Twice, when writing to Christians, Paul reminded them that they were “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).  This is true of all of us who are Christians.  We have all been called by the gospel of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (ESV) 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that […]

This blog’s title is a saying often used to describe justification.  It is not a lexiconic definition of the word, but it sums it up well.  Justification is a forensic term meaning to be acquitted in heaven’s court.  When we are justified, we are declared “not guilty” by God.  It is the most blessed condition […]

Pride is an emotion that God simply will not tolerate among His people.  It is the consistent teaching of God’s Word that He hates arrogance. Psalm 101:5 (NASB 95) 5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure. When the […]

Do you ever waste time?  The answer, of course, is yes.  I know that because we all waste time occasionally.  What we must avoid is making a habit of wasting time. Suppose most of your time is spent productively and wisely. In that case, your “downtime,” when you are just relaxing in whatever way you […]

That we are saved by grace is undeniable. It is one of the great themes of the New Testament. Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may […]

Martin Luther was the progenitor of the sixteenth-century Reformation Movement. We are not surprised that his theological thinking became the core belief and doctrine of most Reformation churches.   What did Martin Luther believe regarding faith and justification?  Here are a couple of quotes from him. “It is faith—without good works and prior to good works—that […]

Jesus has done more for us than we probably even realize.    Sacrificing heaven and taking on the form of a servant was just the beginning.  Ultimately, Jesus was willing to die on the cross for our sins (Philippians 2:8).  The question is what are we willing to do for Jesus? One thing we should be […]

Regardless of who you are, life can sometimes be tough.  Job once said, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).   In this sinful world, things can get tough for Christians.  Not only do we have to bear the ups and downs of everyday life, but […]

Pressing toward the goal involves being an active member of the Lord’s church.  I have often pointed out that Christianity is not for lazy people.  It involves a lifetime of activity.  It involves working, participating, and volunteering, especially in the local church.  Make no mistake about it, if you are not working for the Lord; […]