Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 3.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+3&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey?
Does a young lion growl from his den unless he has captured something?
5 Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground when there is no bait in it?
Does a trap spring up from the earth when it captures nothing at all?
6 If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble?
If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it?
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared!  Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!  Who can but prophesy?”  Amos 3:4-8.

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In other words, Amos is saying, in my paraphrase:  “God has prepared everything to carry out His threats.  Everything is ready for the calamity.  God is roaring for good cause.  God does control everything.  God does cause calamity as part of His punishments.  God lets His prophets know what He is about to do.  I am one of God’s prophets.  God has spoken to me about what He will do.  I cannot resist telling others about what He told me that He will do.  Pay attention to my prophecy!”

We have all of Scriptures in which there are many prophecies of warning by God’s faithful prophets.  Pay attention!  Repent!  God may relent from doing the calamity that He has threatened.

““11 The LORD utters His voice before His army;
Surely His camp is very great,
For strong is he who carries out His word.
The day of the LORD is indeed great and very awesome,
And who can endure it?
12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.”  Joel 2:11-13.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 2.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Judah and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they rejected the law of the LORD
And have not kept His statutes;
Their lies also have led them astray,
Those after which their fathers walked.
5 “So I will send fire upon Judah
And it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem.”

6 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Israel and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they sell the righteous for money
And the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 “These who pant after the very dust of the earth on the head of the helpless
Also turn aside the way of the humble;
And a man and his father resort to the same girl
In order to profane My holy name.
8 “On garments taken as pledges they stretch out beside every altar,
And in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.”  Amos 2:4-8.

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In the previous chapter and devotion, we meditated on the nations that were neighbors to Judah and Israel and God’s judgment and punishment for their sins.

There may be those in Judah and Israel who felt morally superior to the nations surrounding them, and they may have heard of Amos’ prophecy with delight and may have been eager to wag their finger at them.

But, in this chapter and devotion, we meditate on Judah and Israel and God’s judgment and punishment for their sins.

“9 What then?  Are we better than they?  Not at all;  for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;  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 3:9-12.

And, God had the right to require more from Judah and Israel considering all the guidance, protection, and other blessings that He gave them as He detailed in verses 9-11.

“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few.  From everyone who has been given much, much will be required;  and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”  Luke 12:47-48.

“Then what advantage has the Jew?  Or what is the benefit of circumcision?  Great in every respect.  First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.”  Romans 3:1-2.

Much will be required of us today.

Today, we too have been given God’s Word.  But, we have been given much more than the Jews in Amos day.  The Jews in Amos’ day had part of the Old Testament, but we have all of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament.  Most importantly, we have Jesus Christ, the exact representation of God, a Teacher and Savior.

We have countless churches and publications and other sources by which we can hear and read good preaching and good teaching.

We have two thousand years of forefathers in the faith from whom we can learn and stand on their shoulders.

We have all the sound doctrine developed by them.

In conclusion, it is noteworthy and a warning to us today that the very first transgression listed is that Judah rejected God’s law and did not keep His statutes.  See verse 4.  This rejection of God’s Word was likely the cause of the other transgressions and ultimately the reason for God’s punishment.

“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.

Most may be required of us Reformed believers who have received knowledge of the truth.  Arminians believe that Christ’s blood was shed for everyone but that Christ’s blood was ineffective by itself to save, because they believe that something needs to be added to Christ’s blood in order for it to be able to save.  But Reformed believers know the truth of how precious the blood of Christ is, because Christ’s blood was shed only for God’s elect but is able to provide all that is needed for salvation.  Arminians believe that they need to contribute something to Christ’s blood to be effective for their salvation whether it be works, wisdom, or even just the alleged free-will to be saved.  But Reformed believers know the truth that they are saved by grace alone and that all the saving gifts were purchased by Christ’s blood.

Reformed believers have received knowledge of the truth, but will we Reformed believers trample on Christ’s blood, not in the sense of being hateful to it but in the sense of treating it as ineffective by itself, like the description in Matthew 5: 13:  “…if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”?

Reformed believers have received knowledge of the truth, but will we Reformed believers insult the Spirit of grace by taking partial credit for salvation?

What will we Reformed believers do with this knowledge of truth of which we have been entrusted?

“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”  1 Thessalonians 2:4.

“For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed;  for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”  2 Timothy 1:6-14.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 1.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+1&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“11 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Edom and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
While he stifled his compassion;
His anger also tore continually,
And he maintained his fury forever.
12 “So I will send fire upon Teman
And it will consume the citadels of Bozrah.”  Amos 1:11-12.

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In Amos chapter 1, Amos prophesied God’s judgment on the nations, one by one, that were neighbors to Israel.  Using similar language as shown above in the quoted verses, Amos prophesied that for three transgressions or four of the nation, God would not revoke the punishment.  The total effect of the chapter is a demonstration of God’s justice and sovereignty.  No nation escapes God’s attention, control, and sovereign judgment.  No nation is only barely guilty.  No nation escapes God’s just punishment.

“You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity.  Selah.”  Psalm 59:5.

“4 … You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
5 You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins,
And You have uprooted the cities;
The very memory of them has perished.

7 But the LORD abides forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,
8 And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.”  Psalm 9:4-8.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.”  Psalm 97:1-3.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel chapter 3.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+3&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“The LORD roars from Zion
And utters His voice from Jerusalem,
And the heavens and the earth tremble.
But the LORD is a refuge for His people
And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.”  Joel 3:16.

__________

“6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place;  You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.”  Psalm 32:6-7.

“For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength against the enemy.”  Psalm 61:3.

“20 Come, my people, enter into your rooms
And close your doors behind you;
Hide for a little while
Until indignation runs its course.
21 For behold, the LORD is about to come out from His place
To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;
And the earth will reveal her bloodshed
And will no longer cover her slain.”  Isaiah 26:20-21.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel 2:18-32.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
29 “Even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

30 “I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth,
Blood, fire and columns of smoke.
31 “The sun will be turned into darkness
And the moon into blood
Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
32 “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Will be delivered;
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
There will be those who escape,
As the Lord has said,
Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”  Joel 2:28-32.

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Other doctrine put salvation in man’s control by only quoting the first part of the verse:  “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered”.

But, Reformed Doctrine see the qualifier at the end of the verse:  “Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.” which puts control of salvation in God’s control.

Likewise, we read a similar qualifier which puts salvation in God’s control in Acts chapter 2 which quotes Joel 2:28-32 and then later states:  “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  Acts 2:39.

“For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;  and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:44.

“And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”  John 6:65.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”  Matthew 22:14.

Other doctrine nevertheless rebels against salvation being in God’s control.

But, Reformed Doctrine sees man’s “Total Depravity” throughout Scripture.  Man is dead in sin, hostile to God, enslaved to sin and Satan.  Reformed Doctrine understands that without God’s control, man would never come to God.

“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 you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”  Ephesians 2:1-3.

“… you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,”  Colossians 1:21.

“… you were slaves of sin …”  Romans 6:20.

But, there is hope!  Salvation is in God’s control.

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:22-23.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  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 2:4-9.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel 2:1-17.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“11 The LORD utters His voice before His army;
Surely His camp is very great,
For strong is he who carries out His word.
The day of the LORD is indeed great and very awesome,
And who can endure it?
12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.
14 Who knows whether He will not turn and relent
And leave a blessing behind Him,
Even a grain offering and a drink offering
For the LORD your God?
15 Blow a trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly,
16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and the nursing infants.
Let the bridegroom come out of his room
And the bride out of her bridal chamber.
17 Let the priests, the LORD’s ministers,
Weep between the porch and the altar,
And let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD,
And do not make Your inheritance a reproach,
A byword among the nations.
Why should they among the peoples say,
‘Where is their God?’”  Joel 2:11-17.

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Joel 2:1-10 contains some of the scariest descriptions of God’s punishment in Scripture.

“Blow a trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm on My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
For the day of the LORD is coming;
Surely it is near,
2 A day of darkness and gloom,
A day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the dawn is spread over the mountains,
So there is a great and mighty people;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations.
3 A fire consumes before them
And behind them a flame burns.
The land is like the garden of Eden before them
But a desolate wilderness behind them,
And nothing at all escapes them.”  Joel 2:1-3.

But, there is hope!

“12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.”  Verses 12-13.

At another time, the King of Nineveh heeded a warning by Jonah of God’s punishment and recognized that hope that God may relent, and so the King of Nineveh commanded his people to repent.

“He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles:  Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing.  Do not let them eat or drink water.  But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth;  and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands.  Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.”

When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them.  And He did not do it.”  Jonah 3:7-10.

Let us not just wag our finger at others thinking that the many warnings of God’s punishment in Scripture are only for others more evil than us.  But rather, let us also heed those warnings;  let us also take hope that God may relent;  and let us also repent.

“Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?  I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:15.

“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:7-8.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel chapter 1.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+1&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off
From the house of the LORD.
The priests mourn,
The ministers of the LORD.

…

13 Gird yourselves with sackcloth
And lament, O priests;
Wail, O ministers of the altar!
Come, spend the night in sackcloth
O ministers of my God,
For the grain offering and the drink offering
Are withheld from the house of your God.”  Joel 1:9 and 13.

——————-

In today’s Scripture, there is a lot about which to cry and mourn and wail.  The devastation was total.  There was no food left.  Even the water was gone.  Everything was destroyed.

“Hear this, O elders,
And listen, all inhabitants of the land.
Has anything like this happened in your days
Or in your fathers’ days?”  Verse 2.

“Alas for the day!
For the day of the LORD is near,
And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.”  Verse 15.

It would seem that the lack of grain offering and drink offering to offer God in the house of God would not be worthy of comment.  But, we see it mentioned at least twice as a cause of mourning and lament in the two verses quoted above.  Verses 9 and 13.

When we consider in comparison whether or not we mourn if something interferes with our worship of God, we will likely realize how easy is it for us to skip attending church or skip reading God’s Word!

Dear Heavenly Father:

We are dead in our sin.  Please make us alive.  Please remove our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh.  PLEASE FORGIVE US!  Please draw us to Yourself.  Please restore us to the joy of Your salvation.  Please cause us to pant after You.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.”  Psalm 42:1-4.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.”  Psalm 42:11.

“25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:25-26.

Today’s devotion comes from Hosea chapter 14.

“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 Take words with you and return to the LORD.
Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity
And receive us graciously,
That we may present the fruit of our lips.
3 “Assyria will not save us,
We will not ride on horses;
Nor will we say again, ‘Our god,’
To the work of our hands;
For in You the orphan finds mercy.”

4 I will heal their apostasy,
I will love them freely,
For My anger has turned away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
He will blossom like the lily,
And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
6 His shoots will sprout,
And his beauty will be like the olive tree
And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.
7 Those who live in his shadow
Will again raise grain,
And they will blossom like the vine.
His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like a luxuriant cypress;
From Me comes your fruit.

9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
For the ways of the LORD are right,
And the righteous will walk in them,
But transgressors will stumble in them.”  Hosea chapter 14.

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“The Rock!  His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.”  Deuteronomy 32:4.

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.”  Psalm 128:1.

“4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.”  Psalm 25:4-5.

“Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?  Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.  Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.  So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.  For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.  He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.”  Deuteronomy 10:12-18.

“17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways
And kind in all His deeds.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20 The LORD keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.”  Psalm 145:17-21.

“3 And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!
4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed.”  Revelation 15:3-4.

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

I quote only the following verse.

“Yet I have been the Lord your God
Since the land of Egypt;
And you were not to know any god except Me,
For there is no savior besides Me.”  Verse 4.

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“10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
So that you may know and believe Me
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
And there will be none after Me.
11 “I, even I, am the Lord,
And there is no savior besides Me.
12 “It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed,
And there was no strange god among you;
So you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“And I am God.
13 “Even from eternity I am He,
And there is none who can deliver out of My hand;
I act and who can reverse it?”  Isaiah 43:10-13.

What does it mean that “there is no savior besides Me.”?

Consider the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 29.  Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, a Savior?

A.  Because He saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins;  and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.

Q. 30.  Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?

A.  They do not;  for though they boast of Him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior;  for one of these two things must be true, either that Jesus is not a complete Savior, or that they who by a true faith receive this Savior must find all things in Him necessary to their salvation.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt.

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.

And yet, other doctrine believes that Jesus is not a complete Savior by their deeds which show that they trust in their wisdom, their works, and their will to provide what they think is missing and needed for their salvation.

But, Reformed Doctrine believes that Jesus is a complete Savior Who provides all things necessary for salvation and trusts in Him alone.

“And there is salvation in no one else;  for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12.

“and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”  Colossians 2:10.

“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.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:2-5.

Today’s devotion comes from Hosea chapter 12.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+12&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“Therefore, return to your God,
Observe kindness and justice,
And wait for your God continually.”  Verse 6.

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Simple summaries in Scripture such as verse 6 encourage us that by God’s grace we can live the Christian life that pleases God.  Here are three more examples.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8.

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”  James 1:27.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:6.

It would be inconsistent with these simple summaries for preachers and teachers to teach or even infer that only the smartest seminary-trained students can live the Christian life that pleases God.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-28.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

And yet, how often do we see preachers and teachers take great delight in showing off their knowledge of Greek or Hebrew to supposedly reveal the true meaning of the text, but such displays too often only undermine our faith in English translations of Scripture and our own ability to study God’s Word!

Such preachers and teachers do not care so much about us arriving to the truth as much as they want us to be continually enslaved to them and their process so that we continually support them and their egos.  Such preachers and teachers and their disciples are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  2 Timothy 3:7.