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Friday, 7 December 2018
Light and day

Question of the day: Why is this in the Bible? Romans 13:12-13a "The night is almost gone and the day is near, so let us put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the day ..."

Answer: Do you notice how often God contrasts light and darkness? In Genesis 1:1 God creates the heaven and the earth, but it was dark. By verse 3 God creates light. We have a calling to walk in the day. We have a calling to be children of light ...

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 "But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, so that the Day might overtake you like a thief. For you all are sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or of darkness ..."

Our salvation is a calling to righteousness.

Ephesians 5:6-11 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s judgment comes on the children of disobedience. Therefore do not be partners with them. For once you were darkness, but now in union with the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them"

You might say, "Wait a minute, I thought salvation was all there is." I'm writing this to tell you that Yeshua is both Savior AND Lord. What is this doing in the Bible?

Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence - work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

Obedience is connected to salvation. When we obey God we "work out" our salvation. Salvation is a change of heart "SO THAT" we can obey God by grace. Our striving in the flesh is never good enough.

Let me ask you a question, "Is the book of Jacob (James) written to the world of non-believers, or to followers of Yeshua?" Actually, both. Paul is addressing "brothers and sisters" who are desiring to follow the Lord. It seems oriented toward those of the household of faith. But then there is this ...

Jacob 4:6-8 "But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded!"

The door of opportunity to repent is always open. God's grace is sufficient. Think on these things.

Posted By Rabbi Michael Weiner, 11:00am Comment Comments: 0