Independence or In Dependence
We are not to be influenced by our feelings and our condition, but rather by His written Word. In spiritual growth, the eye of faith is slowly transferred from our own point of view to His, from condition to position.
The dark cloud of guilt and conviction of sin settles down upon our heart and conscience, unless we learn to judge ourselves and willingly confess our sins before God. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged”
The two statements above open and close today’s consideration; closing out this next to last chapter of this section of our study. What lies between those two statements are precious truths and scriptures our author has once again strung together for our meditation and instruction.
So, without further comment, let’s get to it.
IN the joy of the Lord,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 27—Sins and Light – Part 4, conclusion
We are not to be influenced by our feelings and our condition, but rather by His written Word. In spiritual growth, the eye of faith is slowly transferred from our own point of view to His, from condition to position. By means of intelligent faith in the scriptural facts, we are to turn boldly from sinful darkness to rest in His holy light. “The entrance of thy words giveth light…” (Ps. 119:130). “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh [reconciled to His presence] by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace…” (Eph. 2:13,14). “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). Since we are born into Christ, who is our righteousness, our Father is able to accept us fully into His presence, just as we are. Our right to the light is our eternal position, in spite of our present condition.
Our walk is the result of the source of our life. If we attempt to walk as Christians in dependence upon our own resources, there is self-centeredness, self-righteousness, and darkness. But when we walk in dependence upon the Source of our life in the light of God’s presence, there is Christ-centeredness, His righteousness, and “the Lord shall be shine everlasting light” (Isa. 60:20).
In our estimation, which is looming larger, our sins, or His blood shed for those sins? Are we viewing our sins from His side, or ours? Are we letting God be God in this matter? It is for us to think God’s thoughts after Him. He has graciously and justly placed us in His Son, the very Light of earth and heaven. Can our sins come between our Father and His glorified Son who is our life? Never! He has borne them all in His own body on the tree. He is our risen Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous. By means of His atoning blood, He maintains eternally our relationship with the Father in unbroken integrity.
Though our sins can in no way affect our position in the light, or alter His thoughts of love toward us, they can and do affect our thoughts and attitude toward our Father. They can never cloud His view of our Advocate, but they can and do obliterate our vision of His advocacy. They immediately hinder our communion and fellowship with the Father and the Son. The dark cloud of guilt and conviction of sin settles down upon our heart and conscience, unless we learn to judge ourselves and willingly confess our sins before God. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31).
