Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the
keeping of the commandments of God” (1 Cor 7:19, NASB).

Paul couldn’t be clearer. There is a distinction between God’s moral law and the Jewish ceremonial law.

“Do we then overthrow [make void] the law by this faith? By no means!
On the contrary, we uphold the law” (Rom 3:31, ESV).

So, if you believe that God’s Law has been done away with, you've swallowed heresy,
'Cause such is the craziest notion to enter the Christian Church, tragically.
Not only is it a nonsensical notion, but a very dangerous one,
A notion that’s contrary to Scripture, most offensive to the Father and Son.

“Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments is a liar,
and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, ESV).

Imagine any government without its laws, or a lawless humanity,
A planet of fallen beings without some kind of moral code, clear cut boundary.
Wow! There would just be chaos, and given that Christians also act rebelliously
Laws and moral codes are clearly essential, and God’s Holy Law especially.

Hence why the Father sent His Son, for how could He abolish the Ten Commandment Law?
A law that points out sin, and shows us how to behave, a law we shouldn’t ignore.
Quite the contrary, Paul warns us, for Christians are hardly to continue in sin,
Willingly, that is, which we won’t if we’re genuine, and if the Spirit’s within.

Oh, by the way, we’re not talking perfection, as we’ll always fall short of the mark,
And that’s exactly why we’re saved by grace alone, when on the Christian walk we embark.
God knows our best will never be good enough, that we’re sinners by nature, sadly,
And that grace is therefore the only method by which we’ll receive eternity.

That is, if we’re truly repentant, and if our life’s in harmony with God’s will,
For Scripture makes it clear that the saved ones are only those who His wishes fulfill.
Not those who take license with His grace, thus effectively slapping Him in the face,
For why would God save such abusers, users, who Christianity thus disgrace?

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer
remains a sacrifice for sins [God’s grace is made void], but [rather] a fearful expectation
of judgment [unless we repent]...” (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).

It’s really very logical, as sense says it couldn’t be any other way,
For why would God’s gift of grace cover sin as well as sinners, at the end of the day?
Hence why when we sin we need to ask God’s forgiveness, with contriteness deep within,
Not think that we can get away with it, for we won’t, not if it’s conscious sin.

No, grace isn’t a once accepted, always covered, sinner’s insurance policy,
That’s just Satan’s attempt to lull Christians into a false sense of security.
And as a consequence, to have them continuing to willfully sin, sadly,
Whereby, they’ll forfeit eternal life, and meantime, propagate error, witness badly.

One can hardly sin where there’s no law, hence why Satan wants us to think God’s Law has gone,
And there’re those who’re happy to embrace such, and sinfully as before carry on.
But in doing so, they ignore the words and actions of the apostles, clearly,
For after the cross, the apostles still upheld and kept God’s Law unswervingly.

Satan, we’re told, has been sinning since the beginning — therefore, law has always been,
And given that Adam and Eve sinned, they too, must have had a law to contravene.
And likewise, we too, for sin can’t go unchecked (neither before or after the cross),
Thus, should we foolishly continue to willingly sin, it could be to our loss.

God’s Law, arranged and expressed to meet humans in their fallen condition (clearly),
Was handed down from father to son, and reiterated at Sinai awesomely.
That reiteration and the tablets of stone wouldn’t have been necessary
Had the descendants of Abraham never been seduced by idolatry.

The Israelites, who’d been enslaved, had forgotten much of what had been known previously,
Thus, God sought to impress upon them the importance of His law very strongly.
And what a solemn scene it must have been, one that God didn’t intend they forget,
For there at the base of Mount Sinai — thunder, lightening, smoke and fire — they tremblingly met.

God wrote on those tablets Himself, and to those gathered, conveyed His Law directly;
Instructing that it be placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, it being Holy.
The Ceremonial law, however, was placed beside the Ark, less prestigiously,
A law God just conveyed to Moses, who wrote it down to be followed explicitly.

The Jews were simply the guardians of God’s Law, which was intended for all mankind,
A law that Christ came to magnify, clarify, reaffirm, hardly leave behind.
It would be easier for Heaven and earth to pass away than this law, He said,
And that He hadn’t come to abolish it, BUT, to fill it full of meaning instead.

Oh, how significant a BUT is.

“ ‘But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a
letter in the law to be dropped’ ” (Luke 16:17).

Paul delighted in this law, and James refers to it as the Law of Liberty,
For it’s far from a law that restricts, but rather, spares one trouble and misery.
But not so those ancient Jews with their legalistic attitude towards God’s Law,
Who foolishly thought that law-keeping could secure their salvation, a fatal flaw.

No, no one can be saved via keeping God’s Law, no one ever has been, nor can be,
For salvation comes via grace alone, such being God’s gift to fallen humanity.
Those before the cross, looked toward the cross, and we, look back to the cross, trustingly,
And out of gratitude, and in order to witness, obey God’s Law willingly.

Though we’re saved by grace, we’re hardly exempted from keeping God’s Law, and understandably,
For God desires that we walk obediently, dutifully, not rebelliously.
He wants us to leave our old habits behind, and to become a “new creation;”
In other words, more like Him in thought, word and deed, a process called sanctification.

“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).

And those who’re genuine, do want to be like Him, and therefore, act accordingly,
Empowered via the Holy Spirit’s working, their fruitage soon bearing testimony.
But not so the uncommitted Christian, those who’re lukewarm, Laodicean, worldly,
And who God’s grace thereby void, for God’s no fool, and doesn’t reward hypocrisy.

Too often, folk make Scripture say what they want it to say, not what they need to hear,
Hence God’s warnings, signs of the times, that hopefully instill a little healthy fear.
Otherwise, many will be lost whilst thinking they’re saved, having embraced heresy,
For God hasn’t abolished His Law, but repeatedly says walk obediently.

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom 8:6-8).

So where Scripture implies God’s Law has been abolished, what does it mean, (you ask me)?
It means abolished as a way of salvation, not that it used to be so, clearly.
Such refers to all who would attempt to use God’s Law to secure eternity,
Deluded as much as those who seem to think obedience isn’t necessary.

If our child damaged our car, I’m sure that we as loving parents would extend grace,
But does that mean our child’s at liberty to damage our car again, pull a face?
So why would we think that we can walk all over God’s Law, simply because of His grace,
And thereby take advantage of His graciousness, whilst sin we continue to chase?

And would we let our child modify our car to suit them self, alter it in some way?
Hardly! So why would we play with God and His Law by behaving rebelliously?
His Law is there with good reason, for His glory and the good of humanity;
Yes, love and law combining, as those who truly love God walk obediently.

When prisoners are pardoned and released, does their freedom allow them to break the law?
No! And nor does being pardoned and released via God’s grace mean we can act just like before.
Hence why God wants His Law put in our mind and written on our heart, where it should be,
For it’s the product of His love and concern, a divine protective boundary.

Let’s continue.

Scripture shows that Abraham and the Israelites kept God’s Law before Mount Sinai,
Thus, Mount Sinai was hardly where God’s Law originated, let me clarify.
And given the apostles kept it post-Calvary, it clearly wasn’t voided by Jesus,
Which means that any abrogation of God’s Law points beyond — and at who of us?

John, writing apocalyptically, talks about the endurance of the saints,
And a picture of their faithfulness to God’s Law — midst an End-time scene — duly paints.
Such clearly shows that our Saviour never brought an end to His Ten Commandment Law,
A law that Christians shouldn’t disobey, a law that Christians should never ignore.

“Here is a call for the endurance [faithfulness] of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God…” (Rev 14:12, ESV).

Yes, God’s Word couldn’t be clearer, it’s the doers, not the hearers who’ll be justified,
Those who submit to God’s Law, not those who willingly break it, foolishly backslide.
No, the saved are those who keep God’s Law, just as it’s written down, and willingly so,
Knowing that even breaking one of God’s Ten Commandments a waywardness will show.

“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it”
(James 2:10, ESV).

God doesn’t make mistakes! His Law is perfect (His Word conveys), Holy, just and good,
A law that genuine Christians willingly keep, not adhere to just because they should.
But having said that though, we should keep God’s Law, for it’s a law that makes so much sense,
One that we’re judged by, by the way, for our God cannot wink at disobedience.

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” (James 2:12, ESV).

His Law is the standard of conduct we’re to live up to, for faith without works is dead,
Plus, we’re His ambassadors, witnesses, who lawlessness and rebellion have shed.
Well, hopefully so — otherwise, we’re no better than the world, and just as lost too,
As Heaven’s for those who’ve changed direction, not those who the ways of the world still pursue,

No, we can’t have it both ways, something that the Israelites discovered to their cost,
And as a consequence, their privileged status, and all that came with it, sadly lost.
And it appears that we aren’t any better — we, meaning, those Christians who’re guilty,
Those Christians who dismiss, corrupt, or misuse God’s Law, just repeating history.

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven [keeps the Ten Commandments]’ ” (Matt 7:21, ESV).

By Lance Landall

Here’s the key, using borrowed thoughts: In the context of salvation (Justification – right standing before God), law keeping is of no avail, but in the context of Christian conduct (Sanctification – right living before God), God’s law has value and validity.

Explanatory diagrams are found at the bottom of this page.

And more evidence (biblical texts wise) in support of the poems on this page can be
found under my poem God's Law, part one, further down this page.

Regarding those texts that many wrongly use in an attempt to prove that
God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, was done away with at the cross,
see my page Things About God’s Law That We Need To Know, purple box.

2.  The Commandments Of God

Oh, the beauty of God’s Law. And enshrined in the Ten? Love for God, love for men,
And each command etched by God’s own finger, not the work of man’s chisel or pen.
Yes, a Law that points to its Author via its fourth directive — the Sabbath day —
Upon which all are called to worship Him, He who rested on the seventh day.

And this Law of His a moral Law, a reflection of His character, and
Not only entrusted to ancient Israel, but for everyone in every land.
For tell me, how could such heavenly commandments be for those people alone,
Given that all men benefit from their application, selfless, upright tone?

Oh yes, for He who said don’t steal, covet, lie, kill or commit adultery,
Was simply reiterating the same principles found in Eden, you see.
For there they clearly worshipped God come that same Holy day, praised and honoured Him,
And hardly sought to violate same worthy rules, their wholesome sight clear, not dim,

Until they fell.

And since, excuses aplenty for not keeping God’s sin revealing Law, but why?
For it’s a loving, protective hedge, something that spares us from going awry.
And God due the glory, we existing because of Him, and He knowing best,
And this why we should still keep those ten, enter into that healing Sabbath rest.

Yes, God’s not only a God of love, but law, order and justice — praise His name! —
For pity help us should such not exist; oh, how ill and anarchy would reign.
And hence why I pray that the following will one day be said of you and I,
(As we await the return of our Saviour who on our behalf chose to die):

“Here is the patience of the saints, here are those who keep the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev 14:12, NKJV).

By Lance Landall

3.  Steady As You Go

It’s not slips that worry God (they par for the course), but that open rebellion;
In other words, that choosing to sin, which hardly shows a genuine Christian.
Yes, you may well tumble — many times, in fact — struggle badly with this or that,
But such is something that God can handle, and hey, Satan oft yanks on our mat.

So don’t be too hard on yourself, realising that it’s the Spirit that changes,
Until finally, via sanctification, the devil and you are strangers.
Yes, you no longer looking to sin, but rather, you calling upon the Lord,
Wanting and seeking a better path, but knowing your best will always be flawed,

And why it’s grace that saves, for the record.

By Lance Landall

4.  Amazing!

God created us, and what did folk do? Yes, they ate of the forbidden tree,
Already discontented with Paradise, or so it kind of seems to me.
After all, didn’t they have it all? So why on Earth were they so foolish, and,
Can’t that be said of folk today who still moan and groan despite God’s gracious hand?

Yes,

 They eagerly grab His grace, look forward to eternity in Paradise,
But hey, “Do we really have to obey?”, their rebellious actions seem to say.
Yes, Christ dies on their behalf, extends His grace and holds out hope of Paradise,
And what do folk do? Exactly! They steal from another tree-cum-disobey.

No?

 Hasn’t God set boundaries, made it clear what He desires, and despite His grace,
But hey, who’d want to go contrary to His will when He up and took their place?
Should’ve been them who died — us! — not Jesus, yet here folk go again like before,
They happy to think that at Calvary God did away with His moral Law.

Tell me, who knows best, Him or us, so what on Earth are folk doing? Honestly!
Some gratitude I don’t think — well, not if they’re continuing to sin willingly.
Don’t you think it’s shameful? I do, and why I count it an honour to obey,
Albeit imperfectly — and once again, there’s God’s grace, for we’re made of clay.

Amazing!

By Lance Landall

5.  For Many Of Us...

It’s hard to understand how any would think that God would abolish His Law,
It a reflection of His character, divine and heavenly to the core.
Yes, it’s principles eternal, always having been, and thus obviously
The harmony and integrity of God’s righteous government still to be
Maintained in the plan of grace, and hence that, “Written on their hearts,” testimony.

Oh yes,

We no longer walking after the flesh, but God’s moral Law fulfilled in us,
And fulfilled meaning, MANIFESTED, just as it was in the life of Jesus.
God hardly removing the righteous standard of Christian conduct, that witness,
Which, when it comes to the testing of our genuineness, acts much like litmus.

After all, friend, is it okay to steal now, to lie, commit adultery,
Covet, murder and dishonour our parents (God a parent, actually),
Or to put other gods before Him, bow to idols, use His name carelessly,
And what’s gained by rejecting that Sabbath that benefits spiritually?

Hence why God’s Word strongly denounces lawlessness, such hardly the Christian way,
And why all should take notice of what the book of Revelation has to say.
It speaking of Commandment keepers, telling them to endure until the end,
For only the faithful enter Heaven, and that’s the Gospel truth, dear friend.

Given God’s nature is changeless, and because the principles of divine law
Have their source in Him, they’re as eternal and changeless as their source, and don’t war;
In other words, they don’t work against us, but for us, as they did for Christ, and
Why in the life of every Christian they should be seen just as Jesus planned.

God would hardly violate His own nature by abolishing His moral Law,
Or by changing it, and thus such not possible, and this why Christ died, what’s more.
We therefore not walking after the flesh but the Spirit, that God’s Law may shine,
For after all, every principle contained within it is but divine.

And as far as that Sabbath goes, God still worthy of worship, always will be,
So why wouldn’t that Sabbath still apply today, and more so, actually.
’Cause with evolution and folk straying, they’ve lost sight of their Creator, who,
Made the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh, and said, “You keep it too.”

And why for many of us…

By Lance Landall


“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled [manifested] in us, who walk not after the flesh [no longer rebelling], but after the Spirit [in harmony with God's will]” (Rom 8:1-4, KJV).

“ ‘But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a
letter in the law to be dropped’ ” (Luke 16:17). 

6.  God's Law Has Its Place

Some seem only too happy to think God’s Law has been done away with, and why, baffles me,
'Cause after all, the apostle Paul delighted in it, and this, well after Calvary.
“But it’s not possible for us to keep it,” these same people say, which baffles me again,
Given that they have no trouble keeping not only their traditions but the laws of men.

Such doesn't make sense to me, 'cause of course we can keep it, such not an impossibility,
“But not perfectly though,” these people are quick to reply, as if wanting immunity.
Since when has our Lord and Saviour expected perfection from humanity? — hence His grace,
He well aware of our fallen condition, but despite such, says His Law still has its place.

And this, via His guide book — the Bible — hence why Paul continued to uphold its validity,
He thus rebuking those who consider it made void by grace and now unnecessary.
Come Christ’s return, and those who haven’t lived by its contents, there’ll be weeping and wailing,
'Cause those cruel nails that shot through Christ’s palms, these lawless Christians will have been busy re-nailing.

“Works!”

I was expecting that, such suggesting that spurners of God’s will should still get eternity,
Thus covered by grace despite their lives not being in line with His Law-cum-Christianity.
Oh, 'cause how could such be? Isn’t God’s Law the moral code by which we should be living, and,
Wouldn’t genuine Christians want to live by such, or is there something I don’t understand?

Nor Paul in that case, and God saving all who believe regardless of whether they obey,
Which doesn't make sense to me, 'cause such is effectively saying that sinning is okay.
Well, that isn’t what my Bible says, and how can we witness if still sinning wilfully?
Other than by word, and we appearing hypocrites who aren’t up with the play doctrinally.

In fact, it’s because we’re Christians that we keep God’s Law, our response Spirit empowered and led,
We knowing that it’s because of sin that Jesus bled, and why “Go and sin no more” He said.
So why would we seek some excuse, of which there’s none, 'cause sinning's clearly condemned by the Son,
Who, in line with Scripture and plain commonsense, and despite grace, lawbreakers will one day shun.

I can’t find one thing wrong with God’s Law, therefore, why some think it’s done away with baffles me,
'Cause those who live by it become more Christ-like, their attitude more responsive, heavenly.
Hence why His Law didn’t end at Calvary, it written by His finger for you and me;
The Jews just its guardians, and thus it not done away with because of apostasy.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 7 February 2020.

“...To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God [the Ten Commandments]” (Rom 3:2).

7.  Yours Sincerely, Apostle Paul

My dear brothers and sisters, there appears to be some confusion amongst you regarding God’s Law,
Such saddening me, frustrating me, given that I spent time with you explaining it all before.
And shouldn’t I know such? 'Cause I was schooled at the feet of our Lord himself, I who am big on grace,
And who despite grace, have told you that God’s Law hasn’t been made void by His grace, but still has its place.

On the contrary, I said, we establish it — in fact, I told you that I delight in God’s Law,
And here you're still confused! Haven’t my fellow apostles confirmed such too? Yet them too, you ignore?
So who've you been listening to? Deluded saints? Various false teachers? Have you got itchy ears?
Are you ever hearing but not learning, perhaps more attuned to falsehoods that Satan engineers?

So let me repeat: We’re to still uphold God’s Law, for without it, who'd know sin? Hence why I’ve told you
To put away your former way of life, your old self, and not that lusting after the flesh pursue;
And that those who don’t submit to God’s Law can’t please Him, but just those who keep His Commands, the whole ten,
They being His true followers, as opposed to those who’re followers of tradition, foolish men.

If anyone’s familiar with such, it’s me, 'cause I was once a zealot, hard out Pharisee,
So I’d spot legalism smartly, and can assure you, keeping God’s Law isn’t such, believe me.
Try showing me one thing that’s wrong with God’s Ten Commands. You can't, so why wouldn’t one want to keep them?
And hence why those who don’t — the Scriptures, God, and I too (with my fellow apostles), strongly condemn.

Even Abraham keep God’s Law, though saved by faith — in other words, via grace, 'cause though saved by God's grace,
God’s Law is the standard of Christian conduct which we’re judged by, 'cause faith without works is a disgrace,
All why only those who willingly adhere to God’s will — Law — get eternal life, and fair enough too,
'Cause why should deliberate lawbreakers be rewarded, but with eternal death, they not true-blue.

It’s not as if you didn’t know this. Are you still babes, seemingly requiring to be bottle fed,
And blown about by every wind of doctrine, making excuses for sin, despite what I’ve said?
'Cause if you are, you’re on perilous ground, 'cause grace doesn't cover sin but contrite sinners, you see,
Otherwise one could accept God’s grace and still get away with anything, which would mock Calvary.

That’s why God said (found in the book of John), “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments,” so tell me,
How much clearer do you want it? Turn to the book of Hebrews, chapter ten, because there we see
It stating that those who willingly continue to sin, void Christ’s sacrifice, unless they repent, and
Mend their ways, empowered by the Spirit, 'cause those who think that God waves some wand, just don't understand.

Sure it’s only God who can bring about such change, but not without us playing our part,  willingly,
'Cause surely you don’t think that God wants us to do nothing when He’s stated His will very clearly?
Hence why when we rise each day, we should consciously, willingly, receptively seek to do His will,
'Cause only in those who do their very best to try and keep His Law, can the Spirit truly dwell.

Lest you think I’m still into works (and why, I don't know), one’s salvation is all about grace, grace alone,
But those who aren’t into obedience are hardly into heavenly ways, just ways of their own.
Hence why they like the idea of God’s Law ending at the cross, but God said no such thing, and instead,
Told us to walk obediently, not wait for some wand, thus treating grace like some nightcap and bed.

Christ has only said that apart from Him we can do naught, and not that we’re to do nothing, you see,
However, what we do (in His power), we don’t do to gain salvation, but to witness correctly,
'Cause we’re His ambassadors, and hence “You'll know them by their fruit,” He's said, for how else could it be,
Given the alternative's nothing but rebelliousness, laziness, and outright hypocrisy?

Yours sincerely, apostle Paul.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 1 February 2020.

8.  No God, No Point

If I weren’t a Christian, and knowing myself like I do, or to put it another way, being totally honest,
And given that “the heart is desperately wicked,” I doubt I’d worry about doing what’s right or best,
Other than to avoid earthly consequences, that is, and not some divine justice, given my atheism,
Or if not atheism (given that I would hardly be open to the Spirit’s leading), my scepticism.

And I venture to say most of us would think and act the same, hence why darkness covered the earth prior to the flood,
'Cause the hearts and minds of men were continually evil, the earth full of debauchery, villainy and blood.
Oh, how they knocked Noah, so sure that they had nothing to fear, their disbelief and vice blinding them to the results,
'Cause those who’re not attuned to the Spirit’s prompting, hardly see reason or purpose, nor have their finger on the pulse.

Well, forgive my frankness, but such folk remind me of those Christians who think that all they need to do is take God’s grace,
And that despite what they do, they’ll be in His kingdom, His standards and Law (one and the same) hardly having a place.
Yes, their foolishness, heresy and worldliness blinding them to what the Holy Bible is really conveying,
And like all those who effectively think, "No God, no point" (and that’s where I came in), they are perilously straying.

But God is savvy, and knows all this, and hence why His standards and Law do have a place in all this, actually,
For though we’re saved by grace alone, we’re still judged by His moral Law, lest we think that we can still act rebelliously.
You see, when we walk in obedience to His will — that is, keep His standards and Law, we prove that we’re genuine,
And such God needs to see, for He knows that given our natural sinful bent, we’d happily take grace and still sin.

That is, if it were all about grace and nothing else, 'cause why would we bother if we were home and housed, such meaning:
Assured of a heavenly place despite continuing to willingly rebel, and thus God’s Law contravening?
Sure it’s all about grace in the sense that we can’t work our way to Heaven, but let me clearly point out this, dear friend,
Any who think that they can get to Heaven on the back of sin, will ultimately discover a fiery end.

Yes, just like me (if I weren’t a Christian, and thus thinking, "No God, no point"), most Christians would still continue to sin,
Willingly, that is, 'cause if there wasn't Law, and no consequences, there’d be little need for Spirit led discipline.
But as I said, there is a need for God’s Law, consequences, and Spirit led discipline, which God knows very well,
'Cause though we should obey Him out of love and gratefulness, there aren’t too many Christians who would, far as I can tell.

Yes, for the non-believer — no God, no point — and for deluded Christians — no Law, no point — well, effectively,
Given that such appears to be the way they’re thinking, the way that they’re acting, and even talking, effectively.
'Cause they say that God’s Law was done away with at the cross, which for sin-bent fallen man acts so conveniently,
And why it’s hardly true — a lie, in fact, 'cause such lawlessness makes a mockery of what Christ did on Calvary.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 1 February 2020.


"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who can know it" (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV).

“ ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet' "
(Matt 5:13, ESV).

" 'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).

9.  Do You Believe That You're Saved?

It's an interesting question, one that people hesitate over, or say “Yes!” to immediately,
And there're those who’re quite sure they’re not saved, and perhaps some of them with good reason to think that, quite frankly.
Yes, on one side those who’re unsure, and on the other side those who’re very sure — that is, that they are or aren’t,
And I guess there’re those who when it comes to saying whether they are or aren’t, would say that either way we can’t.

Well,

Upon our genuine repentance, and determined desire to move forward in obedience to God’s will,
And having accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour, we’re to live in faith that we are saved, and that all's well.
But treading carefully, I must add, aware that we can come out from under God’s merciful umbrella,
And thereby, via continuing to willingly sin, descend into the hopelessness of Satan’s cellar.

In other words, via our choosing, though all's not lost, 'cause should we repent, and once again call on Calvary,
A robe of righteousness (God’s gracious umbrella), will once again cover us, promising eternity.
But we shouldn’t play cat and mouse with God, because after our repentance, a consistency should follow,
'Cause where there’s no consistency in our walk, our repentance isn't genuine, and our walk just hollow.

And there lies danger, 'cause though we’re saved by grace alone, we shouldn’t play, become complacent, act smugly,
'Cause not only is such smugness pharisaical arrogance, but proof we’re at risk, even lost, sadly,
Given there’s no such thing as once saved always saved, 'cause imagine what Christians might do with that, now let me see:
Wear sexy clothing? Frequent bars and casinos? Idolise actors and pop stars? Watch anything on T.V.....?

Is this why most Christians are only so in name, given all the worldliness and disobedience we see,
'Cause if they think they don’t have to concern themselves with righteous living, I dare say they aren’t, perilously.
And that is where a certain smugness could come in, and even a degree of irresponsibility,
'Cause if we’re saved regardless, might we not concern ourselves with this or that, when we should do, acting gratefully?

After all, look at what Christ did for us! So why would we take grace and forget the rest, ignoring His will?
And how oft do the Scriptures tell us to walk in paths of righteousness, so that within, the Spirit can dwell?
Because the Spirit certainly can’t dwell in an uncommitted, worldly, rebellious, unclean heart and mind,
And why those Christians who see it any other way, bitter disappointment and a sorry end will find.

Heaven's not for the smug or rebellious, but for those who’re humble, obedient, teachable and willing,
And who've a quiet confidence, living in faith they are saved, true followers from whom the fruits of the Spirit spring.
Not just believers, but doers, not earning their way, but choosing to obey, ambassadors for their Lord,
Whose true and faithful witness, tried and proven faith, and glaring contrast, our righteous Saviour will soon reward.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 1 February 2020.

10.  A New Commandment?

“I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you,
so you are to love one another” (John 13:34, NEB).

Are God’s Ten Commandments inadequate? Even faulty, maybe?
No, of course not. So let’s examine this “new commandment,” shall we?
First, is the command to love new? Once again the answer is no,
Which Leviticus chapter nineteen, verse eighteen, will clearly show...

For Moses received a command to love, thus such is hardly new,
Besides, isn’t this what every Christian should instinctively do?
How could anyone be a Christian and not love their fellowman?
No, us all loving each other, has always been our Saviour's plan.

Thus there isn’t a new command, as such, but more a fleshing out.
By that I mean, an enlarging upon, that’s what it’s all about.
For loving others as we love ourselves is one thing, quite clearly,
But loving others as Christ loves, wow! Now that’s what He wants to see.

Yes, it’s this shift from our loving others as we love ourselves, to,
Loving others as Christ loves. It's this that He refers to as “new.”
And this big shift, this change of focus, will certainly come about
In the lives of those Christians who God’s will cheerfully carryout.

Our Saviour, via His earthy example, sought to reveal such love,
That each might love like He loves (via the power received from above).
Thus Christ opened up to them a new concept of God's love — a love
That revealed the character of His gracious Father up above.

You see, what Christ had cultivated with men relationship wise,
He also wanted them, where others were concerned, to exercise.
Yes, He wants every Christian to love like He loves — yes, completely,
And this, our Lord wanted right from the beginning, obviously.

The holy Scriptures, be it in the Old Testament or the New,
Echo this call, this commandment, and this very love reveal too.
A new commandment? No, rather just a deeper expression of love,
Which we’re to emulate, for it’s God’s, and a command from above.

By Lance Landall

“...but you shall love your neighbour as your self…” (Lev 19:18, NKJV).

‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang [depend, are based, are inherent in] all the law [the entire ‘ten’] and the prophets’ ” (Matt 22:36-40).

11.  Christ The End Of The Law?

“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness
for everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4, NIV).

It’s law as a method of obtaining righteousness that Christ brought to an end,
Not that anyone, pre or post Calvary, salvation by works could or can defend.
Since the Fall, God has only revealed one way by which anyone may be saved,
And that is, via faith, grace; it’s never been via how one behaves, or has behaved.

Before the cross, folk were saved by looking ahead to Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary,
Today, folk are saved by looking back to Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary.
Christ came to this earth to bring the Jews mistaken abuse of His Law to an end,
Not to remove His Law — otherwise, why would Paul God’s Ten Commandments defend?

The Jews had perverted God’s Law via legalistic obedience, you see,
That is, they thought that via keeping it they could earn their salvation, foolishly.
But as we know, no one is saved via law, for salvation comes via grace alone,
Plus, our best wouldn’t be good enough, hence that gracious gift from the Cornerstone.

Christ the end of the law? Hardly! For His moral Law points out what sin is, and,
It’s also via this Law that God’s will and character we better understand.
And when we do our best to keep His Law, we show genuineness, that we’re for real,
And God out of love, covers us with His grace, knowing we’ll fall short of the ideal.

The interpretation that Christ has literally done away with His Law
Is a perversion of Scripture, for not one apostle dared dismiss God’s Law.
Christ came to point the way back to faith; such faith doesn’t abolish but establish,
For what sort of God — the standard of Christian conduct — would come and abolish?

No, rather than abolish His Law, God sought to restore it to its proper place.

You may also like to read my poems "God's Gift of Grace", "Balancing Grace", and "Grace and Obedience".

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