| Re: Holding Fast [message #12308 is a reply to message #12307] |
Tue, 12 December 2017 05:50   |
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 william
Messages: 1451
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
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Here is the way the progression generally goes: (in my thinking, at least)
I accepted Jesus and I will hold fast to the truth. (Focus is on Me.)
I received Jesus and I will hold fast to the truth. (Focus shifts a little but still on Me.)
He accepted me and He keeps me by His Hand. (I'm so humble.)
This becomes my public persona but in my mind I still often entertain the idea that it still depends on me and if I slack off, then the deal is off!
Some days I focus on His Grace: He predestined My Salvation so I'm in, no matter what I do!
Some days I think it all depends on me: Everything depends on whether or not I can endure to the end.
And I wibble-wobble back and forth as I walk through life. This oscillation is usually the result of the particular trial I'm facing at the time.
Yes, I know about James 1:6 and the waves of the sea, not to mention Rom7:15-25 but on those other days I might run across Eph2:5-9 and sit back and enjoy my liberty! I buttress myself by jumping over to Galatians and determine that I'm truly a free man! (Until I read about some of them being bewitched and start the cycle over again, knowing that I'd better be careful.)
I've observed a few things that I think are significant (at least for me) as I go through these wild swings:
1) The more I read His word the more secure I trust in His promise to preserve me. (i.e. His preservation) I'm happy, fulfilled, a truly free man, victorious in Christ.
2) The further I am from actively pursuing point 1, the less confident I am in His faithfulness, and my ability becomes the driving force in maintaining this relationship. (i.e. My perseverance) I'm like those beasts when the Lord hides His face from them in Psa104:29.
3) Point 2 leads me back to point 1 and my faith is renewed. (Romans 10:17)
I don't know if the above is universal to all Christians, or not... (probably because I don't have a lot of fellowship) but that has been my experience.
Blessings,
William
I want to believe!
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