CLOSER TO GOD? Part One

GETTING CLOSER TO GOD? Part One.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

  Matthew 9:12-13 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. [Mk.2:17; Lk.5:32]

  Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

  This morning I read a Christian university’s full page ad stating that after about 1,000 days on their campus a student will be “Bolder, wiser, closer to Christ”.

  Bolder? Yes, a very real possibility. Something that should happen.

  Wiser? Yes, the exposure and involvement should result in wiser than at inception of undergraduate studies.

  Closer to God? No, even though this is a common belief held to and propagated by most Christians. In pulpit or pew. And as with any misconception about the Word, living (Jn.1:1) and written (2Tim.3:16; 2Pet.1:20), we should not hold to and/or promulgate it; for in doing so we miss out ourselves and present a poor model for others.

  But What of James 4:8, is it not the basis for this belief that drives so many?

  Yes, it is man’s basis, but definitely not God’s direction to His followers, those trusting the Word that provides otherwise.

  The understanding is provided in Berean-like studying the verse.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

  Note the description of sinners therein.

  Where in God’s Word are believers called “sinners”? “sinners” is 48 times in 46 KJV verses. Do the work. Look them up and read in context.

  The followers of Lord Jesus Christ are never referred to as sinners. We are called saints 61 times in the New Testament. Look the verses up and study them. Do the 2Timothy 2:15 work.

  The truth is that Christians can do nothing to grow closer to God. But more on this in the days ahead. Today’s thoughts are enough for today.

EBB4