The Bible does not say that God punished the human race for one man’s sin, but that the nature of sin, namely, my claim to my right to myself, entered into the human race through one man. But it also says that another Man took upon Himself the sin of the human race and put it away— an infinitely more profound revelation (see Hebrews 9:26). The nature of sin is not immorality and wrongdoing, but the nature of self-realization which leads us to say, “I am my own god.” This nature may exhibit itself in proper morality or in improper immorality, but it always has a common basis— my claim to my right to myself. When our Lord faced either people with all the forces of evil in them, or people who were clean-living, moral, and upright, He paid no attention to the moral degradation of one, nor any attention to the moral attainment of the other. He looked at something we do not see, namely, the nature of man (see John 2:25).

Sin is something I am born with and cannot touch— only God touches sin through redemption. It is through the Cross of Christ that God redeemed the entire human race from the possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. God nowhere holds a person responsible for having the heredity of sin, and does not condemn anyone because of it. Condemnation comes when I realize that Jesus Christ came to deliver me from this heredity of sin, and yet I refuse to let Him do so. From that moment I begin to get the seal of damnation. “This is the condemnation [and the critical moment], that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light . . . ” (John 3:19).

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October 5, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

God sometimes it feels like I live in one of those hamster wheels.  I run and never get anywhere, caught in a static circle of faithless doubt and recrimination. I know what the Bible says about your grace, mercy, and forgiveness, but Lord, many days I wake up and don’t feel all that forgiven. And it is difficult to recall and remember that Your promises are meant for me.  I simply do not feel worthy.

When my circumstances and trials are very difficult, I often wonder if I am not receiving exactly what I deserve.  Perhaps I am reaping the “fruits” of my own transgressions, of all those times when I knew the right thing to do but did “the other”. I want to claim and live in your promises, but it often feels as if the promises are for those “other, better people”. Lord, can and will You help me out of this circle of doubt and uncertainty? Please help me claim your grace, mercy, forgiveness and love, and help me live them out as I live out this day. Lord, help me to live in your provision and promises, through Jesus Christ.

And God says…”The enemy wants to create doubt in your mind. It is his role in this life. He cannot change the impact and reality of the cross. He cannot change the life and life more abundantly I have provided, but he will try to make you believe it is not available to you. He will try to make you believe that you are not worthy, that you have lived beyond my love, hope, faith, grace and mercy.  But that can never happen. Nothing can separate you from My love. Trust in Me, believe and claim My promises. And live an abundant life this day.

2 Peter 1:4

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proverbs 1:33

But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.