“Faith is the condition of our reception of life (Gal. 3:22). No person can quicken themselves; this is a thing the law is incapable of, and hence no good deed can obtain it for us (Gal. 3:21). It is the Holy Spirit who does the work in us.”
B B Warfield (Selected Shorter Writings)
The Chief Thing
Calvin says that the chief thing of the gospel is that Christ is given to us and that in him is life.
(Titus Commentary. p. 286)
The Word & Words
Believing the Words of Jesus cannot be done apart from believing the Word who is Jesus. This is why we read the Scriptures because to believe the Word of God is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hell-Delivering Concern
How concerned are we for the lost? Do we agonize painfully in prayer for their salvation. Do we declare the love of Christ for sinners? Doctrinal exactness is no substitute for preaching Jesus & him crucified. Without the love of Christ manifest in our lives & preaching – precision in theology will leave sinners cold & dead. I am all for doctrinal exactness and we should be very concerned for that – but let our hearts be fired with love from our doctrine for the sinner who is perishing. The lost husband or wife or child or friend. Pray about this – seek Christ about it – since he sought you and found you.
On What have You Set your Mind?
The mind set on the flesh - is death
The mind set on the Spirit - is life & peace
The flesh may give pleasure now – but its ways are the ways of death – it brings remorse & pain
The Spirit is life-giving & peace–rewarding
Choose life & peace