasive in America today, is nothing short of a sham. This verse shows, once again, that the carnal Christian concept of being a believer but not walking according to the Spirit is also a heresy.

Praise God that the Holy Spirit enables believers to walk according to the Spirit and endure suffering when it happens in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:16

Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

The photo above bears witness to the stunning beauty of God’s creation on display at Trout Lake near Telluride, Colorado. The Holy Spirit also bears witness to believers that we are children of God. Deep feelings of peace, joy, and love penetrate deep into believers’ hearts. The fruits of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, are imparted to the children of God. The peace that comes with the joy of salvation is not a worldly peace and joy, but rather a spiritual satisfaction that comes from the knowledge of the relationship that children of God have with their heavenly Father. The hymn, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, captures this spiritual peace very well when it speaks of the things of this world growing dim…………

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Praise God that he not only saves us through his grace, but he provides witness to the reality of being children of God.

Romans 8:15

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

Orphaned and abandoned children would perish without someone to save and keep them from the dangers of the world. The ideal situation for such children would be to be adopted into a family and have a mother and father to care for them. In a like manner, spiritual dead human beings are in great need of being adopted by God. Scripture including Romans 8 teaches that sinners will remain spiritually dead unless God the Holy Spirit intervenes and saves them by giving them spiritual life. This grace of spiritual life that God implants is called regeneration or being born again. This Spirit that is received does not cause a sinner to fall back into fear but leads to faith, justification, and adoption as sons of God. From this Spirit of adoption we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Praise God that spiritually dead sinners receive the Spirit of adoption.

Where's Al Gore when you need him

Jazzy has been suffering from cabin fever due to the unseasonably cold weather. She has asked me to request that Al Gore come to our town and release some of the enormous amount of hot air that he seems to have in abundance. He would even be allowed to show his propaganda film, "A convenient lie" if he could just blow some heat on our town!

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Romans 8:14

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

It is a glorious reality that believers, who are led by the Spirit, are adopted and become sons of God. Paul has now added adoption to the theme he has been developing throughout Chapter 8. Believers are in Christ, set their minds on the things of the Spirit, live according to the Spirit, walk according to the Spirit, and have the Spirit dwelling in them. If someone is being led, then it means he is following the person doing the leading. A person that is led by the Spirit follows Jesus Christ and becomes a Son of God. He is a Christian and a disciple. Paul contrasts this with unbelievers who live in the flesh and walk in the flesh.

Therefore, if a person is not led by the Spirit of God, then he is not a son of God. He has not been adopted because he has not been justified, and he has not been justified because he has not been saved. He is unsaved, still in the flesh, and has not been born again. This is yet another verse that refutes the belief that a person can be a Christian and yet not follow Christ. Adopted sons of God are followers of Christ because they are led by the Spirit and this verse does not offer any other possibility.

If anyone is clinging to the false hope of the false carnal Christian teaching, then I urge them to read Romans 8 very carefully.

Romans 8:13

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

In verses 1-9 of this chapter, Paul makes it clear that those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the flesh, and to set the mind on the flesh is death. In addition, they are hostile to God, do not submit to God’s law, and indeed cannot please God. Here, in verse 13, this principle is repeated yet again. Paul has made it very clear that if you live according to the flesh you are not in Christ and you are under the condemnation of God. There is no wiggle room to claim Christ but live according to the flesh. It is the same message that is in James 2:14-26 where he asks the rhetorical question, “Can such a faith save him?” Paul is saying that you will die if you live according to the flesh. He has made it clear that one who lives according to the flesh does not have faith. They may profess and claim faith, but they do not have it. This death that Paul has carefully described in these verses is the eternal death that results from not being in Christ.

However, if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. A redeemed person is not a puppet that does nothing in putting to death the deeds of the body; but, he is enabled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to respond to this divine grace and willingly participates in his own sanctification. Just as the window in the photo above is not perfect, and reflects some of the light rather than letting it through, a redeemed person does not perfectly live according to the Spirit; however, such a person is in Christ, and verse 1 affirms that there is now no condemnation of those that are in Christ. The victory is assured through the power of God the Holy Spirit.

Praise God for the enabling work of the Holy Spirit.

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Romans 8:12

Romans 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Unfortunately the thirst in America for gratification of the flesh through worldly goods has made millions of people debtors. The discipline of people living within their means has become a thing of the past in tens of millions of families. Items that were considered luxuries four or five decades ago are now considered necessities. Here in verse 12 Paul tells Christians that they are debtors but not to the flesh. Christians have no obligation to pursue worldly goods and pleasures of the flesh with reckless abandon because Christians have their minds on things above that are eternal. Those that believe you should go for the gusto because you only go around once are debtors to the flesh, but Christians are debtors to God for the great salvation they have through faith in Jesus Christ. They do not owe a debt to earn salvation as Jesus Christ paid for it on the cross. No, Christians owe a debt of gratitude, love, and praise for such an amazing grace.

Grace brings sinners to God and grace is with them for the entire journey.

Romans 8:11

Romans 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

In verse ten Paul tells how spiritually dead people are quickened unto life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Here in verse 11 he tells how the same Spirit that resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead will do the same thing for redeemed sinners that are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The photo above illustrates the power that a seed, that has been buried under two inches of asphalt, has in germinating and pushing it’s way through asphalt to become a thriving plant. However, this power pales in comparison to the power of the resurrection of the bodies of Christians that will occur when Jesus returns. What a glorious day that will be for all that are in Christ when the Holy Spirit gives life to the bodies of all the saints that are in graves around the world.

Praise God that his grace comes with awesome power.

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Romans 8:10

Romans 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Because of sin, we are all dead men walking. The men in the Confederate cemetery above are dead men in the grave. Physical death is a universal condition of humanity. Everyone, whether they are in Christ or not in Christ, has this destiny. However, those that are in Christ have his righteousness imputed to them and their spirit and soul is life. They are no longer spiritually dead, but are alive for all eternity. They have been redeemed and will only die the one physical death due to the corruption of sin. Those not in Christ are dead men walking physically and spiritually.

Righteousness is a requirement of spiritual life. However, human beings do not have this righteousness, and they have no way achieve it by their own effort. There is one way and only one way to be counted as righteous in the sight of God. While we do not actually become righteous, we can be reckoned as righteous through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus obtained for us what we could not do for ourselves. It is provided to us as gift for all who accept it through faith. Those that accept this gift are spiritually alive and those that reject it remain spiritually dead. This rejection does not cause spiritual death in sinners, but leaves them in the same state they were born in.

Choose spiritual life by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:9

Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

This photo taken on the old Natchez Trace is a reminder of how the sinful nature of the flesh ruled the day in the 1800’s along this historic trail. Thieves and robbers thrived along this path that is sunken even to this day by the traffic of men and horses from over a century ago. Redemption from the flesh and sinful nature comes by regeneration to those who belong to Christ. They are redeemed by the blood of Christ and quickened to life by Holy Spirit. These and these only have the Spirit of God dwelling in them and they are Spiritually alive and no longer in the flesh. Saved sinners are in Christ and Christ is in them. Since believers are no longer in the flesh, they are no longer under the control of the flesh all day every day. Anyone who is under the control of the flesh does not have the Spirit and does not belong to Christ. In short they are not redeemed and are unsaved. This is yet another verse that leaves absolutely no possibility that a true Christian could reject following Christ in favor of worldly carnal living day in and day out. Christians sin and grieve the Holy Spirit, but they are convicted of sin by the Spirit, repent, pray, and are responsive to this grace which will win the day. In these first nine verses of Romans eight God through Paul has made it clear that a redeemed (saved) person has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them and they respond with a life, mind, and walk controlled by the Spirit.

Jesus is the light of the world and those that follow him are his. Those that don’t are not. This is sanctification and is a response to the justification that comes by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Beware of false prophets that tell you that you can claim Christ but walk with the devil.

Romans 8:8

Romans 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

While the male peacock puts on a quite a show to please a mate, it is pure folly to believe that anyone in the flesh can please God. The best works of sinners that are not in Christ are but filthy rags. For one to imagine that he is right with God because of his high ethical standards or works of charity is an abomination to God. Also, this verse rules out the possibility of someone in the flesh coming to faith in and of themselves apart from a work of God in regeneration. If a person could come to faith while in the flesh, then this would please God; but then Romans 8:8 would be false. Therefore, since Romans 8:8 is not false, those who are in the flesh cannot come to faith unless God does something. This something he does is regenerate and give them a new heart that enables them to respond in faith. It is called grace and praise God that Jesus saves sinners completely.

Place your faith in Jesus Christ alone for the gift of eternal life and leave the shows of the flesh to the peacocks.

Romans 8:7

Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

The rattlesnake in the above photo is hostile to humans and does not submit to human ethics and in fact cannot. It is at enmity with mankind and would need an entirely different nature to act as a domesticated animal. In a similar manner, the person who is in the flesh cannot submit to God’s law. Such a person is hostile to God and lacks the ability to submit to God because of their slavery to the power of sin. Such a person is spiritually dead with no hope apart from God’s saving grace. Therefore, as verse 2 pointed out, God through the quickening power of the Holy Spirit sets sinners free from the slavery of sin. This regenerating work of the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual life and a new nature into a sinner that enables them to set their minds on the things of the Spirit. What cannot be done for the rattlesnake, God does for lost sinners. Praise God for this grace.

Photo by son of W.H. on hunting trip to N.M.

Romans 8:6

Romans 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.


In verses 1-5 it is clear that there is only one important way to distinguish between people. They are either in Christ or not in Christ. In verse 5 Paul tells us what these two kinds of people set their minds on, and what they seek. Here in verse 6, Paul tells what the outcome is for these two kinds of people. Unregenerate man runs after and in fact is in bondage to sin and death. The world and temporal concerns are his focus and the object of his affections. This verse does not leave any wiggle room for the antinomian carnal Christian view that a person can have faith in Christ but be unchanged and continue to live with a mind totally set on the flesh. This is a false dead faith that does not save and this verse nails the lid shut on this false teaching.

In stark contrast the man regenerated by the Spirit of God has a new heart and a new attitude that is set on the Spirit and the things of God. He thinks in spiritual terms and is concerned with spiritual matters that bring life. Even in times of affliction and poverty, this man is at peace and will respond in Spiritual ways to whatever grief comes his way. While he may struggle with sin and his old nature, the spirit of God dwells in him and this is the victory that overcomes the world. In and of himself man would not overcome, but with the power of God at work in him, success is assured.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved from the eternal consequences and grip of sin.

Romans 8:5

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

A successful baseball pitcher must totally set his mind on delivering the ball to a specific point either with good velocity or with the changing in direction of a curve ball. As a pitcher progresses upward to the major leagues his ability to set his mind and concentrate on the task at hand becomes second nature. It becomes ingrained in his mind and motor skills. In a similar manner, man is born with mind that is totally controlled by the sinful nature. Due to the fall of Adam and original sin, man lives according to this nature (the flesh) and has his mind set on the things of the flesh. However, once God’s grace quickens a sinner and redeems him by setting him free from the law of sin and death, he lives according to this new ‘born again’ nature of the Spirit and has his mind set on the things of the Spirit. While he still struggles with sin and the old nature, his new nature will win the war, as we shall see later in this chapter. Spirit and life will win the war over sin and death. Praise God that he provides everything to win the war through this marvelous grace.

Brothers & sisters, if you want to win this war with the flesh, then place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ to receive the free gift of eternal life.

Romans 8:4

Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus not only condemned sin by voluntarily dying on the cross as our substitute, he fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law for us. Jesus took our sins and paid the penalty required by God’s justice and imputed his righteousness to us that we might be found righteous on judgment day. We take hold of this grace through faith and are judged not guilty and are counted righteous because of Christ’s righteousness, not our own.

In this verse Paul gives a description of what God’s grace looks like in a redeemed sinner rather than simply saying, “by faith.” The bottom line is that grace not only saves, but it also changes the way a redeemed sinner lives. A redeemed sinner does not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Praise God that he not only saves sinners from their sin, but also enables them to overcome this sin with a new nature.

If you walk totally according to the flesh, pray that God will bring his Holy Spirit to enable you to walk according to the Spirit with faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:3

Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
Due to the sinful nature that mankind inherited from Adam, the law is powerless to save sinners. While the law is good, it is so weakened by the sin nature (flesh) that it has no strength to be effective. It is not the law that is weak, but the sinful nature of man that is incapable of fulfilling the law. The law accuses and condemns, but it cannot save. However, God has done what the law could not do. By sending his son, Jesus Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, he condemned sin. Jesus, being fully man and completely sinless was able to qualify as an acceptable substitute to pay the penalty for sin and thus condemn sin in fallen man. This satisfied God’s justice due to the infinite value that Jesus has by being fully God. The atonement was acceptable because of the human nature of Jesus and sufficient because of the infinite worth of his divine nature. Praise God that he provides everything that is needed to save sinners.

This salvation is given as a free gift for all that place their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:2

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

An airfoil is the reason a person can soar on a hang glider and be set free from gravity and the Holy Spirit is the reason that a person is set free in Christ Jesus. This is the gospel that saves sinners from the law of sin and death by setting them free from the grip and power of sin. The Holy Spirit regenerates sinners that are enslaved to the law of sin and death by setting them free and enabling them to seek refuge in Christ Jesus. This is the amazing grace that we rejoice in and sing about. It is the grace that sets sinners free from death and condemnation. This is a grace that does more than make salvation possible; it does the entire job by changing the heart and enabling a sinner to willingly come to Christ.

Without the person and work of Jesus Christ, a sinner is still under condemnation and still in their sin. Notice how this verse states the truth. It does not say that the Holy Spirit sets you free to be in a god of your own choosing or sets you free to be justified by your own effort. No, the verse says that the Holy Spirit sets you free in Christ Jesus. While it is popular in today’s American culture to be “politically correct” and “tolerant” by affirming many ways to God, the Bible does not offer but one way to be set free from sin and death. Praise God for this amazing grace.

Do not delay, avoid false gods and seek refuge in Jesus Christ!