“Jesus didn’t shed His blood so you and I could have a passport to happiness and heaven, while continuing to indulge our lust, anger, and jealousy; our addictions and critical, competitive spirits; our selfishness and pride.”- Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
As Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth continues Chapter 2 of Holiness, she discusses the third and fourth powerful biblical motivations for holy living.
3. Because Jesus died to deliver us from sin. Nancy underscores that securing our salvation exemplifies God’s infinite, matchless wonder, sacrifice, and grace. As a result, it’s futile to cling to sin. J. C. Ryles (1816-1900) explains:
“Surely that man musts be in an unhealthy state of soul who can think of all Jesus suffered, and yet cling to those sins for which that suffering was undergone. It was sin that wove the crown of thorns . . . pierced our Lord’s hands and feet and side . . . brought Him to Gethsemane and Calvary, to the cross and to the grave. Cold must our hearts be if we do not hate sin and labour to get rid of it.”
4. Because we are saints. However, often people associate the word saint with an unusually pious or virtuous person. Yet, the apostle Paul often addressed New Testament believers as saints. Hence, Nancy states, Paul wanted them to compare their incongruous behavior with their true nature.
In conclusion, the author noes that, as a child of God, your heart desires to live like a saint, albeit imperfectly. By God’s grace, you actively pursue holiness and grow to reflect Christ as you become more like Him.
Today’s question: Have you ever considered Jesus merely a passport to happiness and heaven? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A reflection of what God is like”