"And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves." Genesis 3:7
God took one look at Adam and Eve and saw their fallen state. Adam and Eve had become conscious of their nakedness and were ashamed. So what did they do? They covered up. Oh how common that is for sinful mankind. Most people think that their facade of goodness is enough. Fig leaves were not good enough for God in the beginning and for sure they are not good enough now.
How could Adam and Eve survive in the hostile environment outside of Eden? They could not, so God stepped in. A creature gave its life so that Adam and Eve could live. We see the salvation of God there and then. What could Adam and Eve have done to save themselves? Nothing.
In order to be saved, an individual must first be convicted that he/she is a sinner. I don't remember meeting anyone who did not think that they were good. Most times, unbelievers present a front to the world that they hope will be accepted. That's why so many relationships fail. No one can keep up appearances indefinitely. One day, the mask slips and the real person is revealed. And that is very often a problem.
Brethren, God is not fooled by our false piety and pseudo holiness. Some of you, as Shakespeare put it, "protest too much". What are you trying to prove? That you have a better set of fig leaves? Because there is only one basis for salvation, and that is Christ. Anything that you add to that great salvation is in reality taking away from it. Grace is grace and independent of works.
You who compulsively react to grace by mixing it with law, works or both have a problem. You are adding to God's finished work that He did through the sacrifice of His Son. You need to ask yourselves why you are unable to accept the simple truth of the gospel.
Believers are born again on the basis of accepting Christ and His finished work through His death and resurrection. There is no work involved. There is no need to promise to do better, or give up a sin, or commit to some religious gymnastics to please God. That's all fig leaves.
Sure, there should be an outworking of the new life that God puts within us. But is the consequence, not the cause. And that is where so many get it wrong. Believers follow a new law, or should. It is the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. It sets us free from the law of sin and death. Hebrews tells us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Too many look to their own abilities and talents. You don't impress God or the spiritual people on the forum.
God took one look at Adam and Eve and saw their fallen state. Adam and Eve had become conscious of their nakedness and were ashamed. So what did they do? They covered up. Oh how common that is for sinful mankind. Most people think that their facade of goodness is enough. Fig leaves were not good enough for God in the beginning and for sure they are not good enough now.
How could Adam and Eve survive in the hostile environment outside of Eden? They could not, so God stepped in. A creature gave its life so that Adam and Eve could live. We see the salvation of God there and then. What could Adam and Eve have done to save themselves? Nothing.
In order to be saved, an individual must first be convicted that he/she is a sinner. I don't remember meeting anyone who did not think that they were good. Most times, unbelievers present a front to the world that they hope will be accepted. That's why so many relationships fail. No one can keep up appearances indefinitely. One day, the mask slips and the real person is revealed. And that is very often a problem.
Brethren, God is not fooled by our false piety and pseudo holiness. Some of you, as Shakespeare put it, "protest too much". What are you trying to prove? That you have a better set of fig leaves? Because there is only one basis for salvation, and that is Christ. Anything that you add to that great salvation is in reality taking away from it. Grace is grace and independent of works.
You who compulsively react to grace by mixing it with law, works or both have a problem. You are adding to God's finished work that He did through the sacrifice of His Son. You need to ask yourselves why you are unable to accept the simple truth of the gospel.
Believers are born again on the basis of accepting Christ and His finished work through His death and resurrection. There is no work involved. There is no need to promise to do better, or give up a sin, or commit to some religious gymnastics to please God. That's all fig leaves.
Sure, there should be an outworking of the new life that God puts within us. But is the consequence, not the cause. And that is where so many get it wrong. Believers follow a new law, or should. It is the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. It sets us free from the law of sin and death. Hebrews tells us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Too many look to their own abilities and talents. You don't impress God or the spiritual people on the forum.