The False Believer Blesses Himself in His Heart
6/24 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4
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6/24 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4
Deuteronomy 29:18-19
“Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.”
BEWARE
Although our sovereign God will bring all His holy will to pass according to His heavenly plans and gospel purpose in Christ (Isa 55:11), and though every deed and action, both from sinner and saint alike, are used by Him to ultimately fulfill His glory through the gospel of Christ (Rom 8:28), it does not give you and me license to sin. We do not have permission to allow the poisonous root of idolatry to take place in our lives. Christ is holy, and therefore, we must be holy (1 Pet 1:16). We cannot say, “Well, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, therefore, I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart and I do what I want.” Do you believe in Christ? Good for you—
Even the demons believe— and shudder! James 2:19
“Grace” that doesn’t transform our lives is not gospel grace. This transformation doesn’t mean we become automatons, mindlessly carrying out good deeds and righteous acts. With the Holy Spirit dwelling within those saved by grace (Jn 14:16-17), we are grieved by sin because sin grieves Him, shames the Son, and dishonors the Father. Every day is filled with a multitude of opportunities to submit to God’s sovereignty, by God’s grace through the power of the Holy Spirit— for the Son’s exaltation and the Father’s ultimate glory. Beware. The gall and wormwood of idolatry creeps in slowly to those who casually wander from the protection and presence of Christ’s everlasting arms, until suddenly, we’ll reach a point when we’ve added drunkenness to thirst (Deut 29:18-19, KJV). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Do not claim grace and then believe
That we can practice sin;
We must submit to Christ, and cleave
T’the Spirit’s pow’r within.