Moments For You

I shall never forget the day when I first perceived the meaning of that word “justified.” Some time after I had confessed Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour I was walking along thinking of the words, “justified by His grace” when like a flash it came to me—I was... Read more →

While God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was on the earth He often instructed the people by means of parables. The following account is found in Luke 18:9-14: “And He [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went... Read more →

“Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth … to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins … that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). These Scriptures show that justification is the divine plan of mercy and love whereby God, through... Read more →

“All that believe are justified from all things” (Acts 13:39). This is the good news sent down from heaven to all men. It does not say all who “do their best” or “feel good about their lives.” God’s Word simply says, “all that believe.” It is on the principle of... Read more →

Justification is the gracious act of God in taking up a sinful, guilty person, rightly subject to divine judgment, clearing him from every charge because of the sacrifice of Christ, and placing him righteously before His throne. This constitutes a standing magnificent beyond all thought. There, in the full blaze... Read more →

QUESTION: What is the difference between forgiveness of sins and being justified? Both of these terms are mentioned in Acts 13:38,39, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified... Read more →

By God, the Agent (Romans 8:33)—He is the Justifier of those who believe on Jesus. By Grace, the source (Romans 3:24)—Man does not deserve to be justified, yet God gives it to him freely, as a gift, wholly apart from any merit in himself. By Faith, the principle (Romans 5:1)—The... Read more →

Unto all (Romans 3:22). For the ungodly (Romans 4:5). Not by myself (Job 9:20). Not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16). For all that believe (Acts 13:38,39). For repentant sinners (Luke 18:13,14). Freely, without merit (Romans 3:24). Fully, from all things (Acts 13:39). Immediate upon believing (Genesis 15:6; Luke... Read more →

From Romans 5 Peace With God (v 1). Access to God (v 2). Glorious Hope (v 2). Character through tribulation (vv 3,4). God’s love in our hearts (vv 5-8). Salvation from future wrath (vv 9,10). Reconciliation with God (v 11). Read more →

The Christian path is entered by the gateway of justification; its course is sanctification; its destination is glorification. While these are inseparable, they are also distinct. Justification is a gift, a once-for-all act of God done for us by which the sinner’s life in the old path is brought to... Read more →

The word “heart” appears in the Bible more than 800 times, but only a handful of these occurrences refer to the physical organ. The rest of the time, “heart” is used to speak of that which is within us—our thoughts, emotions, and will. In fact, “heart” is the richest, most... Read more →

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). Many object to the doctrine of total depravity on the ground that all men are capable of some good, even if unsaved. All of us recognize the value of decency in behavior, a kind spirit, generosity in caring... Read more →

Modern medical science has made much progress in recent years in the area of providing new hearts for patients who need them, through heart transplants and artificial hearts. Now, even the possibility of growing and implanting new hearts is being pursued. While much attention, energy, and resources are being directed... Read more →

The story has been told of the Indian chief who sought to obtain salvation by offering first his blanket and then his gun to God. He was told that gifts like these would not purchase divine favor, but that if he wanted to be saved he must give his heart... Read more →

The Gospel of Matthew records several occasions where contrasting hearts are revealed. In each case there is a heart for Christ and a heart for something else seen. Read the following passages to find the striking differences. • Matthew 2:1-12: Chief priests—Knowledge; Wise Men—Christ • Matthew 8:19-22: Other disciple—Commitments; Scribe—Christ... Read more →