Morning Moments

d. The Rift that was Resolved 2:14
Life is built on relationships, vertical and horizontal that if not properly maintained will pull apart because of many things. This potential rift due to legalism versus freedom in Christ had the potential of blowing the Church to pieces, but men of God wisely and in a godly manner settled the matter spiritually and honorably. It should certainly be a lesson to us as we consider Paul's plea to His brethren.

C. His Plea 2:15-21
One can be confident without being arrogant and that was precisely what Paul was. He was not one of the "I feel", "I think", "I wish" kind of guys, but he KNEW what he knew and stood by it. It doesn't make one "hard-headed" to stand by his convictions when he knows he is speaking the truth in love. Paul was very logical and spiritual and the fruit he born was clear indication of the blessing of God upon his work. Consider:

1. The Appeal 2:15-16a
He uses their common experience as Jews with a common knowledge of how salvation comes. It does not come by the works of the law. They all agreed on that. So, Paul begins his plea with an appeal to their common beliefs. They could all agree that salvation of Jew and Gentile alike could only come by grace through faith. If we do not agree on that point we can go no further. This is where cultism is exposed. Anyone adding anything whether baptism or circumcise, or anything else to salvation has missed the point.

2. The Approach 2:16b
Having perfectly clarified the basis of salvation for all, Paul continues with a logical presentation. If we agree that salvation comes only by grace through faith plus or minus nothing, then we must agree that one cannot in any way work his/her way to God. Therefore, by the works of the law, whether by being moral or by observing the ceremonial aspects of it, no one can be saved. In Paul's presentation, he is referring only to being justified, which is the act of being "declared right with God". Everyone must agree to this. Abraham BELIEVED and it was counted to him for righteousness. It was not what he did after he believed, but his belief.

3. The Argument 2:17-19
Here is the crux of the matter. If we agree that we are "saved" or "justified" or declared right with God only by grace through faith alone, which of course is true and which we have previously agree on, and then I transgress or cross the boundary (sin or miss the mark) that my salvation demands, do I then negate or nullify what God has done in the act of declaring me righteous? Of course not! The very purpose of the law was to expose sin in me and Christ bore my sin on the cross. Therefore the law was fulfilled or accomplished, my sins are cleansed and I agree with God about them (confessed) - for:

4. The Answer 2:20-21
When Christ was crucified, I was crucified and when He was raised to newness of life, I was raised to newness of life. THAT is by DIVINE declaration not by human calculation. It is God's DEGREE and faith enables me to live as God has decreed in newness of life as a new creation. It is why John writes, "If any man sins we have an advocate (who called along side to speak in one's behalf) with the Father. When the devil accuses the believer, Jesus is our advocate to speaks on our behalf to help us before the Father and His Holy Spirit speaks to us on His behalf as His advocate in us. We therefore live by the very faith of Him who saved us in the beginning and who continues the work in us by His Holy Spirit.