Today’s Encouragement is Matthew 19:25-26 ESV When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” [26] But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Who then can be saved? –
Much of Jesus’ teaching describes the Perfect, Ideal life. He set the highest possible standards of devotion to God, such as Love for God and for others including our enemies, Forgive endlessly, Turning the other cheek, Laying down your life for others.
These are Standards which no person can ever achieve! We are all imperfect, fallen, sinful human beings. (This is one of the many arguments which atheists use to declare the Christian life hopelessly impossible to ‘achieve’.)
As if being a Christian was ‘achieved’ by our own behaviors… it is Not!
We are Christians (which means “Christ-like”) because we Believe and live out our faith and hope in Jesus as our Savior. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” It is not by our behavior, abiding by rules, living according to any definition of ‘right living’. Our salvation is impossible ’with man’; it is only possible “Through Christ”! Only through Jesus, by our accepting the grace and mercy of God, being reborn (John 3:3), and becoming transformed into a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) only then… are we saved. And of course – It truly is – impossible with Man! But with God!
Friends do not be discouraged in trying to live ‘a good life,’ or working to be a ‘good Christian’. Instead, rely on Jesus as your Righteousness – your Right Standing with God. He is The Way!
Dear Master, thank You for making it possible for us to be in complete right-standing with You, through our faith in Jesus. You are so kind and merciful to us.
All Things are Possible
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Today’s Encouragement 