Written by David P. Brown, this originally appeared in the June 16, 1983 edition of the Gospel Advocate.
Salvation from sin is made possible by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Man has never deserved salvation and there is not one thing that he could do to obligate God to pay him with salvation (Romans 5:8). Salvation is, therefore, the free gift of God.
Hence, grace involves a giver, gift and receiver. In John 3:16 this is readily seen. God (the giver) motivated solely by love for lost mankind gave Christ (the gift) to man (the receiver). Clearly seen from these foregoing simple facts are two sides to salvation. On one hand there is the Divine side and on the other is the human side. The Divine side has to do with what God has done for man that he never could do for himself. The human side takes into account that man can do certain things and that, therefore, God expects him to do them.
This raises the question, "Is salvation free if man does anything?" This query is illustrative of the fact that man will reason in regard to religion in a way that he would never do in his secular endeavors. It also indicates to what extent men will go to uphold a man-made doctrine.
What person would take the absurd position that air is not free because one must do what is necessary to receive the singular blessing obtained therefrom? The same is true of water, sunshine, food and a host of other items in God's natural world. It is elementary indeed to conclude that in order for man to benefit from God's freely given natural gifts that he must do or work something in order to appropriate their blessing to himself.
Relative to man's salvation from sin man must appropriate or receive the free gift of salvation. How does he do this? He cannot do so by the works of the law of Moses (Romans 3:20) or by any meritorious works devised by man (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The inspired James, however, declared that, "by works a man is justified..." (James 2:24). It is obvious that James is not speaking of the works of the law of Moses or the meritorious works of man. What works then, could justify a man in God's sight? Or the question could be phrased in another way; how does one take old of or receive God's free gift of salvation?
In answering the aforementioned question, one must remember that at this point the human side of salvation and not the Divine side is being investigated. The only works that will save anyone are the works of God and man can do them (John 6:29). David declared, "My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteous" (Psalms 119:172). At the house of Cornelius it is then no wonder that Peter declared that, "he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (Acts 10:35). It is obvious therefore, that the works that James and Peter are speaking of are works of obedience to God's commandments (Hebrews 5:9). By obedience to God's commandments is God's work done and man thereby receives or appropriates the free gift of salvation to himself.
The denominational world ignores man's part in salvation. They, thereby, are blind and dumb when the Biblical question of, "Men and brethren, what shall we do" is put to them (Acts 2:37).
It is obvious that if the Divine side was the only side to salvation, that all men would be saved regardless of anything they might do or not do (Titus 2:11, 2 Peter 3:9). The whole truth is, however, that, "the grace of God that bringeth salvation" came, "teaching us that" man must abstain from certain things and also do other things (Titus 2:12, 2 Peter 3:9).
In Noah's day, after God had resolved to destroy man the Bible records that, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). Because Noah, "found grace" God instructed him as to how he could appropriate the blessings that had been so freely made available to him by God. Noah had to do what God said do, in the way He said do it, and for the reason God said do it or God's grace could not save him. Hence, Noah, "prepared an ark to the saving of his house" (Hebrews 11:17). Noah's faith saved him only when it was strong enough to obey the teaching that God's grace provided. Thus, both the Divine and human sides of salvation are clearly seen in this example that was, "written aforetime for our learned, that we might through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
No man cold love as God loved nor give the gift (the Christ) that God gave. Neither could man live, suffer, die, rise and ascend back to heaven as Christ did. No mortal could build the church and give the human race the Bible as God has done. Deity did all of this because man could not.
Man can study the Bible, have faith created in him by God's word and do what God said (John 5:39), Acts 17:11, Romans 10:17, James 2:24). In doing what god said, he is simply taking hold of the free gift of salvation. Such work has no connection whatsoever with the meritorious works men have concocted to obligate God to pay man with with salvation.
Much studying and teaching regarding, "the grace of God that bringeth salvation" needs to be done. Only then will men understand that "grace reign(s) through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:21). Both the Divine and human sides of salvation must be taken into consideration before man can reconcile, "how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24, Ephesians 2:9).
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Friday, September 22, 2017
Keys To More Effective Prayer
This is an outstanding article written by Kenneth Schott. It was published in the February 4, 1982 edition of the Gospel Advocate.
In Luke 11, Jesus' disciples came to Him with a serious request. Day after day they had observed Jesus praying. They were convinced that prayer was the source of His remarkable powers and they wanted to learn His secret. They asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." This was the only thing they ever asked Jesus to teach them. Christians today have the same desire as these disciples - to know how to pray more effectively. This article will offer some positive suggestions as to how you can make your prayer life more meaningful.
A study of the prayers of our Lord indicates two kinds of prayer. The first kind we will call spontaneous prayers. These are the quick, spontaneous prayers we say throughout the day. Due to the feelings of the moment or the exigency of the hour, Jesus frequently prayed brief prayers as in John 11, when He lifted up His eyes and prayed before raising Lazarus from the tomb. In the garden, Jesus prayed, "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done." On the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" and, "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Perhaps this is what Paul had in mind when he instructed Christians to, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul obviously didn't mean we should lock ourselves in a room and pray around the clock. He wanted us to cultivate an attitude of prayer every day that would cause us to pray spontaneously and naturally whenever we feel the need. Christians should have a constant awareness of the presence of God. When we rise in the morning, for example, we pray, "Father, thank You for this day." When we're rushed for lunch in a noisy restaurant, we pause momentarily to say, "Thank you, Father for this food." In time of crisis, the Christian bursts into prayer spontaneously, "Dear Lord, give me strength." These are spontaneous, thought prayers.
The second kind of prayer is the planned, worship prayer. Effective worship requires a certain amount of time, a quiet setting and a proper frame of mind. Jesus taught us about worship prayer. "In the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place and prayed" (Mark 1:35). He spent the entire night in prayer before choosing His apostles. This is the kind of prayer James had reference to when he wrote, "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
Christians need both kinds of prayer. We need the quick, spontaneous prayers to get us through the trials of each day but this type of prayer is not sufficient, by itself, to hand the weightier burdens of the Christian's life. We need the quiet, "sweet hour of prayer" when we can be alone with God and pour our hearts out to the Lord. The prayers we most often neglect are the worship prayers - these are the prayers that lift us up and draw us nearer to God. Here are eight keys to more effective prayer.
1. Make time to pray. Jesus occasionally spent the night in prayer. He planned times when He could be alone with God. According to one survey, the average Christian spends five minutes a day in prayer! We often complain, "I just can't find the time." We make time to read the newspaper and watch our favorite TV program. We make time for important business appointments. Let's make time for a daily appointment with God.
2. Find a quiet place to pray. Jesus said, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closest and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father" (Matthew 6:6). you can't pray with the TV blaring or with the children running around the house. Everyone needs a quiet place, a bedroom, a closet, or a secluded place on top of a hill to be alone with God.
3. Kneel down, if possible. We know that kneeling is not commanded as a posture for prayer, but one's physical position is important. Many of us have started to pray while lying down only to fall asleep halfway through. This is frustrating to us and degrading to God. Imagine having an appointment with the President of the United States and falling asleep in the middle! Kneeling is an outward sign of submission and reverence.
4. Pray out loud. This helps to keep our minds on what we're saying. It also makes God seem closer to us, like an intimate friend. When you pray, it helps to imagine that God is right there in the room with you and that you are talking to Him as you would a highly esteemed friend.
5. Ask God to bless you while you pray. If Satan can't get us to postpone our prayer, he will try to distract us by a ringing phone or a sudden thought about the letter we forgot to mail that day. Before you begin to pray, ask God to protect you from all distractions. Picture a circle around you and determine that nothing will get through to disturb you as you pray.
6. Remember to confess your sins. Sometimes we have to remind our children, when they come to the table, "Wash your hands first, honey." What if God feels this way? Usually we being by praying for all the things we need and forget to confess to God. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Confession must be a part of our daily prayers. We need to confess specific sins when possible.
7. Pray with thanksgiving. "With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). It's good to take a few minutes to tell God what we're thankful for and to avoid using the catchall phrase, "thank you for all my many blessings." We need to mention our gratitude for Jesus, for God's word, for our salvation, for our health, for our family, etc.
8. Pray with faith. "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6). This is the hardest part of prayer. Faith is believing before receiving. We must believe that God will answer our prayers. He will answer in one of three ways according to His will: "yes," "no," or "wait awhile." Jesus said, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24). We should form a mental picture in our minds of our prayers being answered.
Prayer was part of every great moment in the life of Christ. If God's Son gained strength through prayer, how much more do God's children today need the power of prayer. May God bless you as you use these keys to more effective prayer.
In Luke 11, Jesus' disciples came to Him with a serious request. Day after day they had observed Jesus praying. They were convinced that prayer was the source of His remarkable powers and they wanted to learn His secret. They asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." This was the only thing they ever asked Jesus to teach them. Christians today have the same desire as these disciples - to know how to pray more effectively. This article will offer some positive suggestions as to how you can make your prayer life more meaningful.
A study of the prayers of our Lord indicates two kinds of prayer. The first kind we will call spontaneous prayers. These are the quick, spontaneous prayers we say throughout the day. Due to the feelings of the moment or the exigency of the hour, Jesus frequently prayed brief prayers as in John 11, when He lifted up His eyes and prayed before raising Lazarus from the tomb. In the garden, Jesus prayed, "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done." On the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" and, "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." Perhaps this is what Paul had in mind when he instructed Christians to, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul obviously didn't mean we should lock ourselves in a room and pray around the clock. He wanted us to cultivate an attitude of prayer every day that would cause us to pray spontaneously and naturally whenever we feel the need. Christians should have a constant awareness of the presence of God. When we rise in the morning, for example, we pray, "Father, thank You for this day." When we're rushed for lunch in a noisy restaurant, we pause momentarily to say, "Thank you, Father for this food." In time of crisis, the Christian bursts into prayer spontaneously, "Dear Lord, give me strength." These are spontaneous, thought prayers.
The second kind of prayer is the planned, worship prayer. Effective worship requires a certain amount of time, a quiet setting and a proper frame of mind. Jesus taught us about worship prayer. "In the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place and prayed" (Mark 1:35). He spent the entire night in prayer before choosing His apostles. This is the kind of prayer James had reference to when he wrote, "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
Christians need both kinds of prayer. We need the quick, spontaneous prayers to get us through the trials of each day but this type of prayer is not sufficient, by itself, to hand the weightier burdens of the Christian's life. We need the quiet, "sweet hour of prayer" when we can be alone with God and pour our hearts out to the Lord. The prayers we most often neglect are the worship prayers - these are the prayers that lift us up and draw us nearer to God. Here are eight keys to more effective prayer.
1. Make time to pray. Jesus occasionally spent the night in prayer. He planned times when He could be alone with God. According to one survey, the average Christian spends five minutes a day in prayer! We often complain, "I just can't find the time." We make time to read the newspaper and watch our favorite TV program. We make time for important business appointments. Let's make time for a daily appointment with God.
2. Find a quiet place to pray. Jesus said, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closest and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father" (Matthew 6:6). you can't pray with the TV blaring or with the children running around the house. Everyone needs a quiet place, a bedroom, a closet, or a secluded place on top of a hill to be alone with God.
3. Kneel down, if possible. We know that kneeling is not commanded as a posture for prayer, but one's physical position is important. Many of us have started to pray while lying down only to fall asleep halfway through. This is frustrating to us and degrading to God. Imagine having an appointment with the President of the United States and falling asleep in the middle! Kneeling is an outward sign of submission and reverence.
4. Pray out loud. This helps to keep our minds on what we're saying. It also makes God seem closer to us, like an intimate friend. When you pray, it helps to imagine that God is right there in the room with you and that you are talking to Him as you would a highly esteemed friend.
5. Ask God to bless you while you pray. If Satan can't get us to postpone our prayer, he will try to distract us by a ringing phone or a sudden thought about the letter we forgot to mail that day. Before you begin to pray, ask God to protect you from all distractions. Picture a circle around you and determine that nothing will get through to disturb you as you pray.
6. Remember to confess your sins. Sometimes we have to remind our children, when they come to the table, "Wash your hands first, honey." What if God feels this way? Usually we being by praying for all the things we need and forget to confess to God. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Confession must be a part of our daily prayers. We need to confess specific sins when possible.
7. Pray with thanksgiving. "With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). It's good to take a few minutes to tell God what we're thankful for and to avoid using the catchall phrase, "thank you for all my many blessings." We need to mention our gratitude for Jesus, for God's word, for our salvation, for our health, for our family, etc.
8. Pray with faith. "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6). This is the hardest part of prayer. Faith is believing before receiving. We must believe that God will answer our prayers. He will answer in one of three ways according to His will: "yes," "no," or "wait awhile." Jesus said, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24). We should form a mental picture in our minds of our prayers being answered.
Prayer was part of every great moment in the life of Christ. If God's Son gained strength through prayer, how much more do God's children today need the power of prayer. May God bless you as you use these keys to more effective prayer.
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