Today’s devotion comes from James 5:19-20.
“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20.
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It is strange that one (who is able to turn a sinner from the error of his way) would have a multitude of sins and would need his soul saved from death. Preachers and teachers are perfect, aren’t they?
As preachers and teachers, we may know the truth and may walk on the path to the truth, but we are like kindergarteners on our way to school, there is all kinds of mischief that we get into along the way. We have that multitude of sins; we need them covered. We need our soul saved from death.
Certainly, these verses do not intend to set forth a comprehensive doctrine on atonement. We are not saved by our works. But, these verses do intend to motivate us to do what good that we can do to help others, even though we are far from perfect.
Sometimes, a simple word can do the trick. Other times, much more will be needed.
I like to give my personal testimony. I strayed from the truth, and a childhood friend turned me back to the truth by a simple word.
Although I grew up in the Christian Reformed church in Muskegon, Michigan and attended Christian Reformed elementary school through high school and even Calvin College for a while, in 1977, I moved to Florida to go to law school, and I stayed here in Florida. I attended and was a member, even a lay leader, in a large range of churches from Assembly of God to Baptist to Calvary Chapel to United Methodist to nondenominational churches and small fellowships. At first, I thought Reformed Doctrine would be preached in all Christian Protestant churches. When I heard some strange preaching or teaching, I first thought that the problem was just with that particular minister or teacher.
Eventually, a friend that I have known since kindergarten, asked me if I remembered “TULIP” which is also known as the Five Points of Calvinism and the Reformed Doctrine of salvation. It was like a light was switched on inside my head. I eagerly began to study the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism. I concluded that what bothered me was not just isolated bad preaching or teaching, but rather the problem was caused more broadly by bad doctrine (Arminianism) which cause many to stray away from the truth. That simple word by a friend turned me back to the truth.
“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18.
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18.
“The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.” Ecclesiastes 12:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11.
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 