In Mercy and Truth God’s Atonement Brings Sanctification – (Proverbs 16:6)

Daily Bible Study
By God's mercy and truth, He affects atonement for us through the blood of Jesus shed for us on the Cross of Calvary. This atonement brings with it the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which in turn inclines and empowers the believer to turn away from sin and back towards God. God's law shows us our need for a savior, because it shows us that by the law no flesh shall be justified. Our sin cannot hide from the perfect justice of God's law. In other words, there is nothing we can do, there are no works we can perform to earn our way into Heaven! If every sin is rebellion against God, and therefore every sin is deserving of death and separation from God. Well then, how many times can a person die for their sins? And even if we were to die for a single sin, that's just one of how many sins, what about the others? Dear child of God, we have to remember God judges not only on the bad things we do, but also on the desires, intents and thoughts behind the things we do. This means even if we did something good, but we did it for selfish purposes or for gain or for any reason other than our love for Christ and those in need, then that is seen as sin as well. And if that were not enough, then we have the sins of omission, these are sins which we are judged for, and we do not know how many they number.

Sin's of omission occur when we fail to do something, we should have done, whether we realized it or not. For example, do we always do everything we can, every day for those we know are in need, giving all that we have? Have you had an incident come up where you knew you should have said something or stepped in and helped, but didn't? No, then those are sins of omission. As you can see, it becomes evident quite quickly, we cannot save ourselves, and that relying on good works is hopeless. Dear child of God, that is why God through the incarnation of Jesus stepped out of eternity and took on humanity. He did so that He may provide atonement for our sins. And by our faith in Him we are saved and our sinner's heart is effectively changed by God, becoming sensitive to the things of God. With our salvation comes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who brings an understanding of God's word as we study the Bible. We as a new child of God, grow in our knowledge and love of Jesus as we study God's word and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And as we mature spiritually, we begin to dwell in Christ more effectively. This is called the "process of sanctification" as God equips each of us specifically for the work He has called us to do in this world. And by His guidance we participate in His grace and in His kingdom work by sharing the Gospel with those who are lost.