Justified by the blood not by your behavior

[ladylynn]

Read this today and love the message about how we are justified by the blood of Jesus. This is first discovered when we get saved and first hear the Good news of our salvation and it carries through all through our Christian life.

Our good works do not keep us justified, Jesus blood does. Our good works and good behavior are not the root of our salvation, Jesus and His gift of righteousness is the beginning and the root of our salvation, and our works are an out growth of who we are IN Him. All glory all credit goes to Jesus.
I'll never tire of hearing the message of the Good news of the Gospel. Jesus came to save sinners.
And then He goes on to be not only our daily Advocate but also He is our Good Shepherd who leads and feeds the sheep of His pasture. We are now the sheep of His pasture. Sons and daughters of God. Psalm 23 is not for when we are dead., but for today in our here and now. Then later He is still with us always telling not to fear. It's all through the Bible. We are His workmanship created IN Christ Jesus unto good works.











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Romans 4:5

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,​

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Boldness is what God wants you to have when you come to Him. He does not want you to be afraid to come to Him, feeling unworthy because of your sins. He wants you to come boldly to Him, knowing that the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ has justified you and qualified you to boldly receive from Him.

This was the kind of boldness that the woman with the issue of blood had when she touched Jesus. (Mark 5:25–34) Now, by touching Jesus, she knew that she was breaking a Levitical law which states that anyone with a bodily discharge is unclean, and should not appear in public, let alone touch another person. (Leviticus 15)

But she refused to feel condemned by the law. She believed what she had heard about Jesus, and was confident that there would only be love and compassion, not condemnation, from Him. She believed that Jesus would justify her and qualify her to receive the miracle she needed. That was why she boldly pressed her way into the crowd to touch Jesus, who indeed said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34)

What was it about her faith that made her well? Romans 4:5 talks about faith that believes God justifies the ungodly. When you believe that God justifies the ungodly, it will give you boldness to come to God, even when you feel unclean because you have just blown it.

When you fail, don’t run away from God. Run boldly to Him, knowing that you are justified by the blood of Christ and not by your good behavior.

The devil may say to you, “How can you do that? Who do you think you are?” Don’t listen to him. Pick yourself up and thank God for the blood and the gift of no condemnation. (Romans 8:1) If God justifies the ungodly, how much more you, His beloved child!


Thought For The Day
You are justified by the blood of Christ and not by your good behavior.

 

[KenAllan]

1 John 1:7
[SUP]7 [/SUP]but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Not only are we Justified, but ALL our sins have been washed clean! We are sinless in the eyes of God!

 

[UnderGrace]

Sometimes people talk about the choice to leave, or abandon the faith because they have misunderstand when the scripture is talking about justification and sanctification.

This is how I like to understand the difference.


If the Judge has declared you INNOCENT (JUSTIFIED) of all crimes past, present and future based on the

acceptance by you of the payment of the debt by someone else, and the debt is indeed paid, how do you in

your free will (choices) undo the declaration of the Judge?

Unless perhaps you do not believe the Judge or you have not accepted the payment for yourself?

 

[ladylynn]

Sometimes people talk about the choice to leave, or abandon the faith because they have misunderstand when the scripture is talking about justification and sanctification.

This is how I like to understand the difference.


If the Judge has declared you INNOCENT (JUSTIFIED) of all crimes past, present and future based on the

acceptance by you of the payment of the debt by someone else, and the debt is indeed paid, how do you in

your free will (choices) undo the declaration of the Judge?

Unless perhaps you do not believe the Judge or you have not accepted the payment for yourself?

Right Sis!. I just had this picture of a guy who was declared pardoned and he was set free. Relief and thankfulness sweeping over his being for the One who Advocated for him. He gets back his belongings they took when he got arrested. He is standing outside the jailhouse free and clear. Why would he want to go back to jail? Why would he not believe the Advocate and the judge that he was free when in fact he is standing outside the jailhouse???

 

[notuptome]

Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

The Ever Living One pleads our case before the Father. He points to the blood sprinkled on the altar in the heaven sprinkled there for our atonement.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[ladylynn]

I learned an important lesson in my Christian walk. That we are to live our Christian lives the same way we got saved. We NEED Jesus to do what we can't. And He promises He will and He gave us the Holy Spirit too. We are not alone nor are we expected to be like sheep left out in the field to fend for ourselves.

Yet that is how many believers see their Christian life and walk. ; OK., Jesus saved us now "we" do the hard work of suffering and sweating and sacrificing wallowing in misery gloooom and despair while on this earth... as we are tested and tried being melted in the pot so the gold comes out and the cheap metal is separated. As we are in this pot we are screeeamming in torture as God is gleefully watching us suffer for our supper. NO NO NO

I have not found my life with Jesus to be that way any longer since finding out about His love for me. He has done all the hard work. I'm following His lead. Am looked at as a sheep of His pasture and He is going before me. What could be better????!!!!

 

[UnderGrace]

Exactly, Jesus paid a debt that wasn't His and He did it in the most complete way for us because He loves us that much!!

it is impossible still owe on the debt once the payment has been accepted.

Our thoughts of God are to human.

Reminds me of a Keith Green song Alter Call

Most people don't find out
'Till it's too late
That someone has to pay the price
You can pay it your self (Ha!)
Or let someone else
But who would be that nice
To pay a debt that isn't his
Well I know someone like that
And He's your best friend
He really is
He really loves you

Right Sis!. I just had this picture of a guy who was declared pardoned and he was set free. Relief and thankfulness sweeping over his being for the One who Advocated for him. He gets back his belongings they took when he got arrested. He is standing outside the jailhouse free and clear. Why would he want to go back to jail? Why would he not believe the Advocate and the judge that he was free when in fact he is standing outside the jailhouse???

 

[ladylynn]

Yes., there is much more to see of the love of God than we first heard and saw. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The more we learn about Him., the more in love with Him we become.

We find out more and more about what He actually did and does for us each day. We still don't know the "all" of what Jesus has given us when we got saved. Just when we think we know something., we read His Word and find out more and then more. If we memorize His Word it gets inside us and we repeat it in our mind and heart., we rehearse it over and over and the Holy Spirit gives us more revelation about Jesus. It's those rivers of living water flowing out of our belly (our inner most being) just as Jesus said in John 7 He satisfies the longing soul and yet there is still more!!


[SUP]37 [/SUP]Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink!

[SUP]38 [/SUP]He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’”

[SUP]39 [/SUP]But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).

 

[psalm6819]

Hebrews 12:10 adresses this issue (context is parenting, earthly fathers , Heavenly Father)

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be

partakers of His holiness.

Partakers of His holiness, His holiness-not our own

That means regardless of our mistakes or failures, God will still remain faithful, the Holy Spirit will teach and guide us and we will be "partakers of His holiness".

Not contingent on our behavior but His sacrifice

Worthy is the Lamb!!!!

 

[ladylynn]

Hebrews 12:10 adresses this issue (context is parenting, earthly fathers , Heavenly Father)

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be

partakers of His holiness.

Partakers of His holiness, His holiness-not our own

That means regardless of our mistakes or failures, God will still remain faithful, the Holy Spirit will teach and guide us and we will be "partakers of His holiness".

Not contingent on our behavior but His sacrifice

Worthy is the Lamb!!!!

Wow and Amen sis! Grace is all over what you said. How can we not be thinking about His love for us when He keeps loving us giving and giving out of that love. It's not like any kind of love we see on planet earth. It actually goes against the kind of earthly love we are all so used to.

"Partakers of His holiness" amen. He even gives us His holiness. And to think there is more to come!
The more we learn about Him the more we see Him "manifesting" in our lives.


Manifest; Clearly apparent to the sight of or understanding; OBVIOUS to show or demonstrate plainly; REVEAL to be evidence of .. PROVE ....
Manifestation; The act of manifesting or state of being manifested. Demonstration of the existence, reality, or presence of a person, object or quality. a manifestation of their best intentions. One of the forms in which one as a divine being an individual or an idea is revealed.


This is the encouragement I see Him give along the way. But He wants us to trust in His Word above our senses. Even Jesus referred to the Scriptures. Even when He could have plainly said something Himself He instead used the Scriptures. This is VERY ENCOURAGING! So although He gives us encouragements along the way., we are to be learning to trust in the written Word He left us as our proof. The Bible is a treasure.

The Holy Spirit will then witness with our spirit and we will walk in more truth and go places we never went the day or week before. I'm finding He gives in all areas and the more familiar we become with His Word and learn about Him by seeing Jesus., we will become more secure in His love for us so to be able to walk in faith even if we don't see manifestations at times.

But lately I've been seeing Him manifest with my life and it is so encouraging while walking in this world with it's high and low valleys. He will never leave us or forsake us.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Two thoughts came to mind as I read the OP:

First, 1 Peter 1 ---

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.


Second, interesting you bring up Psalm 23. I agree we need to hold the precious promises contained in that Psalm close while we are alive. It really is too bad we only hear it/read it at the funerals of our loved ones when the promises contained in the Psalm are so delightful to us who are living ---

Psalm 23:

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


David was a shepherd and he wrote this beautiful psalm, pointing out to us all of the wonderful attributes of the Lord as our Shepherd.


1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

[wattie]

Jesus asks- why should you be let in heaven?

The person- not by anything I have done... because I can't. Only you can let me in.. and did when you saved me.

Jesus- come. Welcome.

Next person-

Jesus- why should I let you into heaven?

The person- because I was a good person and helped the poor and looked after my parents.

Jesus- but you never knew ME!

 

[posthuman]

Read this today and love the message about how we are justified by the blood of Jesus.

i was just reading yesterday, too -- about in Revelation, the ones who are able to stand before the throne and the Lamb are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

they haven't washed their robes in their good works. not in their righteousness. not in their obedience. not in the blood of bulls or goats.
they haven't washed their robes in their ability to believe. not in how smart they were to make a "choice" and not in their wisdom or understanding or good doctrine.
they haven't washed their robes in evangelism or faithfulness or observing sabbaths or feasts.

they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
that's all.

there is no other thing in heaven or earth that can remove the stain of sin. only the blood of Jesus!
nothing else is able to save or to make us justified, able to stand before Him on that day

 

[disciplemike]

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Revelation 19:8 (KJV, MBM)

 

[JaumeJ]

I may say in all faith, amen to this title. To expose this perfect title to much discussion can only muddle its perfect meanign.

LL........God bless you always, amen.

 

[TonyJay]

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Revelation 19:8 (KJV, MBM)

And that righteousness has been gained purely on the merits of Christ Jesus, not our own effort.

Nuff said...

 

[posthuman]

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Revelation 19:8 (KJV, MBM)

. . . and to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, but that which is by faith . . .

 

[RobbyEarl]

Least any man should boast.

 

[ladylynn]

i was just reading yesterday, too -- about in Revelation, the ones who are able to stand before the throne and the Lamb are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

they haven't washed their robes in their good works. not in their righteousness. not in their obedience. not in the blood of bulls or goats.
they haven't washed their robes in their ability to believe. not in how smart they were to make a "choice" and not in their wisdom or understanding or good doctrine.
they haven't washed their robes in evangelism or faithfulness or observing sabbaths or feasts.

they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
that's all.

there is no other thing in heaven or earth that can remove the stain of sin. only the blood of Jesus!
nothing else is able to save or to make us justified, able to stand before Him on that day

Your post (posthuman) reminds me of when I first heard. For some people that very idea of nothing we can do AT ALL will throw them into a major confusion like it did me back in the 80s. As a Catholic so many years ago when first hearing on tv from Billy Graham about Jesus Christ., at first it didn't really hit me with major impact. It was later when I heard him a few times and that song "Just as I Am" came on. For some reason I'd cry seeing all those people go up. Was there really that kind of mercy if you believe in Jesus? We don't have to DO things ourselves? ............. naaaa!!

Then a few years later hearing Jimmy Swaggart on tv comparing religions. "If your a Presbyterian that won't get you to heaven., if you're a Baptist!, that won't get you to heaven!., If you're a Catholic that won't get you to heaven!" he had my attention then as he described people doing the religious things of church attendance and the sacraments and going to the priest for confession. (something that always bothered me., why does a priest who doesn't even know me get to say yes or no?) and the other traditions and respecting of families traditions. Then the sincerity thing on how good you were and how sincere you reeeallly are., even that didn't get you there. What??!!!!! WHAT ELSE IS THERE!!!!???

Then later after getting married and us deciding to search for a church to raise our family in that did read a Bible since that is what I never read before. There was a huge Bible laying open in front by the alter in my families Catholic church but they only read from the Gospels and only lovely sayings that had no connection to other lovely verses and practical daily life. It was more of an adding to the atmosphere at church with the scents and religious calm feelings I learned to respect and enjoy since childhood with family. All good and wonderful and we all believed to be very holy and reverent.

When I asked the priest about how to know your going to heaven the same answer of being a good person, being sincere in all you do, go to confession., etc etc...no one really knows but God. I already did those things but I don't know how sincere I really was since I still feel guilty all the time.

What if you miss going to confession that month and get hit by a car? How long would I be in Purgatory? It depended on the amount of sins... What if no one prayed me out?? Don't worry., you're a good Catholic girl. I didn't feel like a good Catholic girl. Parents mad at me for asking questions and doubting our family's traditions and thinking maybe even GRANDPA might not be in heaven!!!

Then as newlyweds of only a few months we went to a Baptist church and they preached on Revelation and the end times. A culmination of all my actual questions over the years was beginning to be addressed and conviction hit. I was a sinner in need of more than religion and my sincerity. I wasn't concerned about traditions of mom and dad or grandpa anymore.,they were not worried but I was desperate for myself.

The Pastor read from the Bible that it was Jesus Christ who died for me personally and that was the only payment God took. Couldn't sleep for days feeling the wrath of God on my sinful life. How to get forgiven!!!???? How to get rid of this horrible attachment of judgment!!?? It can't be just- believe on Jesus?!!

My parents were mad at me., my husband was not worried. What was wrong with me that I was so pressed in with no escape? Finally we called the Baptist pastor and he and his wife came that night and I asked allllll the questions and found out

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever/anyone/anywhere believed on Him would not perish but HAVE ever lasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved"

So I took it! That night I knew something happened between heaven and hell. Jesus saved me from a horrible end and paid for me and God was not angry but accepted me now. Like you wrote here posthuman,, washed in the blood of the Lamb. Not their good works, or family traditions or good intentions. None of that could save. Only the blood of Jesus. And with a simple children's belief in Jesus I knew it was the answer and I got to dump the huge burden of my sin and was forgiven and on my way to heaven 100% paid for.

That is theeee most important thing I ever found out.

 

[Utah]

Least any man should boast.

Ain't that the Truth.