Have you ever heard anyone say something like this, “Becoming a Christian is easy; being a Christian – living the Christian life – is the tough part”? For anyone practicing the faith that God has instilled in them, the second part of this statement has been proven true on more than one occasion. However, I would like to take issue with the first part of the statement.
What was Jesus speaking of when He referred to coming to Him for rest in Matthew 11:28? It may not mean what you think.
In plain language, a profession of faith that is not supported by the practical application of that faith is not a profession of faith at all and is useless for purposes of salvation.
A Christian is a person who confesses Christ as Lord and believes in the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Where there is no obedience to the commands of Christ – no life-application of the truths taught by the word of God – then there never was a salvation experience. This takes us to the very core of why there is a plan of redemption in the first place. God is perfect and complete in every way. He needs nothing from us. In fact, He doesn’t even need us.
Forgiveness is such a challenging concept that the only one who can truly succeed at it is God. Forgiveness on our part requires that we submit to the authority and power of God. Only by doing so can we truly forgive.
I am convinced that forgiveness is an attribute that belongs uniquely to God. Only God can do it. There is no other power in the Universe that can forgive. It is that hard. Only He can heal such glaring wounds that tear our hearts and bruise our souls. We are powerless against them.
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