Category: Sin

A Hard Heart

The showdown between Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 7-10 displays the Lord’s power as He sends nine different plagues to Egypt, one at a time. Scripture tells us that even as Pharaoh’s people suffer through water turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and 3 days of utter darkness, his heart remains hard. Maybe you’ve known someone with a hard heart, or, maybe you’ve gone through seasons of having one yourself. It’s discouraging seeing it in others and not something we want to drift towards in ourselves. So, understanding the causes and solutions for a hardened heart will help us safeguard ourselves and guide us in how to pray for others.

First, let’s clarify the broad biblical meaning of the word “heart.” “The Bible considers the heart to be the hub of human personality, producing the things we would ordinarily ascribe to the ‘mind’… Also, Jesus tells us that the heart is a repository for good and evil and that what comes out of our mouth – good or bad – begins in the heart: ‘A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’”1 (Luke 6:45, NIV)

No one is immune from developing a hard heart. Even Jesus’ disciples experienced this at times. When Jesus overhears them bickering about not having enough bread for their journey, He says: 

“Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Mark 8:17-21, NIV

Jesus identifies the characteristics of a hard heart as an inability to see, understand, hear, and remember the hand of God at work in our lives. Do you ever lament current circumstances or worry about future ones without remembering how God has provided for you in the past? I do. When we forget to look back at God’s faithfulness or fail to have gratitude, we’re more prone to having feelings of entitlement or resentment when life doesn’t proceed as anticipated. Sometimes our hearts harden when our comfort feels threatened or we don’t get what we think we “deserve.” When we act like God owes us something, we’re overlooking our pitiful state and the Lord’s incredible grace: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-4, NIV)

Similar to lacking gratitude, unconfessed sin also leads to a hardened heart: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10, NIV) Ignoring sin causes us to lose our sensitivity to wrongdoing and dulls the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It’s a bit like developing thick callouses on bare feet: We feel the pain of sin less as our hearts harden more. Consider David’s words to the Lord when he finally confesses and repents after committing adultery with Bathsheba: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, NIV) David’s heart had to be broken over his sin before he could admit it, turn away from it, and be restored to a right relationship with the Lord.  To prevent our hearts from hardening, we need to be intentional about not letting sin build up in our lives. As we consistently confess and turn away from sin, our hearts remain soft and malleable toward the leading of the Lord.

Pride is another factor leading to a hardened heart. “The root of Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness was his pride and arrogance. Even in the face of tremendous proofs and witnessing God’s powerful hand at work, Pharaoh’s hardened heart caused him to deny the sovereignty of the one, true God.”2 Pride causes us to rely on our own wisdom but Scripture tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV)

Neglecting time with the Lord also contributes to a hardened heart because we remain soft and teachable as we seek Him. David provides a pattern for prayer we can follow daily: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV) Studying the Bible consistently also keeps our hearts tethered to the Lord: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11, NIV)

In addition to prioritizing time with the Lord, connecting with other followers of Jesus is vital for accountability. Fellow believers help us to recognize attitudes or behaviors that are dulling our sensitivity to sin or causing us to grow complacent: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV) Gathering to worship and study Scripture with other believers also fortifies our faith and keeps us from drifting into apathy or hard heartedness: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians provides an inspiring example of how to pray for others and ourselves: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Ephesians 3:18, NIV)

Click here to enjoy a worship moment Kristian Stanfill’s “My Heart is Yours.”

  1. Quoted from “What are the causes and solutions for a hardened heart?” www.gotquestions.org 

2. ibid

Post inspired by Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Lifeway Press, 2021.

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Don’t Compensate, Confess

True story: many years ago I received a bouquet from the leader of a group I’d been serving. Although I love flowers and accepted them with a smile, I threw them away as soon as I got home. I’d been hurt repeatedly by the person who presented them to me, so her grand gesture in front of others felt hollow and forced. The flowers were like salt being poured into a gaping wound that she had created. It took a long time and some good counseling to to work through the hurt and bitterness I felt.

Can you relate to my reaction? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who struggled with apologizing? Maybe they tried to compensate for hurting you by giving you gifts, paying you compliments, or offering kind gestures. Whatever they did, it probably didn’t improve your relationship the way admitting they were wrong and asking forgiveness would have.

It doesn’t feel good when people hurt us and then try to “make nice.” Does it surprise you to know that God feels the same way? Consider this passage from Haggai:

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’”

The priests answered, “No.”

Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?”

“Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.”

 Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.” (Haggai 2:11-14, NIV)

This somewhat strange example illustrates a hard truth: Our sin not only hurts God, it repulses Him. One commentary explains, “disobedience renders even sacrificial worship unacceptable.”1 Just as a kind gesture doesn’t replace an authentic apology, doing good things to honor the Lord doesn’t compensate for our sin. Approaching Him without confessing our sins hinders our connection to Him.

The prophet Isaiah explains how sin blocks our communication with God: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2, NIV) Although confessing our sins may feel uncomfortable, it’s vital for keeping the lines of communication open with God.

Let’s pause for a moment to clarify what sin is. In ancient Greek it means “to miss the mark” and in ancient Hebrew it means “to go astray.” In archery whether an arrow veers from the bullseye by a millimeter or a foot, it still misses. The Bible says we’ve all missed the mark of perfection that God requires: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV)

This isn’t just about sins that show on the outside that we consider “big” like murder or adultery. We also fall short by smaller, hidden sins like harboring bitterness, envy, jealousy, and unforgiveness. Being prideful and unwilling to admit we’re wrong are also quiet but destructive sins. 

Our culture doesn’t like to talk about sin or even to acknowledge its existence. But for those who follow Christ, it’s important to remember that our forgiveness was bought at a massive cost. Sin is so bad Jesus came to earth and died to pay for it. Admitting we’re sinners and accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross is the only way to compensate for our sin.

There are two elements to forgiveness we need to keep in mind. First is positional forgiveness: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7, NIV) This happens when we accept Christ’s death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Acknowledging that we’re sinners and accepting Jesus’ death on the cross as the punishment for our sins eliminates the barrier of sin that kept us from connecting to God personally.

This amazing truth can be confusing, however. We all know that even after accepting Christ, sin is still a factor in our lives. Because of this, we need to be intentional about examining our hearts and actions regularly. Confessing to God when we’ve sinned against Him enables us to receive relational forgiveness. Jennifer Rothschild explains, “He doesn’t love you less because you sin. Rather, He loves you too much to let you stay there.”2 Scripture reassures us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV) So, positional forgiveness is a one-time event that redeems our sinful state, saving us from God’s wrath and eternal judgement. On the other hand, relational forgiveness restores fellowship with God and purifies us from our ongoing sins.

Take a few minutes and consider: Is there an action or attitude that might be blocking your connection to God right now? Are you covering over sin and trying to compensate for it instead of confessing it? Perhaps you’re serving God in a specific ministry while harboring sinful thoughts and attitudes. Maybe you’re involved in “doing good” for others but overlooking the ways you’re hurting people closest to you. If you’re trying to cover the stench of sin instead of cleaning it out, be honest with yourself and God. 

Jennifer Rothschild encourages us: “Our personal purity of heart not only honors God and gives our obedience greater significance, it can be an influence for good to all we encounter…through Christ’s grace and strength, we can maintain pure motives and pure hearts not only for our sakes, but for God’s glory and others’ protection.”2

Confession and repentance may feel difficult and even frightening at times, but Scripture tells us they bring refreshment to us: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19, NIV)

Listen to “Come to the Altar” and let it prompt you to stop ignoring the sin God wants to cleanse from your life so you can enjoy close fellowship with Him again. Click here to listen.

1. Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books ©1985, 1543.

2. Jennifer Rothschild, Take Courage: A Study of Haggai, Lifeway Press 2020, 156 & 159.

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When Convenience Leads to Compromise

We first meet Elijah in 1 Kings 18 as he confronts wicked King Ahab of Israel and tells him the Lord will withhold rain from Israel for three years. To understand this bold confrontation, we need some historical context. Priscilla Shirer takes us back in time to Solomon’s dedication of the temple, “over the course of eight decades in Israel, spanning six different kings, the God-honoring families who once esteemed Him had incrementally relaxed their commitments. They’d departed from the singular worship of Yahweh. They’d welcomed idolatrous activity into their lives as an accepted practice.”1

This downward spiral picked up speed about 50 years before King Ahab, when his forefather, Jeroboam, became the first king of Israel’s Northern Kingdom. Jeroboam feared any threat to his power, especially from his southern rival in Judah, King Rehoboam. This fear led him to reinvent what and where his people worshiped: “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, ‘It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’”(1 Kings 12:28, NIV)

So, to maintain his power and influence, Jeroboam rejected the ways of the Lord by making new religious symbols (golden calves) and new sanctuaries closer to home. Additionally, he installed new priests who complied with his wishes instead of following the Word of God. Finally, he replaced the Lord’s decrees to celebrate festivals at specific times and created new ones to replace them.2 He did all of this under the pretense of making worship more convenient for his people.

This rejection of the Lord, His ways, and His decrees set up future generations of Israelites to follow similar patterns and to add additional offenses on top of them. Ironically, Jeroboam ignored the promise the Lord had made to him years earlier: “I will take you, and you will rule over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Israel. If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you.” (1 Kings 11:37b-38, NIV)

It seems so ridiculous, doesn’t it? We wonder how someone who had been promised so much could veer in the opposite direction and take a whole nation with him. It would be wise for us to learn from Jeroboam’s example and its consequences on future generations. Let’s examine them together.

-Jeroboam ignored God’s promises. He let fear of losing power and the desire to control his people drive him to create idols and devise new religious practices. It makes me wonder: When do we let fear cause us to ignore God’s promises? When are we so consumed with maintaining control of a situation that we do the opposite of what the Lord wants us to do? 

-Jeroboam made new gods for the Israelites to worship. People worship what captivates their time and attention. If we’re too busy or distracted to prioritize worshiping the Lord, praying, and Scripture reading, then what’s attracting our focus? We know better than to bow down to golden calves, but are there other less obvious “new gods” that dominate our thoughts and dictate our actions?

-Jeroboam used convenience as an excuse for compromise. Rather than traveling all the way to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, he created new sanctuaries closer to home. Where are we tempted to compromise for the sake of convenience? Are online church services making it easy to opt out of gathering with others for in-person worship? Do we tune out or numb ourselves when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin? Are we approaching church as consumers looking to be accommodated and expecting to be served? 

-Jeroboam appointed new priests who didn’t honor God or follow His Word. Are we tempted to follow the teachings of those who are revising beliefs to align with popular culture? Are we picking and choosing which biblical standards we want to follow? Are we replacing the authority of sound teaching with opinions of people who have charisma but lack character and biblical knowledge? 

-Jeroboam invented new religious festivals to replace ones instituted by God. Each feast on the Jewish calendar prompted God’s people to remember specific events that showed His faithfulness, or to make atonement for their sins. Additionally, observing the Sabbath created a weekly opportunity for the people to stop, slow down, and reconnect with the Lord. I wonder: Have we allowed holidays rooted in Scripture to be overshadowed by secular culture? Do we build in time for Sabbath rest once a week to experience spiritual refreshment and renewal? 

Those Old Testament stories that seem remote have more relevance than we realize at first glance. The questions I’ve asked may be unsettling, but they’re meant to help you consider any needed course corrections for your good. Are you willing to evaluate where you’re being influenced to compromise your faith for convenience, comfort, or acceptance?

Let Priscilla Shirer’s comments motivate you to realign with God’s truth and prioritize obedience to Him: “He has revealed Himself in creation so clearly that even those who aren’t seeking Him or wanting Him can be captivated by His majesty and power, His beauty and tenderness, as seen in the world around them. In fact, the evidence is so conspicuous that those who don’t believe are held responsible for ignoring it because in self-deceit they have willingly suppressed the mountain of evidence…When people foolishly declare there is no God, or when they dishonor Him by refusing to acknowledge Him or give Him due reverence, He eventually lets go. When people hate the things God has called good, or love the things He’s called evil, He finally just lets them have what they want, as well as the consequences that come with it.”3

Consider responding with a prayer like this: God, please make me more like Elijah. Show me where I’ve been tainted by idolatrous influences or dulled into spiritual apathy. Help me to recognize where I’ve compromised with secular culture and adopted attitudes and perspectives that align with it more than Your Word. Free me from the need to impress or please others. Help me to value your righteousness and to eliminate anything that I’m holding in higher regard than You.

While some people want to factor God out of the equation like Jeroboam did, the Lord’s power and presence remain as strong as ever. Be reminded of this by listening to “My God is Still the Same” by Sanctus Real.

  • 1. Priscilla Shirer, Elijah: Faith and Fire, Lifeway Press, 2020, p. 27
  • 2. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, 1985, p. 512-514
  • 3. ibid, p.30 (commentary on Romans 1:28)

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Session 4: David’s Confession

Digging my toes into the wet sand, I shook out my hand and kept writing in my journal. In two days, I’d be heading back to the “real world” after serving three life-changing weeks at a Christian camp. I’d already written several pages thanking God for the people and experiences He had used to transform me from a lukewarm Christian to a passionate follower of Jesus. Now, it was time to do the hard work of confronting the sins that I’d been avoiding for years. It felt awkward and embarrassing admitting them, even though God already knew. I feared that I’d fall right back into the same habits once I returned home. So, I told the Lord and asked Him to help me change. What I hadn’t expected was the relief and joy I would feel after coming clean before Him.

Without realizing it, I’d followed the example of David by offering up a heartfelt prayer of confession and repentance. Some scholars believe that David held out for a year before offering his prayer recorded in Psalm 51. He tried in vain to avoid admitting his wrongdoing after committing adultery with Bathsheba and ensuring her husband would be killed in battle. His confession provides a solid example for how to approach God with humility, admit sin, seek forgiveness, and repent.

It was only recently that I learned Psalm 51 has a follow up, also written by David. Scripture labels Psalm 32 as “a maskil of David”– a psalm intended to impart wisdom to others. In it, he emphasizes the importance of confessing sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. Let’s walk through this psalm and see what we can learn from David’s advice.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:1-4, NIV)

David starts by describing the blessing of receiving the Lord’s forgiveness. He explains the agony he experiences by remaining silent and not taking ownership over his sin. After describing the oppressive feeling of unconfessed sin, he moves on to show the relief of coming clean: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5, NIV)

The Lord demonstrates grace by forgiving David immediately once he confesses. The relief he experiences leads him to offer wisdom to others trapped in sin: “Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Ps 32:6-7, NIV)

David encourages us to confess our sins and receive protection and security through having a right relationship with the Lord. Next, he shows us that confession paves the way for us to receive direction from the Lord:  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

Circling back near the end, David helps us to see the negative consequences of refusing to confess our sin: “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (Psalm 32:9-10, NIV)

Using the example of a stubborn animal, David warns us not to hold out on God. Pastor John Piper explains, “When David acted like a mule God put the bridle of suffering on him and dragged him to the barn. A guilty conscience and all the agonies that go with it is a merciful gift to the unrepentant.”1

David concludes Psalm 32 reminding us of God’s great faithfulness. He describes the benefits of remaining within God’s circle of blessing and protection by walking in obedience to Him. Finally, David praises the Lord for His incredible goodness: “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:10-11, NIV)

God graciously convicts us of our sin through the Holy Spirit. He also uses the Bible to shine light on our transgressions so that we can confess them, be forgiven, and be restored to unhindered fellowship with Him. Here are a few “flashlight” passages you can explore: Exodus 20:1-17, Galatians 5:13-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21 and Colossians 3:1-17.

Is it hard for you to admit your sins and ask God to forgive you? The Lord never stops loving us and remains faithful always, but unconfessed sin hinders our relationship with Him. Don’t let stubbornness or shame keep you from receiving God’s grace and accessing His power to transform you. Take David’s advice to heart and come clean before the Lord in prayer. Humble yourself so that you can be refreshed by restored fellowship with Him.

Let Lauren Daigle’s song “How Can It Be” inspire you to confess, repent, and celebrate God’s grace and forgiveness.

1. John Piper, “Go to God in Prayer,” www.desiringgod.org

The GOAT Week 13: True Christianity

We’re closing in on our final two posts for the Greatest Sermon of All Time. This week we’ll explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-23 that uses three contrasting pairs to illustrate signs of true Christianity.

The Wide and Narrow Roads

Jesus starts by comparing two paths in life. He says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

Using the analogy of two roads for our lives, Jesus describes the first as the broad road of destruction. This route is easy to find because we’re born on it and will die on it unless we choose to get off. The wide road is like an eight-lane freeway that’s packed with drivers who don’t know or want a different route. This road is deceptive; it seems and feels right because everyone is moving in the same direction, but it’s leading to a terrible destination. The book of Proverbs describes it this way: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV).

Conversely, the narrow road requires difficult choices to deny ourselves and surrender our will to God. This road is harder but better because it leads to life. Here’s a harsh truth that is also good news: all roads lead to hell except the one that goes through Jesus. He says this clearly in John 10:9: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” He reiterates it in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives means daily choosing to walk through the narrow gate. This path is open to anyone who decides to follow Him. It leads to an abundant, fulfilling life that’s unlike anything we can find on the wide road. Are you walking the narrow road?

True and False Prophets

In the next section, Jesus continues to address the essence of true Christianity:

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 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.” (Matthew 7:15-20, NIV)

Using the analogy of fruit growing on vines or trees, Jesus illustrates that true Christianity produces a fruitful life. If we don’t see any evidence of Jesus in someone’s life, it may be that He’s not there. Conversely, true disciples display specific attributes: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)

When we consider the teachers we listen to, it’s important to evaluate the content of their messages and the fruit of their lives, not just the allure of attractive personalities or pretty words. Do the teachers you follow preach Jesus as the only way? Do they preach the Bible without mixing it with other philosophies? Are their lives consistent with the teachings of the Bible? Do they live full of grace and truth? Are the sermons, podcasts, books, and social media feeds you follow biblically sound?

Scripture provides several descriptions of false teachers, including this one written by Paul to encourage Timothy, a young pastor he was mentoring: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Tim 4:2-4, NIV) 

The teachers we follow shape our thoughts about God and His Word. They should be challenging us and sharpening our faith, not just telling us what feels good or flows with current trends in our culture. It’s vital that we’re reading the Bible on our own and not just letting teachers we like interpret it for us. How are the people you follow influencing your faith?

True and False Disciples

In His next comparison, Jesus addresses false disciples:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV)

In this section, Jesus emphasizes that true Christianity is based on the gospel, not on good works. The will of the Father is that all people would know Him (John 3:16-17). There’s a myth some people believe that we’ll stand at the gates of heaven and present Jesus with a list of our good works in hopes of gaining entry. This is not rooted in truth. False disciples believe good works earn God’s favor. True disciples know they are accepted by God only through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Regardless of our “good” or “bad” behavior, the Bible tells us: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24 NIV) Are you trying to “do” for God to earn His favor, or do you believe the gospel and rest in His grace?

Jesus’ words in these passages are direct and may feel jarring, but they are rooted in love. He raises the bar on how we’re called to live, but He walks beside us  and helps us every step of the way.

Celebrate the greatest preacher of all time by listening to “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson. Click here to watch her music video.

This post is based on Tyler Scott’s sermon “The GOAT Part 12” at CPC Danville. Click here to watch.

The GOAT 5a: Adultery & Divorce

Continuing our march through the greatest sermon of all time, we come to Jesus’ teaching on some hard topics: adultery and divorce. Just glancing at the headlines in any gossip magazine shows us the standards He sets reveal a sharp contrast to what we see in the world today. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues to raise the bar, admonishing us to be faithful in our relationships. 

He starts by expanding on the 7th Commandment found in Exodus 20:14: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”(Matthew 5:27-30, ESV)

Like His discussion on the relationship between murder and anger in Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus again explains that what happens in the heart leads to sinful behavior. Here He addresses the root issue of adultery: lust. While there are times we may admire someone’s appearance, lust moves into the driver’s seat when we take a second look. When we ruminate about that person sexually and let our minds roam freely, we’re headed for trouble.

Jesus uses exaggerated language here to make His point, telling us to gouge out our eyes or cut off our hands if they’re leading us to sin. He’s using hyperbole to get our attention, not telling us to maim ourselves. Being faithful in our relationships means guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and taking extreme measures to avoid sin. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

What might you need to “throw off” to be faithful in your relationships? What distracts or detracts from the people that matter most to you? Is there someone who influences you negatively? A website that leads you down a bad path? A social media platform that takes your thoughts in a negative direction? Are there books, magazines, or movies that make you fantasize unrealistically and see your spouse as less appealing? Maybe it’s time to cut them out of your life.

Jesus continues with another weighty topic: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31-32, ESV)

The Bible gives two clear grounds for divorce: (1) sexual immorality (mentioned here and again in Matthew 19:19) and (2) abandonment by an unbeliever (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:15). There are other instances not explicitly mentioned in Scripture such as abuse or addiction where separation may be warranted. The goal of separation should be for one or both spouses to pursue help and healing with the hope of reconciling. Meeting with a godly, trained counselor to confront issues and challenges should take place before ever considering divorce. Even in the two instances where there are biblical grounds, divorce is not required or even encouraged in Scripture. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration are the goal. Divorce should only be viewed as a last resort.

While the world sees divorce as a valid option for almost any reason, we can see God’s original intent for marriage in the first couple, Adam and Eve: One man and one woman in a committed, loving, lifelong relationship. God intends for such faithfulness in a relationship to reflect His forever love for His people: “I will betroth you to me forever;  I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.” (Hosea 2:19, NIV) God designed marriage as an illustration of the love and commitment between Himself and His people: “’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:21-32, NIV) 

Despite these teachings in Scripture, most of us have been exposed to the pain caused by divorce. If you haven’t been divorced yourself, you’ve witnessed its ripple effects in family members and friends who have experienced the deep hurt it causes. That pain is part of the reason Scripture says God hates divorce (Malachi 2:15-16). Note that it does NOT say God hates divorced people. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s love and grace are open to us all and there are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven.

For those who are married or hope to get married, the chances of maintaining a healthy marriage and avoiding divorce increase as we keep our focus on Jesus and let Him guide our relationships: “Contrary to what’s been reported for years, the divorce rate [for Christians] is not 50 percent; it’s more like 30 percent. And then we find that people who keep God at the center of their home and family stay married at far greater rates, and even thrive within those marriages. One of the reasons for this is that those whose first commitment is to the lordship of Jesus put fewer expectations upon their spouses to meet emotional needs that only God can meet. The lessening of unrealistic expectations gives marriages a stronger foundation upon which to withstand difficult times.”*

Sanctus Real’s song “Lead Me” describes the challenges and benefits of fighting for a healthy marriage. After the song, scroll down for some additional resources to maintain a healthy marriage.

Resources to support your marriage:

CPC Danville’s Marriage Mentoring program. Click here for more information.

Making Love Last by Laura Taggert

Becoming Us by Beth and Jeff McCord

I would be remiss not to address pornography, which is a huge issue related to these topics. Here are few articles for you:

“What Does the Bible Say About Pornography?”

“Is Pornography Addiction an Acceptable Reason for Divorce?”

*Quote from article: “Is The Divorce Rate Among Christians Truly The Same as Among Non-Christians?”  

Portions of this post were inspired by Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT: The Sermon on the Mount Part 5”

Lead Us Not into Temptation

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Two sides struggled for control of my heart, mind, and life. It was almost like I had a cartoonish angel and devil on each shoulder. I loved God and called Jesus my Savior, but I continued in a pattern of sin that kept me from growing and thriving in my faith. No one knew how much I struggled with the weight of guilt and shame. Praying to confess my sin felt futile and insincere because temptations were all around me and I couldn’t withstand them.

A turning point came when I left my environment and spent a season surrounded by solid believers who were passionate about Jesus. This time away from my normal routines and influences allowed me to discover and experience God in a deeper and more personal way. Once I got a taste of His goodness and grace, I didn’t want to go back. 

I began praying that God would lead me away from the temptations that made me stumble and veer off course. Over time the Lord answered those prayers and soon I found that activities that had tempted me previously stopped having the same allure. I wanted God more than I wanted the sins that had held me hostage for so long. I think that experience highlights the essence of the closing lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13, NIV)

This part of the prayer reminds us that we need God’s guidance because, left to our own devices, we gravitate towards what tempts us. Temptation is defined as “a condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from faith and holiness.” All of us need God’s help to withstand temptations so that we can avoid sin.

Let’s back up for a moment to see where the Lord leads us when we choose to follow Him:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV) God leads us to peace and refreshment. He guides us to do what is right for our good and His glory. 

David’s prayer from Psalm 139 further validates this part of the Lord’s Prayer: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV) The Lord leads us to eternal life with Him; following Him involves being humble enough to identify and confess sin.

Scripture also makes it clear that the Lord doesn’t lead us toward sin: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  (James 1:13-15, NIV)

And when we find ourselves faced with temptation and wanting to give in to evil desires, it’s good to remember we are not alone. Being tempted is part of being human. The Lord knows our struggles and provides a way out of temptation when we look to Him: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted. he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  (1 Cor 10:13, NIV)

Temptation to sin comes directly from the evil one. Jesus warned Simon Peter of this not long before His arrest and crucifixion saying, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32, NIV) In His warning to Simon Peter, Jesus shows us that the key to fighting temptation is fervent prayer.

The final lines of the Lord’s Prayer again echo David’s prayer: “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” (Psalm 141:4, NIV) Like Jesus’ example, David recognizes the enticement of sin and asks the Lord to keep him from being attracted to it.

Temptations change as we get older, but the gravitational pull towards sin remains with us until death. Our flesh and spirit battle continually; praying for the Lord not to lead us into temptation and to deliver us from evil demonstrates humble acknowledgement of this fact. When we know our weaknesses and are aware of the areas where we’re likely to fall into sin, we can pray proactively, asking the Lord to guide and protect us.

If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into understanding the power of prayer this summer, check out my new Bible study called Extraordinary Prayer. Click here for more information or see the “Book Table” tab on my website.

Francesca Battistelli’s song “Defender” provides a beautiful picture of how prayer opens the door for God to deliver us from evil and to show us how much better it is to follow His way.

Definition of temptation from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon based on Strong’s Concordance.

Forgive Us Our Debts

It was a brisk fall evening when the sport utility vehicle sped down our street, lost control around a curve, and mowed down our neighbors’ mailbox. After flattening the wooden post, it was still going fast enough to plow through a hedge and hit our parked SUV, spinning it backwards before slamming it into our garage. The speeding car finally came to a stop on our front lawn. Despite the sturdiness of the vehicle, its front end was a crumpled mass of metal. The sixteen-year-old driver emerged from the mangled car without a scratch. He had been racing his buddies down our street and misjudged the turn in the dark.

As the teenage boys sat on the curb waiting for the driver’s parents and the police, they discussed the incident with great enthusiasm, seeming to revel in the excitement of having totaled not one, but two, eight-passenger vehicles. Although this incident happened many years ago, I’ll never forget the behavior of the driver and his friends; their lack of remorse was stunning. At the time of the accident, my own boys were only six and four. I can remember making them study the smashed cars carefully so that they’d remember the incident when they were old enough to drive.

A few minutes later, the driver’s father arrived on the scene. We exchanged insurance information and he muttered, “I’m sorry this happened.” He never prompted his son look us in the eye and apologize. The boy didn’t return the next day to help clean up the mess in our yard or to replace our neighbor’s mailbox. I’m not sure if he learned any valuable lessons from that incident.

I was reminded of that event as I read the fourth phrase in the Lord’s Prayer this week: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12, NIV) Some faith traditions use the terms “trespasses” instead of “debts,” but the concept is the same. In this part of the prayer, Jesus models the importance of identifying and confessing our sins. 

 This isn’t a popular topic in today’s culture. It seems we’ve become a society averse to accepting responsibility for our wrongdoing, let alone labeling it as sin and seeking forgiveness. We shift blame whenever possible. Or even worse, we try to rationalize why the wrong things we’re doing are actually justified. Many in our culture want to excuse or even condone sinful behavior altogether.

To clarify: Sin comes in all forms and includes anything that misses the mark of God’s perfection. Many of us recognize “big” sins like murder, but we don’t realize that God is just as offended by “small” sins that may go unnoticed. As we read the Bible, the Lord convicts us of wrongdoing so we can confess, repent, and return to a right relationship with Him. If you’re not sure how to identify sin, check out Ephesians 5:1-20, Galatians 5:13-26, and James 2:8-17 for a sampling of actions and attitudes that do and don’t please God. This may feel awkward and uncomfortable, but read them prayerfully and be open to what the Lord reveals to you.

No one likes to admit they’re wrong, but for those who call themselves followers of Jesus, this needs to be something we do regularly. When we humble ourselves, admit our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, He offers it freely. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV) Here’s the catch: we can’t be forgiven personally if we don’t acknowledge our sin.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the value of godly sorrow and true repentance. Following up on a previous letter he sent that rebuked them for some sinful behaviors, he says: “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-10, NIV)

Godly sorrow involves repenting–turning away from our sins and going in a different direction. It is grief over the wickedness of our sins. It expresses sadness, understanding the hurt we cause our heavenly Father when we engage in sin. Coming to God with a contrite heart enables us to experience the tremendous grace and forgiveness He offers us through the blood of Jesus.

Conversely, worldly sorrow is self-centered. It is focused on the painful consequences of sin, not on the offense it is to God. It is sorry the situation happened, but it accepts no blame and has no intention of changing. (Sounds like my opening story, doesn’t it?) Worldly sorrow is an apology with words with the goal of placating the offended party, but with no remorse behind it.

It’s easy to get swept up in the attitude of our culture—to want to avoid responsibility for wrongdoing or to explain it away. We receive this message subtly, but constantly. If we follow Jesus, we must be on our guards lest we get lured into this way of thinking.

When was the last time you came before God with a contrite heart, deeply troubled by the hurt you’d caused Him through your sin? It’s never too late to pray and humbly ask for forgiveness. God has so much more to offer us than the world does. The first step to discovering that is our humble repentance.

Cody Carnes’ song “Run to the Father” paints a beautiful picture of the mercy and grace that await us when we confess our sin and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Jesus already paid the price for it, don’t let your pride hold you back from receiving it.

Tying a Bow on Genesis

The book of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is alive and active. Having just finished studying Genesis for the third time, I can attest to the truth of this statement. I’ve delved into the stories of Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Joseph, Judah, and Tamar at different seasons in my life; although the tales remain the same, the truth I glean from them continues to expand.

Here are a few of the things that stood out to me in my most recent journey through Genesis:

  1. God is sovereign.  He possesses supreme and ultimate power. He gives us free will and doesn’t force us to follow His ways, but He is still the One who is ultimately in control. Because of this, I’m better off trusting Him than trying to do things my own way.
  2. God keeps His promises. It may take a long time, but He does come through in the end. (Think of Sarah, who waited 25 years to get pregnant with the child promised by God.) This means He’s trustworthy and I can rest in that knowledge even when I don’t see how He’s working in the moment.
  3. God is faithful. He remains true to us even when we doubt Him, make poor choices, or disobey. Seeing the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants despite their many blunders encourages me. Even when we fail, God’s plans prevail. We are fickle, but He is faithful.
  4. God is worthy. He deserves our honor, praise, and obedience. Seeing how He accomplishes His plans despite the ways people try thwart them (intentionally or unintentionally) inspires me to yield to Him as Lord of my life.

Knowing these truths, I’d be wiser to exert my energy trusting God than trying to control things using my own strength and wisdom. I’m striving to be less anxious when I don’t see or understand what the Lord is doing. My goal is to trust Him as I wait for answers, clarity, or direction. Rather than concerning myself with how events unfold, I want to focus more on what God is teaching me and how He wants to use me with the people and circumstances I encounter. I want to be less focused on why He’s allowed certain things in my life and more attuned to how He can use them to deepen my faith and impact others.

Reading the stories of Sarah and Rebekah has convicted me of my tendency to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God. I overthink many things and try to play out scenarios multiple steps ahead of where I am. Rather than trusting God with how a situation will unfold, I try to anticipate each option and make contingency plans for it. My knack for being capable and productive doesn’t always leave room for God to work in His way and His timing. Realizing this is humbling and convicting.

The story of Joseph provides powerful examples for training me in righteousness. Seeing his faithfulness to God in difficult times while surrounded by unbelievers inspires me to be true to God and His ways. Like Joseph, I want to be honest and authentic about the Lord’s presence in my life instead of downplaying it in certain company. I’m also inspired to follow Joseph’s example by using my gifts to bless others in every setting, not just ones where people already love and honor God. I don’t want to be timid about pointing others to the solid foundation He provides.

Studying Genesis also bolsters my faith in the consistency of God’s Word from Old Testament to New. It always delights me to recognize the many elements that point us toward Christ. The lives of Joseph and Judah include many examples that I’ve discussed in other posts. During this season of studying Genesis, I was also struck by Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’” (Genesis 28:12-15, NIV)

Until Jen Wilkin’s teaching in God of Covenant, I’d never understood that the stairway between heaven and earth is Christ Himself. When we reach toward Jesus to intercede for us, we stand at the gate of heaven. He is the mediator between God and humans—the One who makes it possible for us to access the Almighty.

The ten weeks of studying the book of beginnings have come to an end. The “seed plot of the Bible” has provided rich soil for digging into relevant topics for our lives today. The stories and people in Genesis are messy and complicated, but God used them for His redemptive purposes, just as He does with us. Some situations make us scratch our heads in confusion or blush at sordid details; we wonder how a sacred book could be filled with such broken and sinful people. And yet, it’s these unsanitized stories and flawed characters that show Scripture’s authenticity. They give us hope that no one is disqualified from being accepted by God or used to advance His kingdom.

Understanding these truths prompts me to pause for a moment of worship. “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship beautifully shares the story of the gospel. Listen now and be in awe of our sovereign, faithful God who keeps His promises and is worthy of our praise.

Jen Wilkin, God of Covenant: A Study of Genesis 12-50, Lifeway Press 2018.

The phrase “seed plot of the Bible” was originally coined by Arthur W. Pink in Gleanings in Genesis.

Covenant 101

Standing in a nondescript side room off the church sanctuary, my husband and I were joined by our pastor, best man, and matron of honor. Just moments before, we’d exchanged vows and rings, shared a kiss, and been introduced as “Mr. and Mrs.” for the first time. It seemed anticlimactic to make our triumphant recessional down the aisle directly to a dimly lit room to handle paperwork. With a congratulatory smile, our pastor handed us pens and showed us where we needed to sign our marriage certificate. Accompanied by the license we’d gotten a few weeks earlier, our marriage would now be legally binding. This is probably the closest thing we have in modern times for a comparison to the biblical notion of covenant.

The concept of a covenant appears throughout the Bible starting with Adam and Eve and continuing until all of God’s promises are fulfilled by Jesus. Covenant is defined simply as “a binding relationship based on a promise.”  In his book The Marriage Ref, pastor and author Tyler Scott explains: “The old covenant first began to take shape in Genesis 2.  There, God makes a covenant with Adam in language that is strong, clear and definitive: The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.’” (Genesis 2:15-16, NIV)

The next time we see a covenant is in the story of Noah. After the flood waters receded and the ark came to rest on dry ground, Noah built an altar and made an offering to the Lord to atone for his personal sins. Then the Lord said to Noah: “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:13-16, NIV, bold print added)

God continued to make covenants with people in stories recorded throughout Scripture, despite their sinfulness and inability to stay true to Him.  In the time period of the Old Testament, the two parties of a covenant would cut animals in half and walk between the divided carcasses. This was the symbol of stepping into a covenant relationship with one another. “When the parties of a covenant walked between the pieces of bloodied animal flesh, they were saying, in effect, ‘I will fulfill this covenant—and if I break it, may I be cut into bloody pieces like these dismembered animals.’” God made a covenant like this with Abraham in Genesis 15 when He promised to give him land and numerous descendants through whom He would bless the whole world. He did this “knowing full well that Abraham and all human beings were incapable of keeping the covenant.” (Tyler Scott, The Marriage Ref p. 34-35)

Later in the Old Testament, Abraham’s ancestors were instructed by God through Moses to make animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. The shedding of blood continued to be a central element of reaffirming covenant until the time of Jesus. These sacrifices were offered through the high priest in the tabernacle and later in the temple after it was built in Jerusalem. Author Florence Littauer explains, “There was no access to God without first making a sacrifice. Sin could only be forgiven by the substitution of an animal for the sinner himself—an innocent animal had to die in the place of the guilty man.” (Journey to Jesus, p. 210) Paul touched on this in the New Testament when he explained, “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a, NIV)

When Jesus came as the Messiah, He served not only as the ultimate high priest, but also as the perfect lamb to be sacrificed. Through His death, He made atonement for the sins of humans for all time. The book of Hebrews explains:

“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son [Jesus] also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:14-17, NLT)

The writer of Hebrews goes on to say: “[Jesus] is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins.” (Hebrews 7:26-27 ,NLT)

The final blood sacrifice for the atonement of sins was made in the New Testament with Jesus’ death on the cross. Just as Abraham cut animals in two “God, through His Son, allowed himself to be torn to pieces—not because He broke the covenant, but because we did. He knew we couldn’t keep our end of the bargain, so he said, ‘I’ll do it for you.  I’ll pay the debt you can never repay.’ God fulfilled both the old covenant and the new covenant.”  (Tyler Scott, The Marriage Ref p. 34-35)

As graphic and awful as the description of blood covenants and sacrifices sounds, our sin is even more horrific to God. Yet, in His mercy, Jesus made it possible for us to be washed clean and made new. We have no need for dismembered animals and bloodshed for covenant agreements anymore. And in our spiritual lives, the requirement for blood to flow has been eliminated because of the sacrifice Jesus made. We’re included in God’s covenant simply by believing in Christ and accepting the part He played for us. And this is good news, indeed. 

What’s most striking about the Lord is that He’s always been faithful to keep His covenants, regardless of our fickle nature as humans. If you feel gratitude for this, “Yes I Will” is a fantastic song by Vertical Worship that provides words to reaffirm your commitment to Him.

Florence Litauer, Journey to Jesus, Hensley Publishing, 2004.

Tyler Scott, The Marriage Ref, Condeo Press, 2011.