Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 11, 2019

“we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 15:1-11.

“Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.  Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.  When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.  But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.”

The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter.  After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.  And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us;  and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.  Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?  But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”  Acts 15:1-11.

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Other doctrine believe that we are saved through our works or at least through our alleged free-will choice of Christ a/k/a our own faith.

But, Reformed Doctrine believes that we are saved through grace alone as simply stated in today’s Scripture:  “we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus”.  Verse 11.

Yes, we do have faith.  But, it is a God-given faith.  “He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”  Verse 9.  We did not give God our own faith and then He used our own faith to cleanse our hearts.  But rather, so to speak, God has His own cleaning supplies including a God-given faith to cleanse our hearts.

The grace of the Lord Jesus in His death on the cross produced this faith.

“Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  …”  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby of Canons of Dordt.

Article 22:  Of Faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, appropriates him, and seeks nothing more besides him.  For it must needs follow, either that all things, which are requisite to our salvation, are not in Jesus Christ, or if all things are in him, that then those who possess Jesus Christ through faith, have complete salvation in him.  Therefore, for any to assert, that Christ is not sufficient, but that something more is required besides him, would be too gross a blasphemy: for hence it would follow, that Christ was but half a Savior.  …”  Belgic Confession.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

Thus, not even faith is “of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

“For who regards you as superior?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  1 Corinthians 4:7.

This point that we received faith as a gift of God is also consistent with the fact of our “Total Depravity”, the first point of Calvinism, summarized by “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.

If we are dead in our sins, hostile to God, and enslaved to sin and Satan as taught by “Total Depravity”, then we can not produce our own faith through our own alleged free-will.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 3:10-12.

And, if somehow we could produce our own faith, then our own faith would be sinful, frail, and faulty.  We could and would lose whatever faith that we produced.  In any event, even if we somehow could keep our own faith, our own sinful faith would not be sufficient to save us.

Only a God-given faith can save us.  “we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus”.  To God Alone be all the glory for our salvation! 

All those who have faith have received faith as a gift of God through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

In the following Scripture, we read that even Peter received faith.  Peter specifically confessed (“To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours”), and Peter generally confessed (“seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness”) which would generally include faith.

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:1-3.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 10, 2019

“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:24-28.

“They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia.  When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.  From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.  When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.  And they spent a long time with the disciples.”  Acts 14:24-28.

———————

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him.  And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”  And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him;  and everyone was amazed.”  Mark 5:18-20.

“He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.”  Deuteronomy 10:21.

“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;
2 Sing the glory of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!
Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.
4 “All the earth will worship You,
And will sing praises to You;
They will sing praises to Your name.”  Selah.

5 Come and see the works of God,
Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.”  Psalm 66:1-5.

“Come and hear, all who fear God,
And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”  Psalm 66:16.

“17 O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?” Psalm 71:17-19.

“18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders.
19 And blessed be His glorious name forever;
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.”  Psalm 72:18-18.

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
Men declare Your wondrous works.”  Psalm 75:1.

“9 But as for me, I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”  Psalm 75:9-10.

“11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph.  Selah.”  Psalm 77:14-15.

“8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
Nor are there any works like Yours.
9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.”  Psalm 86:8-10.

“… the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:5.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-31.

“The LORD has done great things for us;
We are glad.”  Psalm 126:3.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 8, 2019

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:19-23.

“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.  But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city.  The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.  After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”   Acts 14:19-23.

———————-

Paul and Barnabas were “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  Verse 22.

How can it be encouraging to say “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”?! 

First, in that very sentence, there is the hope that we will enter the kingdom of God.

Second, there is the hope that God rescues out of all of our tribulations.  Consider the following Scriptures.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19.

“The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.”  Psalm 34:17.

“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.  Psalm 34:6.

“Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra;  what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!”  2 Timothy 3:10-11.

Third, there is the hope that our tribulations brings about perseverance and proven character in us.

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:3-5.

Fourth, there is the hope that our tribulations are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

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

Fifth, there is the hope that our tribulations prove our faith and lead to our salvation.

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope;  for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”  Romans 8:24-25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 7, 2019

“turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:8-18.

“At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.  This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.”  And he leaped up and began to walk.  When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.”  And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.  The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.  But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things?  We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.  In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways;  and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”  Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.”  Acts 14:8-18.

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What are these vain things?

These vain things are sacrifices and other honors to man.

And yet, how we chase after them!

We chase after big honors, and we chase after small honors.

But, we should seek to honor and glorify God Who alone “MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.”  Verse 15.

We should seek to honor and glorify God Who alone provides “rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”  Verse 17.

We should seek to honor and glorify God Who alone is good.  “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good?  No one is good except God alone. ”  Mark 10:18 and Luke 18-19.

We should seek to honor and glorify God Who alone can and does provide salvation.

“22 “Now consider this, you who forget God,
Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.
23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God.”  Psalm 50:22-23.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power;  for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”  Revelation 4:11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 6, 2019

“they continued to preach the gospel.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:1-7.

“In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.  But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.  Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.  But the people of the city were divided;  and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.  And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;  and there they continued to preach the gospel.”  Acts 14:1-7.

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Despite persecution that caused them to flee, “they continued to preach the gospel.”

We may experience what we consider successes and failures.  But, God is sovereign over all and will accomplish His purpose.

Paul and Barnabas experience the successes of “a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks” and “signs and wonders” were done by their hands.

Paul and Barnabas also experienced the failures that some Jews disbelieved and “the people of the city were divided;  and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.”  Finally, “an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them”.

In the language of the concluding Scripture, when Paul and Barnabas experienced success, they were preaching “in season”, and when they experienced failure, they were preaching “out of season”.  But, “in season and out of season”, Paul and Barnabas “continued to preach the gospel”.

We should follow their example and continue to preach and teach the gospel despite the persecutions, tribulations, successes, and failures that we experience.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;  reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;  but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 5, 2019

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – “and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:44-52.

“The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord.  But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.  Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first;  since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.  For so the Lord has commanded us,

‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES,
THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’”

When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord;  and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.  And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.  But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.  But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.  And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 13:44-52.

———————-

Despite the Jews who were contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.  Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and identified themselves as being placed by God “AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES” that they “MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.”

Despite the Jews who were instigating a persecution against Paul and Barnabas which drove them out of the district, Paul and Barnabas continued their mission and “were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Other doctrine does not give such boldness, steadfastness, and joy through its focus on man and man’s alleged free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine does give such boldness, steadfastness, and joy through its focus on God and God’s sovereignty.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58.

“…  and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”  Verse 48.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 4, 2019

“continue in the grace of God.” – “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:42-43.

“As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.  Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.”  Acts 13:42-43.

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Are we captivated by the grace of God?

Or, are we content to “just” attend church on Sunday?

We notice in today’s Scripture that the people’s interest did not stop when the service concluded, but rather, “As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.”

We also notice that “when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas”.

There is the warning of being content to “just” attend church.

Consider the Parable of the Sower.

“Now the parable is this:  the seed is the word of God.  Those beside the road are those who have heard;  then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.  Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root;  they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.  The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”  Luke 8:11.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25.

There is the blessing of being captivated by the grace of God.

Jesus, even at an early age, set an example for us.  “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom;  and the grace of God was upon Him.”  Luke 2:40.

“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:2-3.

But, there is hope!

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;  and He will disclose to you what is to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”  John 16:13-14.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.”  FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints of Canons of Dordt.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  Hebrews 12:2.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 3, 2019

“I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:36-41.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.  Therefore take heed, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you:

‘BEHOLD, YOU SCOFFERS, AND MARVEL, AND PERISH;
FOR I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS,
A WORK WHICH YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE, THOUGH SOMEONE SHOULD DESCRIBE IT TO YOU.’”   Acts 13:38-41.

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“I AM ACCOMPLISHING A WORK IN YOUR DAYS”  Verse 41.

Other doctrine presents man’s work and man’s righteousness.  

But, Reformed Doctrine presents God’s work and God’s righteousness.  

God’s work through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross earned all the saving gifts necessary for the salvation of God’s elect, including faith.

“Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  …”  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby of Canons of Dordt.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

The following Scripture summarizes the work of God in freeing us from all things for which we could not be freed under the Law of Moses referred in verse 39 of today’s Scripture.  “… God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”  Galatians 4:4.

“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.  So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.  But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:1-7.

God’s work credits God’s righteousness to believers.

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe;  …”  Romans 3:21-22.

“For what does the Scripture say?  “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.  But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,”  Romans 4:3-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | November 1, 2019

“to us the message of this salvation has been sent”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:26-35.

“Brethren, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.  For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him.  And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed.  When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.  But God raised Him from the dead;  and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people.  And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘YOU ARE MY SON;  TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU.’  As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way:  ‘I WILL GIVE YOU THE HOLY and SURE blessings OF DAVID.’  Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘YOU WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.’”  Acts 13:26-35.

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For those who fear God, they sit up straight and play close attention to the message of salvation.

We read two basic elements in today’s Scripture in this message of salvation.  First, we read the emphasis that God raised Jesus from the dead to present Jesus as His only begotten Son, the long-awaited Savior Who came from the line of David and Who was the heir of “the holy and sure blessings of David”, and the immortal Lord and Savior.  Second, in sharpest contrast, we read that “the best of the best” of man, so to speak, “those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers”, not only did not fulfill the Law, they showed the extent of their wickedness by temporarily putting to death this innocent and perfect Jesus Who is exalted to the highest as God’s “HOLY ONE”.

Does this message of salvation seem more consistent with other doctrine which preaches and teaches that man is basically good who performs good works and has good free-will?

Or, does this message of salvation seem more consistent with Reformed Doctrine which preaches and teaches the “Total Depravity” of man and which exalts Jesus as truly a Savior Who obtained all that is necessary for the salvation of God’s elect through His sacrificial death?

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby of Canons of Dordt.

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”  Psalm 2:10-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 31, 2019

“you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers” – “consider what He has done.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:16-25.

“Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said,

“Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:  The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it.  For a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness.  When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance—all of which took about four hundred and fifty years.  After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.  Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.  After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I HAVE FOUND DAVID THE SON OF JESSE, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.’  From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.  And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am?  I am not He.  But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’”   Acts 13:16-25.

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Listen to the works of God.

Listen to the first work of God.  God chose His people for whom He did all these good works.

Other doctrine listens to the works of man.

But, Reformed Doctrine listens to the works of God.

Other doctrine bristles and rebels against God’s choice a/k/a God’s election a/k/a God’s predestination.

But, Reformed Doctrine calls God’s election “the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself”.  Article 9 of FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination of Canons of Dordt.

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30.

“9 Then all men will fear,
And they will declare the work of God,
And will consider what He has done.
10 The righteous man will be glad in the LORD and will take refuge in Him;
And all the upright in heart will glory.”  Psalm 64:9-10.

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