Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard
Grace and Peace Episode 33
Presbyterian Church of Easton
May 1, 2021
Grace and Peace Episode 33
Presbyterian Church of Easton
May 1, 2021
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Heidelberg Catechism
62Q. Why can’t our good works be our righteousness before God or at least a part of our righteousness?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s judgment must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. But even our best works in this life are imperfect and stained with sin.
62Q. Why can’t our good works be our righteousness before God or at least a part of our righteousness?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God’s judgment must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. But even our best works in this life are imperfect and stained with sin.
63Q. How can our good works be said to merit nothing when God promises to reward them in this life and the next?
A. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
A. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
64Q. But doesn’t this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ through true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ through true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.
Most believe that if they lead good lives God will bless them with forgiveness and they will go to heaven. Nothing is farther from the truth. No matter how well we live our lives it is impossible for us to be good enough. God demands perfect righteousness that we can never achieve. But we receive Christ’s righteousness imputed upon us. When God looks at us he sees Jesus and declares us not guilty. This is a gift of God’s grace.
So why should we live good lives? If we are saved by the grace of God, then why lead lives of obedience? The answer is, “out of gratitude”. We are so thankful for the grace and blessing we receive we express our gratitude by doing what God wants us to do. As Christians, we grow more and like Christ and become more and more thankful and more and more obedient. Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gracious gift of forgiveness. In our gratitude, we respond by living as you would have us live. Help us Lord to know your will and grow in obedience. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment