Sin is a heavy burden that weights upon us all. To understand that you, and I are sinners, is the first step toward the cure. Jesus said,
Matt.9:12, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
What man is there who is righteous?
Paul writes, Rom.3:10, "There is none righteous, no, not one." Ver.12, "They (mankind) are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one."
So who is in need of a Saviour? God in His mercy looks down on us from heaven, He examines the hearts of all men. He inquires, "Who is it that fears me? Who is it that seeks after me? These alone are in need of a Saviour, for Mine eyes look on the inward parts; I will not be deceived."
"In us dwelleth no good thing,"
Jer.17:9-10, states it best. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins (mind,) even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (deeds.)"
Our whole nature has been darkened with sin. What man is there that can restrain their every thought? their every action? their every motive? Sin is an unwelcome visitor. The eye scans the landscapes, the mind lusts after that which they eye has seen; the feet run to destruction; as the hand reaches out, taking hold of the tail of the beast that devours, and destroys.
Does any one man's worth distinguish him between that of another? Is their any particular characteristic that separates them? What reward is it, that a man's work deserves? There are no distinguishing marks, nor characteristics, none; does that surprise you?
Yet if a difference in one man's character can be noted, its only the cause that has affected that difference; and what cause may that be?
In the eyes of God, man is a fallen creature. Therefore, the Father sent His only Begotton Son to die for us. If this were not true, what other purpose could be served in sending a Saviour?
False reasoning, presumptuous hopes, and views of religion, and self, stand before us as stumbling stones. We continue in a state of an unawakened, unregenerate nature; we present to the world a false glossed over spiritual security, a blindness of body, soul, and spirit inducing a false satisfaction; then continually side-step the one thing that is needful. Can salvation be found in the singing of a melody, in the long prayer of a pastor? Can it be found in the giving of alms, or the politeness of a person? In which of these can salvation be found?
Man's portrait is accurately sketched by the pen of God, our true nature having been revealed. But how different is that blessing the Holy Spirit presents us with. In mosaic stands the bride of Christ; in vivid color patterns is she portrayed. The artist stands alone in His esteem and glory, for He is our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ; and we are the work of His hand.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com
Matt.9:12, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
What man is there who is righteous?
Paul writes, Rom.3:10, "There is none righteous, no, not one." Ver.12, "They (mankind) are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one."
So who is in need of a Saviour? God in His mercy looks down on us from heaven, He examines the hearts of all men. He inquires, "Who is it that fears me? Who is it that seeks after me? These alone are in need of a Saviour, for Mine eyes look on the inward parts; I will not be deceived."
"In us dwelleth no good thing,"
Jer.17:9-10, states it best. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins (mind,) even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (deeds.)"
Our whole nature has been darkened with sin. What man is there that can restrain their every thought? their every action? their every motive? Sin is an unwelcome visitor. The eye scans the landscapes, the mind lusts after that which they eye has seen; the feet run to destruction; as the hand reaches out, taking hold of the tail of the beast that devours, and destroys.
Does any one man's worth distinguish him between that of another? Is their any particular characteristic that separates them? What reward is it, that a man's work deserves? There are no distinguishing marks, nor characteristics, none; does that surprise you?
Yet if a difference in one man's character can be noted, its only the cause that has affected that difference; and what cause may that be?
In the eyes of God, man is a fallen creature. Therefore, the Father sent His only Begotton Son to die for us. If this were not true, what other purpose could be served in sending a Saviour?
False reasoning, presumptuous hopes, and views of religion, and self, stand before us as stumbling stones. We continue in a state of an unawakened, unregenerate nature; we present to the world a false glossed over spiritual security, a blindness of body, soul, and spirit inducing a false satisfaction; then continually side-step the one thing that is needful. Can salvation be found in the singing of a melody, in the long prayer of a pastor? Can it be found in the giving of alms, or the politeness of a person? In which of these can salvation be found?
Man's portrait is accurately sketched by the pen of God, our true nature having been revealed. But how different is that blessing the Holy Spirit presents us with. In mosaic stands the bride of Christ; in vivid color patterns is she portrayed. The artist stands alone in His esteem and glory, for He is our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ; and we are the work of His hand.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com
