I went home today and came across the below declaration of faith. It did wonders for me I have to admit. It re-emphasizes the importance of walking by faith, leaning on the SPIRIT of the LORD and not on our works. This scripture clearly states that any time we emphasize efforts as the basis for salvation, righteousness and justification we are foolish and have returned to the works of the flesh, when it is clearly faith in GOD that justifies us. I especially like how the declaration stays that JESUS alone has made me perfect, not my works (see below).
The more I understand the cross, GOD's love and grace, the more I feel like shouting. What was I doing before?????
Anyway, on my way back to work, I started to internalize what I have learned and said out loud, (of course people were probably driving by looking at me talking to myself) But I spoke anyway...I declared that "I don't have to look at my own efforts as a means of justifying who I am in Christ. Christ and Him alone justifies me. If it was based on my own efforts and ability then I wouldn't need the cross, and I wouldn't need GOD. And HE knows I need HIM!!!!! Hallelujah!"
Galatians 3:2-3 (Amplified Bible)
2Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?]
3Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?
Declaration of faith; (taken from the personalized promise Bible for women)
I did not recieve the Holy Spirit by the works of the Law, but by hearing of faith. I am no so foolish as to turn to my own efforts to justify myself after I have admitted that I can't and that I need JESUS. No, I am not the fool who begins a new life in the Spirit, then turns back to works of righteousness for his justification. Jesus alone has made me perfect, not works!!!!
I love you JESUS!
