"Thinking that grace frees us from rightdoing is as insulting to God as thinking that
rightdoing contributes to our salvation."
The poet, author
Certain poems also cover predestination and perfection.
A short but important introduction to both Part One and Part Two is just below the following hymn.
Amazing Grace
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught
my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.
By John Newton
Calvary — the Rock solid expression of no greater love, that grace might abound.
PART ONE
Obedience Matters, But It's All About Grace
God's Grace:
A gift that can only be accepted and appreciated; fittingly responded to.
Grace is our only escape route from a lawless earthly kingdom to a law abiding heavenly kingdom.
(Titus 3:5, NIV).
“...and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not a result of works, so that no one may boast”
(Eph 2:8,9, ESV).
“You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace”
(Gal 5:4, NIV).
It's All About Grace, But Obedience Matters
Obedience:
A response that shows loyalty, commitment, gratefulness, sincerity, and a genuineness that acknowledges the right and value of walking in accordance with the will and ways of a Commandment giving God who deserves such glory and honour.
Obedience is willing participation in the Divine plan that seeks our present and future happiness and well-being.
(Rom 3:31, ESV).
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall
we who died to sin live any longer in it? What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law
but under grace? Certainly not!" (Rom 6:1,2,15, NKJV).
“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the
commandments of God” (1 Cor 7:19, NASB).
Obedience thanks Christ, and prepares us for that change in altitude, which the Spirit
supplies the equipment for.
Obedience Matters, But It's All About Grace
In other words, we can Do good things, we can Do the right things, yet not really be a true Christian.
Thus it's BE-ing that results in DO-ing, not Do-ing that results in Be-ing.
Either Christ lives in us or He doesn't.
"Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one."
Chinese Proverb
When someone does something kind (for example), they display a characteristic of the Spirit,
but that dosen't necessarily mean that they actually have the Spirit residing within them.
1. Christ Did It Because We Can't
There’s nothing we can do to contribute to our salvation, nothing at all,Got that? NOTHING! Our only deliverance being when on Jesus we call.
So continue with your good deeds, and continue walking obediently,
But don’t ever think that such contributes in any way, ’cause that’s heresy.
The only thing that saves is GRACE! — Christ’s robe of righteousness — ’cause it’s all been DONE!
And therefore, friend, our hope and salvation found entirely in the Father’s Son;
He who lived an obedient life, He who never sinned, He who died for us,
He who bears the evidence on His hands and feet, He who bears the name Jesus.
So yes, help and care for your fellow man, and walk in harmony with God’s will,
But never in order to secure your salvation, somehow help with the bill,
Because you can’t and it won’t, so don’t, obedience playing no part at all,
It simply the response of a genuine and grateful heart, and so says Paul.
Oh yes, how Paul delighted in God’s Law, though never that he might boast, oh no,
But because of his love for his Lord and Saviour, and thus that the way to go.
Yes, Paul full of love for his brethren too, zealous regarding good works, but hey,
Never in order to be saved, because we’re clearly told there’s only one way.
And that way is, via God’s grace, lest stronger Christians crow, and weaker ones miss out,
And because our works will always fall short, and perfection not what it’s about,
But loyalty, hanging in there, sticking with Christ through thick and thin, to the end,
We only to happy to fall in line with the wishes of our new found Friend.
And what bride isn’t eager, willing and waiting to please, her heart full of love,
She happily fulfilling her husband’s wishes — and we, those of God’s above,
No, not perfectly, but willingly, holy intention at the fore, and why
A clear change is seen, the Spirit empowering, that Christ we may glorify.
And where there’s not that surrender, rebellion’s still seen, a love that’s hardly true,
A two timer, it could be said — someone whose thinking and actions are askew,
’Cause Christians should know that God hates sin, that He knows best, and very jealous is,
A righteous Bridegroom awaiting His faithful and Christ-like bride — oh to be His!
So,
Lets make sure we’re there for the wedding, clothed in grace, love for His law in our heart,
We having determined that from His arms, Word, will and ways, we’ll never depart.
And though our steps be faulty, our assurance in Him and all that He has done,
Knowing that salvation’s found in no other but He who the victory won.
By Lance Landall
2. That's How It Works
We come to a point where we recognise our true state, and it isn’t pretty,Self-cum-rebellion-cum-sin-cum-what a mess we’re in-cum-doomed, actually.
Yes, in need of a Saviour, a miracle worker, a God who’s for real, and
Able to fix both us and our problem, ensure that on saving ground we stand.
And so, we fall on our knees, sorry-cum-repentant, asking for forgiveness,
And wanting to walk in a new direction, HIS, we done with the old business.
And God says, “Forgiven! Saved! Yes, covered by My robe of righteousness, My grace,"
And there we are, there nothing left to do, Christ having been punished in our place.
Yes, we can’t even change ourselves, He doing that too, all why we’ve surrendered,
Giving it over to Him, He well aware of what’s for real or pretended.
The genuine one open to His directing and moulding, the past behind,
Because continuing in the same old vein would show the same old heart and mind.
And that, of course, would void His grace, God hardly fooled, nor to be messed with, and so
We entering into a committed, full-on relationship, which will show.
Yes, “By their fruits you’ll know them,” He said, and He too, not one to miss a trick,
Faithfulness equalling eternity, going by Heaven’s arithmetic.
And that’s how it works, He offering, we accepting, thus done with self and sin,
Realising that He's the only answer, and not wanting the devil to win.
And win he would if we backtracked, depriving us of great joy to come, which we
Get a taste of via that relationship daily fostered by prayer and study.
Our Christ-like words and actions not forced, but such developing naturally,
The outcome of that deep relationship, and the work of a lifetime, clearly.
We growing little by little, day by day, all why only grace can save us,
That robe of righteousness that covers our filthy rages, and why is seen Jesus.
Oh yes, nothing getting us to Heaven but grace, amazing grace, undeserved,
Hence why that path that relies on some effort from us is dangerously curved.
We sure to end up in a ditch of our own making, no glory to be mine,
Or yours, Calvary Christ’s doing alone, grunting efforts but a failure sign.
By Lance Landall
“You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace” (Gal 5:4).
3. It's All About WHO And Not WHAT
Don’t lose heart, or perhaps you already have, feeling that you simply can’t win,When it’s all about Who and not WHAT, your relationship with God, dear Christian.
Yes, you having been focussed on the WHAT, those dos and don’ts, and thus not Jesus,
That very close and first and foremost relationship He wants to have with us.
Yes, works and doctrine have their place, Christ our Lord as well as our Saviour, you see,
But salvation’s all about grace and not effort, unless talking Calvary.
In other words, Christ’s effort, and on our behalf, hence His robe, amazing grace,
And all why here (where we have no part), that WHAT is insultingly out of place.
Many seek a builder, say, then interfere in his work, upsetting him so,
And likewise, many interfering in Christ’s work, and hence how things cease to flow.
The job actually done, but they seeming to think not, and thus err they do,
It having nothing whatsoever to do with WHAT, nor you and I, but WHO.
Since man’s fall, the created have got the glory and not the Creator, who
Is seriously dishonoured, and why it’s all about Him, not what we do.
It's all about letting go and letting Him, all why we study, pray and share,
For there, dear friend, at the foot of Jesus, is where everything is made clear.
By Lance Landall
This and the following two poems were inspired by a sermon.
4. Do-It-Yourself Religion
“Do your best,” some say, “And God will take care of the rest,” but such words are askew,Christ having done the lot, though people meaning well, despite such not being true.
Even I having erred here, it all about surrender, the Spirit’s doing,
We repentant, receptive and willing — new creatures — His will now pursuing.
Yes, it’s not about what man does, but what God does, thanks to the Spirit within,
We hardly helping by doing our part and He his, ’cause that arrangement’s sin.
Such like putting grace theology into old wine skins, something sure to burst,
We either accepting God’s gift or trying to earn it, the latter but cursed.
The truth is, God’s responsible for the whole deal, and thus all we have to do
Is surrender, ’cause trying to earn God’s gift is legalism, well askew.
Yes, a do-it-yourself religion, when it’s the fruit of the Spirit, not us
(Not one little bit), but the work of, and gift of, our gracious Saviour Jesus.
Yes, the glory’s His alone, He not covering partially but completely,
We not doing some of it, and He not doing some of it, confusingly.
At the end of the day, He either did it or not, and did it He did! — ALL —
We responding with open hearts, grace delivering us to that banquet hall.
By Lance Landall
Genesis chapter eleven and Revelation chapter thirteen.
5. Towers And Powers
It’s all about a relationship, not a list of do’s and don'ts, and why weNeed to spend quality time with Jesus, getting to know Him intimately,
And learning to be daily, utterly, dependent on His ability,
Sanctification nothing to do with us; the very thought an effrontery.
Yes, it’s all His doing, we not attempting to build some Babel-like tower,
Works and forced homage being the mark of the warned of coming global power.
One that demands obedience, worship, unlike Christ who said, “Abide in Me,”
Not “Do as I say or else,” because He’s wanting us to respond willingly.
In other words, our response coming from the heart, we seeking His outstretched arms,
Coming to Him just as we are, our righteousness as filthy rags, hence those palms,
Yes, wounds that prove that all has been done, and therefore, that there’s nothing we can do,
Except surrender, sin something we’re no longer desiring to pursue.
And why would we? It having cost both Christ and us, and hence His Law in our heart,
We responding willingly to His will, though not in order to play some part.
Such simply the natural outcome of a relationship that both desire,
We building no tower, nor following some power, but just the Messiah.
No, we’ve no part to play in our salvation, 'cause it’s all about Calvary,
Thus works but the fruit of the Spirit working in us, which we’re told all will see.
Yes, “You’ll know them by their fruits,” it’s said, all because of that relationship,
It not about us, but surrendering, lest from Babylon’s prideful cup we sip.
No, we not muscling in on God’s throne, acting like the anti-Christ who dares,
But rather, giving all the glory to Christ, who the scars of nails still bears.
’Cause though we’re not lawless now, we not having wounds on our palms, and thus can’t boast,
It all the work of Christ alone — and within us, the sanctifying Holy Ghost.
Yes, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb,” not a hint of us, it all about God’s grace,
All why we’re to focus on that relationship, and thus not perfection chase.
It all done and dusted, we gratefully receptive to the Spirit’s moulding,
And thus within, the beauty of Christ’s character gradually unfolding.
So learn from the tower of Babel, and mind that coming power, which we’re told
Demands obedience to its religious enactments, like that one of old.
It into works too, a usurper, all why it stirs God’s wrath, ’cause gone is grace.
And in its place tradition — yes, a blasphemous, legalistic human face.
The only face seen should be that “Come, let us reason together” face, clearly,
No force there, but a caring plea based on a selfless love for humanity.
Hence “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do,” which could be said of you,
Or me, if we’re equally demanding about what people should say and do.
And thereby acting like that beast power, a modern Babel working its way,
And leading to confusion too, ’cause salvation by works leads people astray.
It all about grace, grace, grace, the fruit of the Spirit, and not a hint of us,
Every ounce of glory and praise belonging to the One who’s called Jesus.
By Lance Landall
6. A New Creation
Yes, that new birth, something at once complete and incomplete, rich with potential,And thus like parents, we realists and visionaries, under the Spirit’s spell.
Yes, a new creation and new life, we all on a spiritual journey
From childhood to maturity, and midst our stumbles and falls, growing daily.
Yes, something new and wonderful has begun, we rich with godly potential,
But far from finished yet, thus bearing with others, keeping grace in mind as well.
And rejoicing in each step taken, not looking at how many yet to go,
Thus protected from disappointment on seeing failures in others we know.
Yes, it all a journey that we and others have begun, and hence that vision,
Our eyes on what we and others can become once having made that decision.
And like parents, realists, messes to be cleaned up, knees to be bandaged on the way,
Hence that loving acceptance of what is, and vision for what will be one day.
By Lance Landall
7. It's Always Been The Age Of Grace
Yes, it’s always been the age of grace, no one ever saved by keeping God’s Law,No one ever saved by works of obedience; not today and not before.
Those before looking to the coming Lamb, and we looking back to Calvary,
Everything centred in the cross, and thus everyone saved by grace, praise be.
Though Abraham obeyed God’s Commandments, he was saved by faith, amazing grace,
Just like you and I are, our Saviour having taken everybody’s place.
Law never able to save at any stage, God’s Law simply a moral code,
A teacher, a mirror, and nothing more, Jesus having borne our sinful load.
The blood of bulls and goats couldn't save, they but types pointing to the antitype,
Christ the coming Lamb, and therefore, “We’re now in the age of grace” nothing but hype.
“For Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”
Yet, he still kept God’s Law — and we too, it in our heart, just like God wished before.
Why?
’Cause God has always wanted obedient followers, upholders of light,
Those who despite being saved by His grace, always endeavour to do what’s right.
Hence why they still keep God’s Law, not to be saved, but in order to please their Lord,
Who, observing their commitment and faithfulness, is coming with His reward.
Abraham’s commitment and loyalty pleased God too, and why wouldn’t it do?
God a righteous being, One who hates sin, rebellion both harmful and askew.
We hardly a true follower of God if pleasing Satan via wrongdoing,
And hence why God’s grace clearly doesn’t cover those who sin are still pursuing.
Yes, it’s always been the age of grace, no one ever saved by keeping God’s Law,
No one ever saved by works of obedience; not today and not before.
But who’d act so ungrateful via continuing to do what God doesn’t like,
Instead of staring Satan down (God’s adversary) and shouting, “On yer bike!”
By Lance Landall
"Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness
apart from works" (Rom 4:6, NKJV).
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something of which to boast, but not before God. For what
does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness"
(Rom 4:2,3, NKJV).
“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the
tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14, KJV).
“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a
sacrifice for sins [we won't be covered by God’s grace], but a terrifying expectation of judgment...”
(Heb 10:26, 27, NASB).
8. It Wasn't Just A Kidney
If someone’s kidney saved your life, wouldn’t you be grateful? Yes, undoubtedly!Well, Christ gave His whole body, Himself, that we might live for all eternity.
Thus not just for a little longer, but forever more, free from death’s cruel blow,
So that the joy of living with our life-giving Benefactor we might know.
Oh, the mystery of such a sacrifice, that grace that’s so undeserved, yet,
So graciously given; Christ writing off our unrepayable, shameful debt.
Yes, His body in place of our body, His life in place of our life, and why
“Worthy is the Lamb!” we cry, He who did it all; not a thing from you and I.
No, we not capable of adding a thing to what Christ did, it done and dusted,
Christ having gained the victory, and the devil proven a fraud and busted.
And hence we wasting our time thinking that obedience somehow aids our case,
Because such couldn’t be further from the truth, and a thoughtless slap in Christ’s face.
Yes, grace is where it’s all at, our obedience simply gratitude and sense,
The folly of rebellion plain to see, the consequences having been immense.
And hence God’s moral code being the only way to go, lest we live a lie,
’Cause it’s only righteous living that truly witnesses, and who He on high,
Will speak of and glorify.
Yes, it wasn’t just a kidney, but His whole body that Christ gave, hence His grace,
His mission completed there and then on Calvary, agony on His face.
We thus pardoned on repentance, covered by His robe of righteousness, His grace,
We having played no part at all, and hence why it’s been labelled amazing grace,
For hey, what a mystery that our very Creator would die in our place.
By Lance Landall
9. A Divinely Woven Robe
There was what looked like a smelly, soiled heap with a pure white lily nearby,The latter reminding me of our Saviour — and that unsightly pile? You and I.
But Christ took His beautiful sweet robe of righteousness and threw it over us,
And you know what? All that I could see then was an exact copy of Jesus.
Oh, there was another thing I saw…
A gnarly old nail studded fence post with a nasty bunch of thorny wire attached,
And I thought of an old rugged cross and a devil who an evil plan hatched.
And Satan certainly did his worst, but Christ did His best, and we know the rest,
For there on Calvary His endless love and saving grace were made manifest.
And this being how a filthy bunch of rags gets transformed — our righteousness, you know —
For despite our efforts we’re still a sorry looking heap, stained from head to toe.
But fall at the cross with repentant heart and no more damming evidence is seen,
But a divinely woven robe of righteousness that’s pure, perfumed, pressed and clean.
No, it not one that others see, but one that our heavenly Father can see,
For there stands His Son in our place — yes, no smelly heap, no dirty laundry.
But rather, purity and obedience personified, and enter grace,
A gift that only Christ could purchase — and why here, all our efforts have no place.
Oh yes, we can improve, become much better, but only God can change our heart,
For whatever we say and do must be genuine and true, not worlds apart.
And only via His empowering will we truly rise, and I pray we will,
But only grace saving us, for we’re still fallen, reeking of an earthly smell.
Though children of a King, we’re a long way from home and muddied from our pig sty,
For all of us are prodigal children, black sheep who have strayed and gone awry.
Hence our soiled attire that won’t be replaced until we’re home, but simply covered,
Christ’s protective robe seeing us to Heaven and Paradise rediscovered.
And once there, we receiving a white robe of our own, not to mention a crown,
For with Earth behind, and we princes and princesses, we’ll be dressing up not down.
And there, no devilish landlord with costly pig sties for rent, but rooms for free,
And the eternal presence of a Saviour who redeemed us at Calvary.
But meantime, as mentioned, only that divinely woven robe covering us,
We not saved by our deeds nor our successes, but by the merits of Jesus.
Yes indeed, He having done it all, and we responding very gratefully,
Our genuineness proven by our daily walk, our trust firmly placed in He.
By Lance Landall
10. We've A Grubby Hard Drive
Please don’t insult Christ by thinking that perfection is possible on Earth, as it’s not,For we’ve a grubby Hard Drive, which, when it comes to what we’ve put on it, contains the lot.
Yes, every image and word we’ve wrongly taken in, hence those grubby flashbacks we get,
For though having surrendered our all to Christ, our Hard Drive still contains what we regret.
And why only Christ’s coming will erase any grubbiness, we stained from head to toe,
Every member of our body guilty of some crime that saw Christ take another blow.
And yes, our Hard Drive-cum-memory having stored the lot, such betraying our charade,
For no matter how much we pretend otherwise, we’ve still a very dirty backyard.
By all means strive for perfection in all that you do, as Christ wants it no other way,
For via so doing, empowered by the Spirit, we will become more like Christ each day.
Though we merely a poor reflection in the scheme of things, for Christ is truly holy,
Unlike we who need His robe of righteousness, for our best, His word says, is still grubby.
The more that we love Christ, the less we will want to sin, and therein lies the remedy,
We daily delighting in His company, thereby getting to know Him thoroughly.
And via so doing, elbowing any grubbiness out of the way, such left behind,
But we not thinking we’re sin free, for how could we be, given that we’re fallen mankind?
By Lance Landall
11. Holy Intention, Not Perfection
My dear fellow Christian, perhaps struggling, worried whether you’re saved or not, and,Midst all your faults and failings, you hoping and praying that God will understand.
However,
You still sharing and defending His Word, doing what you can on His behalf, and,
Trying to live according to His will and ways, having taken hold His hand.
Yes, you’ve accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour, know it’s grace, not works, that saves,
And you’re only too happy to worship Him, seek that relationship He craves.
But sometimes aches and pains hamper, even tiredness and discouragement too,
And anxiety hovers; you glancing down “Does He still love me?” avenue.
Well, you can bet that Christ still loves you, and that His concern’s all the greater, and,
That He’s not about to leave you, nor keep you out of Heaven, the promised land.
After all, you’re still faithful and true, haven’t turned your back on Him, nor sold out,
So why wouldn’t our compassionate Saviour rescue you at His coming shout?
You see,
Despite our partner’s faults and failings, we still love them, want to be with them, and,
Won’t cut them out of our will (nor Christ block your inheritance, that promised land).
Ones partner still faithful, loyal, committed to the relationship, but hey,
Hardly perfect, and that’s okay, ’cause their loving intention is there each day.
And it’s an intention that’s seen, not mere talk, hence why “by their fruits you’ll know them,”
But we not expecting perfection, such extrapolations mere words of men.
And thus we bearing with our partner’s faults and failings, forgiving, showing grace,
Just like the God of love, who, knowing our fallenness, provides some breathing space.
Yes, He’s not exacting like the Pharisees (nor liberal like Sadducees),
But rather, One who sees the heart, it’s condition, just how much we want to please;
Whether we’re hanging in there, trusting in Him, accepting our cross, standing true,
Self-cum-rebellion gone, because when it comes down to it, it’s all about who?
Yes, Jesus! Just like our putting our partner before our self — well, so I pray,
Though we not perfect either, and they accepting that, so long as we don’t stray.
And so, God in our heart, God in our life, seated at the head of our table,
And why with Jesus at the helm, and we trusting in His power, we’re able.
Oh for holy intention, that passion that means business, that walk in our talk,
No, not perfect, but key after key coming into line with God’s tuning fork,
Slowly but surely; Christ’s robe of righteousness hiding the blemishes and stains,
For in our heart, and our following words and actions, holy intention reigns;
We unable to be a picture perfect image, hence Calvary’s sweet refrains.
Yes, claims of perfection stealing glory from God, belittling His saving act,
’Cause if we could become perfect, we’d hardly need Calvary, and this a fact.
But our fallenness putting perfection out of reach, until Christ’s return, when,
In the twinkling of an eye, there’ll be radically changed kids, women and men.
Oh, what love, a love that bears long, takes things into account, hence that gift of grace,
And lest any should boast, and this also why flagellations are out of place.
It all the work of Christ, we simply responding to His graciousness, His love,
Holy intention, and not perfection, the sure pathway to that realm above.
By Lance Landall
"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins [short comings] are covered"
(Psalms 32:1, NIV).
"Blessed is the [penitent] one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit
[God knowing that despite their shortcomings, they're no longer in revolt against Heaven; their short comings
not constituting defiance]" (Psalms 32:2, NIV).
"Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins"
(Eccl 7:20, NASB).
"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us"
(1 John 1:8, NASB).
12. Perfection
Does the Word of God convey what certain Christians incorrectly teach,And that is, that before Jesus Christ returns, perfection we must reach?
In other words, that while we're here on earth, perfection we must obtain
In order for us to be saved and our heavenly home thereby claim.
No, God’s Word doesn’t say such a thing, for such is pharisaism;
Just they and the medieval church were into perfectionism.
Hence flagellation, ascetic behaviour, and monasteries too,
Where even now, many still shun the world and such perfection pursue.
No, we cannot reach perfection this side of our Saviour's soon return,
And nor can any person, in any way, their way to Heaven earn.
For while every Christian should do their best to emulate their Saviour,
Perfection is out of reach, despite will-power and Christ-like behaviour.
In the sight of Christ our Saviour, there are no levels of righteousness,
For our best is but filthy rags — therefore, we will never be sinless.
However, the latter will change when to earth our Saviour soon returns,
For then we will become perfect — this, one from the Holy Scriptures learns.
More than one type of perfection is found in the Bible, let me add,
For example: There is one perfection in which we can all be clad.
This particular perfection relates to Christ’s robe of righteousness,
Which covers the repentant who are then treated as if they're sinless.
Yes, they are treated as if perfect, for the Father then sees His Son,
And not the sinner’s dirty old rags, but Christ’s robe, and what He has done.
You see, it’s Christ’s robe of righteousness — yes, it's our Saviour’s perfection
That covers us, while the Spirit then empowers our new direction.
Another perfection that is found is one that we should not mistake
For absolute perfection, lest another wrong path we thereby take.
You see, “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
Doesn’t refer to sinlessness, but rather, a different aspect.
This verse I’ve just quoted here, refers to spiritual maturity,
That is, having one’s heart and mind committed to God permanently.
One who is no longer a “babe,” still stuck on the rudimentary,
But ripe in spiritual understanding, and surrendered fully.
Yes, hardly a perfect Christian, as we think in terms of perfection,
But one who's holistic spiritually, with a sound connection.
That is, one who acts in love just like the Father, whom they emulate,
With weaknesses to overcome, yet pressing on, while Christ they await.
Thinking we can achieve perfection is spiritual suicide,
For such leads to spiritual pride, ensures that self is glorified.
In other words, Christ’s sacrifice is effectively thrown to one side,
As salvation by our works and salvation by God's grace thus collide.
I guess if one’s view of sin is shallow enough, maybe they can see
Perfection being possible, but such is incorrect biblically.
For we are sinners by nature, and all have sinned too, the Scriptures state,
Thus, no one's ever been perfect, nor will be, 'cause for such we must wait.
Yes, we are all born sinners, and therefore, truly perfect we can't be
Until Jesus at His second coming acts supernaturally.
It is then that He will restore us to Adams pre-Fall condition,
And hence why nobody since Adam's fall has ever reached perfection.
By Lance Landall
“Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and
who never sins” (Eccl 7:20, NASB).
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…[only the robe of
righteousness that Christ has provided will fit man to appear in the presence of God]” (Isa 64:6, KJV).
“As it is written: ‘There is no one who is righteous, not even one’ ” (Rom 3:10, NIV).
“Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb” (Isa 48:8, KJV).
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments...” (2 John 6, NASB).
“For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified [treated as righteous]” (Rom 2:13, NKJV).
“He [Christ] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy...” (Titus 3:5, NIV).
13. Heaven's Not For Saints
Heaven’s not for saints, but repentant sinners, those who’ve seen the error of their ways and are seeking change,Those who the sadness and ill of sin, for the joy and well-being of heavenly healing, wish to exchange.
They thus seeking the righteousness of Jesus, their hearts and minds receptive to the Spirit’s whisperings,
'Cause gratitude's flooded their soul, they so in awe of Christ’s love and mercy, which hope for the fallen brings.
Yes, Heaven’s not for those who’re so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good, but rather, for the humble,
Those who recognise their sad condition (how fallen they are), sin having affected every cell.
In other words, they in touch with reality, not lost in prideful Pharisaical fantasy,
'Cause when we start thinking we’re not too bad, we’ve fallen for fiction and forgotten Scripture, foolishly.
If Heaven were for saints, why did Christ die on Calvary, and what’s with that robe of righteousness that cloaks?
Such hardly required for saints, but repentant sinners, who, draped in such, look like saints, which Satan’s ire provokes,
'Cause how Calvary angered Him, He knowing that we’d be lost without that cross and robe, God’s gift of grace,
Our best mere window dressing, and perhaps reeking of attempts to save ourselves, which slaps God in the face.
Sure we’re called to walk obediently, empowered by the Spirit, but who could do so perfectly?
Well, perfect in a sense, maybe — but let’s not kid ourselves, 'cause we’ll not be perfect 'till we’re made Holy.
And that, dear friend, won’t happen this side of Heaven, and why even then we’ll continue to learn and grow,
'Cause growth hardly stops with Christ’s coming, Earth simply where such begins, and oh, how much more there is to know.
Yes, only fools think they can compete with Christ for righteousness, we so fallen that our best is tainted,
All why we’re in need of divine surgery — sanctification — of which we need to get acquainted,
'Cause perfection should still be our goal, we not settling for less than that righteousness of Christ, our
example,
Who brings about that change within, not us, lest we boast, 'cause within us, not an ounce of pride (self) should dwell.
How I praise God that perfection isn’t a requirement for Heaven, 'cause were it so, we’d have no hope,
We flawed from head to toe, prone to slipping and falling, hence that merciful lifeline, that heavenly rope.
Yes, Jesus, who did it all for us, He living a life of perfect obedience, then Calvary,
Such all due to sin, and why we shouldn't think to speak and act any other way than righteously.
And you know,
If Christ granted Heaven to those of us who continued to willingly sin after claiming His grace,
How could they, on arriving in Heaven, not feel a deep sense of shame, and thus would their gaze meet His face?
'Cause how many times would their thoughtless, selfish, rebellious hammers have hit those wounds on His tender palms,
And this, when He showed such love for us on that cruel cross on Calvary, where there, was seen His outstretched arms.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 29 February 2020.
When the Christian Bible refers to believers on Earth as saints, it's talking about those who're committed,
obedient, Christ-like and faithful, not perfect as we generally interpret perfect, nor holy.
14. The Surrendered Life
It’s all about our relationship with God, not our behaviour (as needful as right behaviour is), so,What we need to do is, open our heart and let the Spirit come in and dwell there, not humanity’s foe.
We willingly receptive to whatever God is telling us (such revealed by His Word and promptings),
As it’s only from our surrendering our all to Him that genuine and willing obedience springs.
Yes, such is the natural response of the surrendered life-cum-love relationship, and the only way,
Otherwise we’re simply looking at legalism, doing so because we’d better — such hardly okay.
No, the surrendered life submits to God’s will-cum-moral Law because it wants to, not because it has to,
As the latter is unacceptable to God given it’s done in order to be saved, and thus askew.
The truth is, that we are not even saved by willingly doing God’s will, but by grace alone (thankfully),
As it’s Jesus that saves, He having lived a life of perfect obedience, for honestly, how could we?
Sure obedience has its place, and disobedience-cum-rebelliousness leading to eternal loss,
But works never saving, for all who are and will be saved, had their passport to Heaven secured at the cross.
And why it’s all about the surrendered life — yes, all to Jesus I surrender all, the Spirit within,
We motivated by our love for Him, our gratefulness for what He’s done, no longer desiring to sin.
And thus our will in tune with His, we empowered to walk obediently, though here, hardly perfectly,
And why only Christ can save, and hence His robe of righteousness, our righteousness being far removed from worthy.
Yes, some may like to think that they can attain such righteousness, they ignorant of just how fallen we are,
And hence their various forms of flagellations, and ascetic behaviour, such often quite bizarre.
And such not only utterly pointless, unable to achieve a single thing, but a slap in God’s face,
For it detracts from all that Christ achieved on Calvary, and shamefully attaches itself to grace.
And hence why it’s all about our relationship with God, and never about our behaviour, or our deeds;
Deeds being the fruit of a Christ-filled heart, behaviour being the fruit of a surrendered life, one that God’s will heeds.
And this, willingly and consciously, for Christians are Christ’s ambassadors, they growing more like Him each day,
And relishing sanctification, but only where they’ve surrendered their all to Him, such the only way.
Yes, it’s all about the surrendered life, one that shouts, “Not my will, Lord, but Your will, and whatever the cost,”
As any other way is pride, fear, or ignorance driven, the unsurrendered life well and truly lost.
For after all, Christ said, "Take up your cross and follow me,” not, “Here’s grace, now go and live the life of Riley,”
And how could He desire it any other way? Sin being the cause of our sad condition, and Calvary.
Yes, it's all about the surrendered life.
By Lance Landall
15. Growing? Yes. But Sin Free? No
God's placed in front of us a high moral standard, a standard that He desires each one of us live up to,Though not in our power, but via the Spirit’s, and God’s Law showing us where to begin (it not just for the Jew).
However, we mustn’t get hung up on works, for works are the outcome of one’s complete surrender to God’s will,
'Cause those whose love for their Saviour is genuine, and their gratefulness too, naturally seek to do His will.
And as mentioned before, His will is that we strive to live up to that high standard, a standard that's for our best,
But midst striving for such, and thanks to God's gift of grace, each repentant one in a robe of righteousness is dressed,
'Cause God knows that sinless perfection is well beyond us, that sin's deeper than actions, part of human nature,
And why it’s therefore all about spiritual maturity, walking with Him in love, which we mustn’t blur.
No, 'cause we'll never live a perfectly sinless life, a life that is free from every taint and hint of sin,
But simply that sin won't reign in our life, 'cause how could it if we’ve surrendered to God’s will, have the Spirit within?
Thus reign, no, but we sin free? No, 'cause how could such be, given that we’re born sinners, and hardly by nature sin free,
And given that all we’ve taken into our mind remains there, just like a computer's memory bank, you see.
Hence those flashbacks well after we've surrendered our all to God, certain associations via tainted senses,
Senses that though now attuned to His will, still retain that sullied knowledge lurking behind renewed defences.
No, we’ll reach no state of sinless perfection before Christ’s coming, and even after will grow in perfection,
'Cause it’s not just our walk on Earth that's all about growth, but life with Christ beyond that soon coming resurrection.
Meantime, we’re to walk in harmony with His will, 'cause acting otherwise would show spiritual bankruptcy,
That we’re all talk and little else, simply rebellious believers deludedly expecting eternity.
And as well, making a mockery of Christianity, given the Gospel’s all about change, and
Not about hypocrisy, which is why those Christians still allowing sin to reign are just building on sand.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 29 February 2020.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags [only the robe of righteousness
that Christ has provided will fit man to appear in the presence of God]...” (Isa 64:6, KJV).
“As it is written: ‘There is no one who is righteous, not even one’ ” (Rom 3:10, NIV).
“Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb” (Isa 48:8, KJV).
16. We Can't Earn God's Love
We can’t earn God’s love. It’s there whether we want if or not, and He the God of love,Who, just like the prodigal son’s father, waits longingly as well, but up above.
He who first loved us having died while we were but sinners — yes, we prodigals too,
Covered in same dirty foul clothes — yet accepting His grace, all we have to do.
Then out comes His welcoming robe, and that inheritance and banquet to follow,
Christ having done it all, no need for anxiety, His great love having shown so.
No, such love can’t be earnt, it there in the first place, that son worrying pointlessly,
His father running to greet him, and it’s no different with He who’s heavenly.
The foolish brother of the prodigal having tried to earn his dad’s love, sadly,
When it had been there all along, hence his dad pleading with him, "Don't act so badly."
Yes, the father’s love having been there for both of them, and that inheritance too,
But neither son having got the picture, which I so hope isn’t the case with you.
One son saying what he’d done for his dad, and one son saying what he would do,
As if their father’s love for them needed to be earnt, which simply wasn’t true.
And nor for us, because all are loved regardless of what they do or don’t do,
God’s love always constant, and why we need to make sure that we’ve got the right view.
By Lance Landall
This poem was added to, and tweaked, on 4 September 2020.
17. We Never Arrive Spiritually
No, we never arrive spiritually, because just like maturity,It’s an ongoing journey, there no point we reach, even come eternity.
Well, in a manner of speaking, the latter is, growth continuing above,
Our perfect Saviour our heavenly teacher, the God of grace, the God of love.
Oh yes, we moving up the spiritual ladder, gaining maturity,
But forever growing, forever learning, improving incrementally.
Each step progress, another level, but just like we find with our greying hair,
Each step was just a step, nothing more, and why we still haven’t really got there.
We can plumb the depth of God’s Word for a lifetime, and yet still discover more,
And so too, as we develop spiritually, find there’s another door.
And though prudence is a good thing, we shouldn’t wait until we feel we’re ready,
Lest we put off decisions that would’ve helped with our growth (that should be steady).
I guess that’s why some never marry (sorry to digress), ’cause who’s the right one?
We hardly the right one ourselves, but a rather poor reflection of the Son.
And so marriage a journey too, we never even arriving there, you know,
And why it’s best we look in Christ’s mirror, not our own, as there the truth will show.
To think that upon reaching Heaven, we will be like God himself, is folly,
’Cause even Lucifer in his unfallen state wasn’t, hence his jealousy.
And so, just like Adam and Eve would’ve grown in Eden, so will we too,
The mysteries of the universe unfolding, that love that saved me and you.
By Lance Landall
18. Those Dos And Don'ts
Too many are hit with those dos and don’ts before they’re even able to rise,Having difficulty freeing themselves from the suction of mire (though one tries).
But many having been too deep and long in that bog, and thus are not helped by
Dos and don’ts that come too thick and fast, hence why some soon sink and, “It’s no use,” cry.
Yes, too often Christians reduce things to dos and don’ts, which though having their place,
Are more the outcome of a relationship with God, that daily face to face.
And thereby, we wanting to please God, not trying to earn our way to Heaven,
’Cause earn our way we can’t, but are just showing we’re no longer in rebellion.
However, it’s not about pulling ourselves up, but all about reaching out,
God’s hand at the ready, and His sleeves rolled up before we’ve even thought to shout.
Only He able and strong enough to wrench us from that mire, leaving our shoes,
Which are replaced by Holy sandals that come with that white robe we get to choose.
Yes, and having been washed in baptism, that muck of Satan’s left well behind,
Compliance with rightful dos and don’ts but the fruit of the Spirit, sealed and signed.
Yes, grace covering, Christ’s name written all over us, we up and on our way,
And never thinking to void grace by turning back, Christ now having all the say.
But of course we’ll struggle, get battle weary, given what Satan throws at us,
We feeling the full weight of that cross that the Christian carries, as did Jesus.
Ridicule, attacks and persecution having always been the devil’s mode,
But once again, heavenly muscles reaching out, helping us carry that load.
Yes, tears there’ll be, and things that might make us wonder why, but that’s life, you know,
Even non-believers beset by things, Satan being everyone’s foe.
And after all, we’re all in the middle of a battle ground where bullets fly,
Many random, and some caused by friendly fire, all why many suffer or die.
But praise be! ’Cause there’s a resurrection coming, day of healing, soon return,
Our Saviour once again at the ready, and in His heart, passion’s seen to burn.
He longing for us, aching as much as we, scars on His beautiful hands, so
Hold fast, dear flagging one, ’cause what a terrible loss there’d be should one let go.
I know how hard it can be, some wanting to end their life, and, “Help them, Lord!”, I pray,
Earthly help oft not there like it should be, all why many falter on their way.
God used to sounds of angry desperation, but midst it all, please don’t let go,
There being heaps of us like you, and midst such pain, dos and don’ts don’t want to know.
But rather, that arm around the shoulder, those dos and don’ts having no place here
(Even talk, sometimes), but rather, just that being there that shows much thought and care.
And that reveals that (no pressure) love of Jesus, who waits until we’re ready,
And why midst it all, we shouldn’t let go of that hand that is oh so steady.
There’s no other way, yet a Paradise at the end, thus we gaining something,
Unlike those who don’t believe, those who turn their back on Christ, and get nothing.
Our suffering temporary, and very short compared with eternity,
And therefore it all worth it in the end, and HOPE easing whatever might be.
As said before, dos and don’ts have their place, but all must walk before they can run,
And some of us are crippled, seriously disadvantaged before we’ve begun.
Hence God’s grace, and why all should mind those dos and don’ts, ’cause pushing hard and quickly
Discourages and turns off, thus it but Christendom, not Christianity.
Yes, all in good time, God honoured by obedience, but first comes love and care,
Not that after one is freed from Satan’s bog that love and care should disappear.
But simply that helping comes before preaching, healing before workouts, and why
Those dos and don’ts need minding, remembering it’s the Spirit's job to sanctify.
By Lance Landall
19. That Friend In High Places
If there’s one thing that’s as clear as anything can be, and never more true so,It’s that no one will get to Heaven because of what they know but who they know.
All why come Christ’s return, many will hear, “I never knew you, depart from Me,”
Because they never knew Him, but simply about Him, much like the Pharisee.
Hence why it’s not about those dos and don’ts, but a relationship, deep friendship,
Our response thus coming from the heart, not some script, like with that old leadership.
Those Pharisees hardly knowing Christ, and nor do many Christians, sad to say,
Who know the twenty-third psalm but not the Shepherd, thus works and not faith at play.
Yes, we did this and that, they’ll say to Christ, as if one’s saved by being good, or
By doing good, when it’s all about grace alone, not adherence to God’s Law.
So many doing rather than seeking, and thus that vital connection missed,
Christ wanting both hearts and minds, our rapt attention, not some “I’d better do” list.
Remember that someone you liked? How they liked you? How you chatted for hours? Well,
That’s how it should be between us and Christ, and how we know Him, though not enough still,
Because He wants those hours to turn into a lifetime, and so will we to,
Once we get to know Him, not about Him, all why faith and trust comes before do.
Yes, we did this or that, they’ll say, the who having been exchanged for the what, or
The path maker having been exchanged for the path, and thereby, faith for the Law;
It all about going to church, paying tithe, say, instead of what it should be,
An intimate relationship, the who changing us, not the what, which all must see.
Yes, it’s not about what we know but who we know, that Friend in high places.
By Lance Landall
Inspired by a sermon I heard.
20. Born Again
Though it’s grace alone that saves, one doesn’t stop there, my friend.No. Once grace is accepted, that’s the beginning, not the end.
From THERE ON, one should be walking very differently,
Having turned from the old ways, and having done so willingly.
You see, in order to be saved, one must be BORN AGAIN,
A new creation, seeking the will of God, not that of men.
Yes, that’s what born again means, for how can one be born again
And yet, still be the same old creature, a slave to self and men?
Thus, if we’re not born again, we can’t expect to be saved,
Given that we’re still the same old creature, unchanged, enslaved.
Yes, the one thing that we all need to clearly understand
Is, that saving grace and being born again go hand in hand.
You see, the Spirit can’t dwell in the old creature, therefore,
A change of heart must first occur — and direction, what’s more.
Why should God’s grace cover those who choose to remain the same?
No, grace is for those — who daily — victory in Christ seek to claim.
That is, sinners who’re born again, and who do all they can
From THERE ON to fulfill the will of God, not that of man,
Those to whom grace isn’t a license to sin, but a force
Empowering the new creature to do what God would endorse.
Sadly, many Christians may never see God face to face
Because of their distorted understanding of His grace.
Such wrongly think that grace will cover sin, when that’s not so,
For God’s a God of justice who has said sinning must go.
Thus, God’s grace is better understood when we more clearly
Appreciate His power, holiness and majesty,
And how sin-sick and fallen we are, and undeserving too
Of this grace that He has extended, which He didn’t have to.
That such a Being would extend grace to us is amazing,
Thus, within us, a right, sincere and grateful response should ring.
Yes, one that doesn’t shamefully take license with such grace,
But rather, the will of God in all things seeks to embrace.
You see, grace is also meant to transform, and not just save,
Hence, it’s for those who’re born again, no longer Satan’s slave,
Those who’ve decided to walk in newness of life from THERE ON,
Freed from chains that once bound them, the old creature dead and gone.
No, grace doesn’t cover sin, just repentant sinners, who,
Once having accepted God’s grace, His will then seek to do.
Sinners who’ve been born again, and whose fruitage says, “Thank you,”
Sinners who via the Spirit’s power Christ-likeness pursue.
By Lance Landall
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature…” (2 Cor 5:17, NASB).
“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).
“For if we willingly persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there
no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27).
21. It's that Simple
Do you believe in and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?Are you sorry for, and have asked forgiveness for, past wrong behaviour?
And do you no longer wish to continue sinning rebelliously?
If your answer is, "Yes," having told God so, you're saved, immediately!
And have become a part of the Body of Christ, the Christian family.
Am I meaning once saved always saved? No, such can't possibly be true,
For God has given us freedom of choice, folk can change their mind, and do.
God would never lock us into something that we no longer desire,
Thus, once saved always saved is Satan’s doing, for he is just a liar.
Any Christian who turned away from Christ, or continued to rebel,
God would no longer treat as saved, their past repentance would count for nil.
Why? Because they were hardly genuine, or somewhere they went astray,
So why should they be saved when Christ they chose to spurn, or to disobey.
So where do works fit in then, regarding being saved? Absolutely nowhere,
For we’re either saved or we’re not, as our behaviour plays no part here.
You see, we cannot buy God’s mercy, nor can we somehow earn His grace,
For such is something that's freely given, and which instantly takes place.
Our changed behaviour simply proves that we are genuine and grateful,
And it brings glory to God, who’s loving, merciful, and all-powerful.
It also witnesses to the Spirit's amazing transforming power,
And shows that we accept God's will (as our Christian growth begins to flower).
Such also displays our recognition that the Lord who offers grace
Knows exactly what's in our best interest (for He made the human race).
Besides, such is the natural fruitage of the Christian walk and growth,
That's displayed in every sincere Christian, whose commitment's like an oath.
Yes, it really is that simple. We’re saved by Christ’s blood, and not by works,
However, any genuine Christian, right behaviour never shirks.
Otherwise, they will greatly dishonour their Saviour who sin abhors,
And who has duly appointed Christians as Heaven’s ambassadors.
By Lance Landall
“...and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works,
so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8,9).
“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 [God accepts people where they are, but He gives them no excuse
for staying there]” (Eph 4:22-24).
WHY ONLY GRACE SAVES
Because grace is all about what Christ has done and not about what man has done.
Because grace wouldn’t be grace if it could be earned; grace being umerrited favour.
Because grace is all about God’s love and mercy and not about our efforts.
Because Christ has done it all! Therefore, there's absolutely nothing left for us to do.
Because if man could save himself he wouldn’t need a Saviour.
Because trying to earn our way depreciates, detracts from, downplays, and even spurns what Christ has done on our behalf, and how great that act was.
Because only Christ was able to live a life of perfect obedience; something that's impossible for us given our fallen nature, and thus our best will never be good enough. Hence why it's only Christ's obedience that qualifies us for Heaven.
Because trying to earn our way minimises and cheapens the high and Holy qualification for justification.
Because fallen man needs an unfallen answer.
Because we could never be Holy enough given that we’ve a grubby hard drive (for a start) that can’t be erased or replaced until Christ’s return.
Because trying to be good enough is putting obedience first, and that's clearly back to front.
22. Where Salvation Becomes A Selfish Matter
Yes, you wouldn’t think so, but kind of true it is when it’s all about Me,Making sure that we’re saved, going to Heaven, but not so much humanity.
In other words, where’s that same concern for others, or is it just about us,
A selfish salvation so unlike that thought and care for all shown by Jesus?
I meaning, are we actively engaged in the Gospel message, the Good News,
Reaching out, seeking lost souls, or simply and selfishly warming cosy pews,
Just going to church each week, making sure we’re doing the right things, but that’s all,
Leaving it all up to pastors and evangelists, when who did Jesus call?
No, not just the twelve, but each Christian automatically a disciple,
Thus hardly acting monk-like, having been given a saving story to tell.
Salvation not meant to be a selfish matter, but a collective concern,
And more so regarding the lost sheep, so that from their rebellion they may turn.
Remember Jonah?
Yes, he more concerned about the Ninevite’s destruction than their salvation,
And some Christians are like that too, they seemingly more concerned with damnation.
They railing against the wicked whom they should be weeping for, as does Jesus,
He not wanting anyone lost, so why just that selfish concern about us?
After all, Christ died for them too, so better their best than worse, we no Jonahs,
But desiring their eternal good, not slinking to Heaven like saved loaners.
It all about self forgetfulness, saving midst being saved, we not idle,
But actively concerned, not waiting for Jesus to ring some personal bell.
No, we all heading upwards together come that longed for resurrection day,
Christ delaying His coming so that more repentant sinners might come His way.
But how many mightn’t due to salvation becoming a selfish matter
We having moved no further than our pew, Christ’s “Depart from Me” ’bout to shatter.
Well, possibly so, having ignored the Gospel commission, that “Go forth” call,
Which may have resulted in more lives saved; we not having surrendered our all,
But rather, luxuriated in grace, our cross and calling gathering dust,
’Cause over the wicked we simply lamented rather than selflessly fussed.
“Come quickly, Lord!” we shout, perhaps thinking of ourselves again, and all our woes,
But love holding back till more come to their senses (which one’s greater effort shows).
Yes, we too exercising patience, and for the very same reason, less lost,
Our Christ-like concern for the salvation of others helping cut back the cost.
Too many are absorbed with their own salvation, which Christ didn’t intend be,
But rather, just as concerned about others, thus treating them like family.
We’re all prodigals, hence that need of repentance, that turning away from sin,
All having fallen short of the glory of God, which means you too, dear Christian.
Yes, there’s no room for the smug and snug, such Christians hardly pleasing their Saviour,
But indulging in pride and complacency, a selfish kind of behaviour.
The need great, but workers few, we’re told, meaning that many lost sheep will stay lost,
And where might we stand having done nothing or little, thereby upping the cost?
By Lance Landall
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but must endure God’s wrath” (John 3:36). Note also John 3:16.
23. Predestination
(Romans 8:29,30; Ephesians 1:4-6)By accepting or rejecting God, we thereby choose our destiny,
'Cause God hasn’t made us robots, we have a mind of our own, you see.
So, because God has given us free choice, we determine our own fate,
And possibly may well change our mind just in time, or perhaps too late.
No, God never predetermined that some would be lost and others saved,
For such would remove free will, and prove that He had unfairly behaved.
Thus God simply predetermined that all those who “believe” will be saved,
And that those who don’t believe will be lost, a path that they’ve thereby paved.
When talking biblically, the latter is called predestination,
Which is very easily confirmed via biblical exploration.
Thus only in this sense, the destiny of all was settled pre-Fall
When the plan of salvation was lovingly first laid, hence it’s our call.
Though God can read the future, and clearly knows each person’s destiny,
He leaves us to make that choice — yes, we decide, individually.
Divine foreknowledge certainly doesn’t exclude human liberty,
And hence why we determine our own fate, it’s our choice, effectively.
No, God hasn’t programmed our fate, and hence why we can thus void His grace,
For we are free at any time to reject Him, or to Him embrace.
God certainly didn’t set our destiny in concrete, such is clear,
Thus we can accept, reject, or void grace — yes, at the Spirit sneer.
Can anyone who believes remain saved while continuing to sin?
No, for we're to die daily to sin, and such proves that we’re genuine.
Hence why the book of Hebrews tells us that continual wilful sin
Makes null and void Christ’s sacrifice, as rebellion’s still clearly within.
Yes, Christians can void God’s grace, for Scripture says so, emphatically,
And in fact, one day very soon, Christ will say to some, “Depart from Me.”
For although they may have prophesied, and cast out devils in His name,
Or done many wondrous works, and so on, He’ll destroy them just the same.
Yes, somewhere they went astray, or sometime foolishly wandered away.
By Lance Landall
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).
“For if we willingly persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Heb 10:26,27).
“But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die” (Ezek 18:24, KJV).
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 Peter 2:20-22, KJV).
“For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, since on their own they are crucifying again the Son of God and are holding Him up to contempt” (Heb 6:4-6).
“And [so] why are we putting ourselves in danger every hour? I die every day!..” (1 Cor 15:30,31).
Those who “believe” are those who repent, accept Christ as their Saviour, and willingly walk in His ways.
PART TWO
It's All About Grace, But Obedience Matters
"Too many Christians treat grace like diplomatic immunity, which simply gives
rebellion continued opportunity."
"For grace to exist, so must that which has been offended, and why the abolition of His Law,
God never intended, nor that any one of the Ten be amended."
"Sanctification cannot take place outside of willing surrender to God's will."
"It's not about behaviour, but a Saviour; though don't forget that Christ died because of behavior."
"Disobedience always carries a sentence, and why grace only covers where there's continued repentance."
The poet, author
It was difficult for me to work out whether to put Part Two last or first given that so many Christians, indeed most, have been perilously taking licence with God's grace due to a new theology that's been propagated by false teachers that God's Word has warned us of; a new theology that has been slowly removing that healthy fear (respect) that fallen man needs to have an appreciation of.
Hence the following quote from John MacArthur:
“The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right
are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:10).
WHY OBEDIENCE STILL MATTERS
Because disobedience ignores wisdom and instruction.
Because disobedience runs contrary to what the Gospel is all about.
Because disobedience resulted in Calvary’s cross.
Because disobedience takes licence with God’s grace.
Because disobedience displays ungratefulness.
Because disobedience hinders or thwarts the work of the Holy Spirit in our life.
Because disobedience tries God’s patience.
Because disobedience is rebellion.
Because disobedience simply copies Lucifer.
Because disobedience ticks Satan’s box.
Because disobedience puts Satan on a pedestal.
Because disobedience aids Satan and his evil intentions for us.
Because disobedience adds to Adam’s sin.
Because disobedience hurts, shames and misrepresents Christ.
Because disobedience flies in Christ's face.
Because disobedience displays unfaithfulness.
Because disobedience witnesses wrongly.
Because disobedience brings ridicule on both Christians and the Church.
Because disobedience puts a stumbling block in the way of others.
Because disobedience hardens and corrupts.
Because disobedience is folly and selfishness.
Because disobedience robs God of more glory.
Because disobedience is full of lame excuses.
Because disobedience invites evil angels.
Because disobedience is sin, lawlessness.
Because disobedience doesn’t show love for God.
Because disobedience feeds and retains the old creature.
Because disobedience is a carnal mindset.
Because disobedience makes the next offence easier.
Because disobedience makes sin less abhorrent.
Because disobedience can lessen ones interest in spiritual matters.
Because disobedience can be costly.
Because disobedience can hurt others too.
Because disobedience that continues will keep us out of God’s kingdom.
Righteous behaviour is an example set.
Righteous behaviour witnesses to others of a change of direction, such all the more important when our past behaviour repelled rather than appealed.
Righteous behaviour brings glory to God because it witnesses of a Divine agency — the Holy Spirit — at work in our lives.
Righteous behaviour reflects the God of righteousness, hence the expression: Christ-like-ness.
Righteous behaviour guards us from being a stumbling block or hypocrite-cum-false witness.
Righteous behaviour shows just how much we desire to be like our God.
Righteous behaviour displays a grateful response to God’s mercy-cum-grace; that we don’t take such for granted, nor take licence with it.
Righteous behaviour places us in harmony with God’s will; shows that His Law is written in our hearts.
Righteous behaviour conveys that we’re on God’s side and not the devil’s; thus, “By their fruits you’ll know them.”
Righteous behaviour sets us apart from the world, is a response to God’s call to separate ourselves from that which isn’t acceptable for the Christian.
Righteous behaviour indirectly acts as a rebuke to the world.
Righteous behaviour blesses others because of its goodness, selflessness and soundness, lifts the standard and attempts to counteract any ill.
Righteous behaviour shows that our focus is heavenly and not earthly.
Righteous behaviour displays a contempt for that which saw Christ die on Calvary — sin.
Righteous behaviour denies Satan the victory.
Righteous behaviour shows an acceptance of the fact that any change should begin the moment we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we having taken on His name as His ambassadors.
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…”
(2 Cor 5:20, NIV).
“You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.”
John MacArthur
"Living outside of obedience voids God's grace just as much as trying to earn our way to Heaven does."
The poet, author
If there's one thing that really riles Satan, it's those who obey God and not him, hence the following
which surely shouts and says it all:
“And the dragon [Satan] was enraged with the woman [the Christian church], and he went to make war [persecute] with the rest [“remnant,” KJV] of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God...” (Rev 12:17, NKJV).
Therefore, carefully note the following:
(2 Cor 6:1, NIV).
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to RENOUNCE ungodliness
and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives in the present age”
(Titus 2:11,12, NIV).
“For IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTORE AGAIN TO REPENTANCE those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away [totally rejected Christ, or never returned to Him], SINCE ON THEIR OWN THEY ARE CRUCIFYING AGAIN THE SON OF GOD AND ARE HOLDING HIM UP TO CONTEMPT”
(Heb 6:4-6, NRSV).
“How much WORSE PUNISHMENT do you think will be deserved by those who have spurned the son of God, PROFANED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT BY WHICH THEY WERE SANCTIFIED, and outraged the Spirit of grace? [these folk referred to had at one time professed to accept salvation through the atoning grace of Christ]”
(Heb 10:29, NRSV).
“But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, IN THEM SHALL HE DIE”
(Ezek 18:24, KJV).
“For if we go on sinning WILLFULLY after receiving the knowledge of the truth, THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SINS [we will not be covered by God’s grace], but a terrifying expectation of judgment...”
(Heb 10:26, 27, NASB).
"Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD" (Heb 12:14, NASB).
"But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS [thus you voiding God's grace]"
(Matt 6:15, NLT).
"The sinful mind is hostile to God. It DOES NOT SUBMIT TO GOD'S LAW, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature CANNOT PLEASE GOD"
(Rom 8:7,8, NIV).
grace is made void.
Christ did not die in order to do away with His Law, but because His Law could not be done away with.
To remove such a moral code would be to give man freedom to sin without consequences.
Grace is mercy, not toleration.
"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void" (Luke 16:17, ESV).
No law, no need of grace.
Abolish law, and Christ's death was in vain, and Satan thus gaining the victory, because where there's
no law, there's no sin, and thus anything permissible.
But you know, there's no greater insult than to accept our Saviour's more than generous gift of grace
and still continue to willingly act contrary to His Word, will and ways.
Christ said to the woman caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemm thee," thereby covering her with His grace. But then He said, "Go and sin no more," because He hates sin. So, why would he offer us His grace too and not expect the same from us? After all, sin is sin. And how do we know what sin is? Via the Law, Paul says.
And using borrowed thoughts here:
When God first spoke His Law, it came from His heart, because:
“… out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34, NKJV).
And thus God’s Law going from His Heart to our heart, because:
“...I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts…” (Heb 8:10, NKJV).
Therefore, to reject God’s Law is to reject God’s heart; the Law on the outside condemning, the Law on the
inside blessing.
When God first spoke His Law, it came from His love, because God is love (1 John 4:8), hence why we’re told
that if we have that same love in our hearts, we will keep His Law:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15, RSV).
And this being why we’re also told that it’s only those who keep His commandments that will receive
eternal life:
“Blessed are those who do [keep] His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14, NKJV).
Using borrowed thoughts again:
When Paul speaks of the Law in the ‘context of salvation’ [Justification – Right standing before God] he clearly affirms that law keeping is of no avail (Rom 3:20), but on the other hand when he speaks of the Law in the ‘context of Christian conduct’ [Sanctification – Right living before God], he maintains the value and validity of God’s Law (Rom 7:12; 13:8-10; 1 Cor 7:19).
Though God's Law isn't there to save us, it's there for us to live by, so,
24. Don't Misunderstand The New Covenant
It’s funny how we so often miss the
obvious — or might it suit us to? —
And why when it comes to the
new covenant we must get things right, hold the right view.
For God’s Law wasn’t done away
with at the cross, and this fact being crystal clear,
As at the centre of both the
old and new covenants God’s Law is seen there.
Yes, the truth is, God never
came to do away with His Law, for how could He?
His Law being a transcript of
His very character, and therefore why we see
In Hebrews chapter eight and
verses eight and ten, what was always meant to be:
“I will put My law in their
minds and write it on their hearts” — yes, permanently.
You see, such was what God
wanted right from the beginning — and this, rightly so —
We not keeping His Law
grudgingly but willingly, our gratefulness on show.
And both logic and sense
nodding in agreement, for why would we want to sin,
Given not only what Christ did
for us, but how sin just drives another nail in?
Look, if Christ wants His Law
written on our heart, it's clear that He still wants it obeyed,
Hence why He came to fill it
full of meaning, and this other ringing statement made:
“Till Heaven and Earth pass
away, not one jot or one title will by no means pass
From the law till all is
fulfilled” — so lawbreakers, you had better watch that hourglass!
Hence why Paul scoffs at the
idea of God’s Law having been done away with, and,
Why we’re told its doers and
not hearers who’ll be blessed, if you understand;
In other words, by all means
accept God’s grace, but please don’t go leaving things there,
For Christ wants true ambassadors,
those who walk the talk — goodbye just a veneer.
And so, we keeping the
Commandments out of love, though surely wisdom tells us
That we’ll always be better
off where going by the directions of Jesus.
And why (if we’ve got our
head screwed on), we’ll stop viewing obedience as works,
And count it an honour, for
where there’s genuineness, obeying never irks.
And thus why God’s Law is at
the heart of the new covenant too, sensibly,
As righteousness and justice
are the foundation of God’s throne — and hey, praise be!
For who wants a God who let’s
ill and evil go undealt with, “And here's My grace,”
And thus why the beauty of
God’s moral Law will always have its rightful place.
By Lance
Landall
“For
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and
write them on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be
My people”
(Heb 8:10, ESV).
"In order that the righteous
requirement of the law might be fulfilled [realized] in us, who walk
not according
to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:4, ESV).
"For this
is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments
are not burdensome"
(1 John 5:3, NKJV).
Bear the following two things in mind:
1)
Well before Moses was born, God judged folk by the standard of whether
they “obeyed My voice and kept My charge,
My commandments, My statutes,
and My laws” (Gen 26:4-5).
2)
The writers of the Scriptures often used the singular word "law” to
refer to either God's Law [the
Ten Commandments]
or the Law of Moses. Hence why we need to understand the differences
between them and their differing purposes, otherwise we will draw the
wrong conclusions.
Regarding the old
and new covenants, see my page Things
About God's Law That We Need To Know which is
found in a purple box (so titled) further down the Christian
poem list section.
25. No Law, No Need Of Grace
Where we’ve broken no law, we need no pardon — in other words, no need of grace,
And therefore, God’s Law must still stand, which makes sense, because laws have their rightful place.
And in this case, those Ten Commands — yes, that standard of Christian conduct, which we
Should delight in like Paul, who though putting trust in grace, keep God’s Law faithfully.
Grace can’t be extended to us where there’s no law to be broken, and therefore,
Isn’t something that exists apart from the Law, but by reason of the Law.
Law and grace having existed side by side from the time that man first sinned, and
Do today, all why Commandment keepers are applauded, and acquitted stand.
If there had been some way out of Calvary, Christ would’ve surely taken it, but
God’s Law could not be set aside, its permanence a case that’s open and shut.
If God’s Law could’ve been set aside, then sin could’ve, and the wages of sin,
And those wages being death, hence Christ dying in the sinner’s stead, dear Christian.
Being saved by grace (such mercy) is greater reason for us to keep God’s Law,
’Cause after what He did for us, our desire should surely be to please Him more.
It was with the people that God found fault in the old covenant, not the Law;
Otherwise, why would He now want it in our heart, word for word, just as before?
“They continued not in My covenant,” He said, and that was His gripe with them,
There being no problem with His Law, which James called perfect, not sought to condemn.
Thus keeping God’s Law isn’t a sign of being under the old covenant,
But a sign that God dwells in the heart, all how it’s kept, no horse before the cart.
By Lance Landall
26. God's Benefits And Safegards
We badly err when we view God’s Law as simply a bunch of rules, rather than
Wonderful benefits and safeguards of divine origin gifted to man.
And so it is with any biblical instruction, all of it blessing us,
Or sparing us, and drawing us ever closer to the likeness of Jesus.
If there’s one thing that’s very clear, it’s that God is wise, that all He says makes sense,
And He well knowing what will happen should we climb any life protecting fence.
Such fences not keeping us from helpful things but harmful things, thorns in the grass,
Which, though often sporting a deceptive flower, lie in wait for those who pass.
Oh, how foolish to think of God’s boundaries as restrictive, when the truth is
That He is only trying to protect that which is rightfully His.
In other words, us, just like any earthly father would whose heart’s loving too,
And wanting nothing but the best for his children who harmful things might purse.
Hence why God has always had His benefits and safeguards, and such will remain,
Those rules and boundaries-cum-morals, principles and standards hardly in vain,
But what’s blessed the world and spared it much, and hence why in the renewed Earth to be
They’ll all be written on the hearts and minds of those enjoying eternity.
Yes, the cross not doing away with rules, those benefits and safeguards, and so,
We still walking in accordance with God’s will, and hence why by their fruits we’ll know.
Yes, only grace saving, but rules directing-cum-blessing and sparing us, and,
This why they should be seen as benefits and safeguards, and lest we build on sand.
You know, there’s not one commandment that’s injurious, even that Sabbath one,
Which was hallowed and honoured at creation via the example of the Son.
A day of rest from toil, we resting at the end and not at the beginning,
Hence that seventh day, that weekly cycle that’s been since our world started spinning.
Hence why Paul said God’s Law is still valid, and surely sense would see us agree,
Because why would grace void benefits and safeguards that bless, spare and guide wisely.
So, we rejoicing in those commandments that existed in Abraham’s day,
Knowing that they not only bless and spare us, but also point out the right way.
By Lance Landall
Also see my poem Calvary Never Did Away With The Narrow Way which is
on my page All Things Good And Right, Home page.
27. Nutters?
How could we not please Christ after all He’s done for us, and yet, mutter, mutter,“His law having ended,” they spouting (thus law keepers akin to a nutter).
Oh, how utterly foolish of them, because God’s standards haven’t changed one bit,
So what on Earth are they thinking when in judgment here, they audaciously sit?
It’s only a problem when law’s put before grace, like a cart before a horse,
Nothing being wrong with that cart, but it to be positioned behind, of course.
Grace first and foremost, the only means by which we’re saved, but then out must go sin
(Wilful sin, that is), rebellion playing no part in the life of the Christian.
Oh, the lengths men go to when in love, their desire to please knowing no bounds,
Yet when it comes to Christ, that protest over what delights Him, truly astounds.
Excuses by the dozen, “We saved by grace alone!” they shouting in defence,
Ignoring both the rightfulness and beauty of God's Law, which doesn't make sense.
Nothing wrong with those Ten, but just those hearts of men, who should willingly obey
All that God has requested, and which is in their best interests, I must say.
They surely not wanting to be murdered, lied to, stolen from — and the latter
Possibly someone getting off with their wife, and hence why those Ten still matter.
Oh yes, they’re those who’re obsessed with God’s Law, and who’d have us think we’re saved by works,
But woe betide the fool who the wise wishes of a righteous God smears and shirks.
They having gone from one extreme to another, and thereby stand guilty too,
Neither within the safety of God’s grace, and to be frank, there’s nutters for you.
By Lance Landall
Yes, neither:
“You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace” (Gal 5:4).
“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a
sacrifice for sins [we won't be covered by God’s grace], but a terrifying expectation of judgment...”
(Heb 10:26, 27, NASB).
28. The Truth About Grace
It’s funny, you know — well, not
entirely so — how many misunderstand grace,
They thinking it covers sin, which, to be honest, would only be a
disgrace.
For if God’s a righteous
God, the God of law and order, a God who hates sin,
What would He be doing excusing it, allowing it to remain within?
And this being why His grace only covers the repentant and obedient,
Who, though they’ll still err given that they’re fallen, are considered
as innocent.
Yes, Christ’s robe of righteousness covering them, for they’re quick to
say sorry, and
Are quick to ask for His forgiveness, their sinning more accidental
than planned.
You see, the truth is that God’s no fool, for were His gift of grace to
cover sin,
I’m sure that we’d struggle to find any Christian who wouldn’t willingly
sin.
In fact, it’s bad enough now, a faulty understanding being one reason
why,
Many thinking that they’re still covered when they’re not, and Earth’s
last days rushing by.
Oh yes, our loving God is certainly long-suffering and merciful, but
He not prepared to let folk play right up until the door of His ark is
shut.
And shut it will, His coming near, His appraisal done, and all having
been warned;
And left outside? Those who’ve taken licence with His grace or His
desires scorned.
Sure God’s grace provides a way of escape from eternal death (sin’s
penalty),
But it’s not some legal sanction allowing us to sin with impunity.
And this why we’re told of the consequences of continued deliberate sin,
For why should God spare the rebellious, hypocritical, fair-weather
Christian?
Yes, God understands our battles, our struggles with sin, but in time
things must go,
And sadly, we far too oft dragging our feet and thus our growth
painfully slow.
And we, possibly endangering our salvation, for at any time, friend,
Our limp grip could lose its hold, and dare our relationship with our
Saviour end.
All being why God’s Word says: “Pursue peace with all men, and the
sanctification
Without which no one will see the Lord,” for in Him, aren’t we a new
creation?
Yes, for how can we who died to sin (presumably), go on living in it?
Which surely any committed and genuine Christian would be quick to
admit.
“God’s Law was nailed to the cross,” some say, so I guess adultery’s
okay now,
Not to mention stealing and murdering, or worshipping God any old how.
No, such still
isn’t okay, never was and never will be, and why it is
That rather than our selfish fallen will, we’re meant to be carrying
out His.
Yes, and His will being far
from selfish, and in our best interest, let me say,
Hence why He tells us to refrain
from sin, for He knows that sin will never pay.
And why it is that many Christians who stray end up limping back to the
cross,
They having learnt the hard way, and many just in time — Heaven too
greater loss.
And that’s the truth about grace, a truth that the devil doesn’t want
folk to know,
For should they wrongly think that God’s grace covers sin, Heaven
they’ll certainly blow.
Oh yes, for God’s gift of grace isn’t for abusers, those who more nails hammer,
And who, come the fate they’ve thus chosen, the truth of such will be
heard to stammer.
But aren't we under grace now?
Look, let’s not misunderstand Scripture, grace having always been the
only way,
Adam looking ahead
to the cross back then, and we, back
to the cross, today.
And thus God’s Law always the standard and not the method but God’s
grace alone,
For law can only reveal
sin, not forgive sin — though sin God cannot condone.
By Lance Landall
“...continue
to work out your salvation with fear and trembling [due seriousness
and
daily prudence] (Phil 2:12, NIV).
" 'Not everyone who says
to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does
the will of
My Father in heaven' " (Matt 7:21, NKJV).
29. Where Grace Just Becomes A Joke
Did God provide grace so we could
sin our way to Heaven, take His name in vain, discard His moral Law?
Did God provide grace so we could swear, lie, cheat, steal our
way to Heaven, and while here, worldly things adore?
Did God provide grace so we could meander in to Heaven, get there
any old way, actually,
Or to put it another way, did God provide grace so we could get
away with murder, effectively?
Let me rephrase that:
Did God provide grace so we could ignore obedience and still be
saved, treat Him disrespectfully?
Did God provide grace so we could still indulge in lustfulness,
porn, promiscuity, adultery?
Did God provide grace so that no matter what we believed, practiced
we’d still be saved, get eternity,
Or to put it another way, did God provide grace so we could have a
foot in both camps, happily?
Okay, let me put all this another way:
Have those who’ve accepted God’s grace become more like Him in
every way (having surrendered fully)?
Have they turned their back on worldliness in favour of the heavenly (thus are witnessing correctly)?
Are they more attuned and receptive to the Spirit’s promptings (and
thus more in harmony with God’s will,
And more often engrossed in His Word, that they may far better
understand it and His requirements fulfil)?
Can you see what I’m getting at?
If acceptance of God’s grace hasn’t seen us grow more like Him
every day — willingly, by the way,
Then what did we accept His grace for? Weren’t we
truly repentant, perhaps still wanting to disobey?
Well, what else could it be? 'Cause surely those who’re grateful for
what Christ did on that cross will respond in kind,
Sacrificially too, giving up their old ways, dying to self,
due to having a changed heart and mind.
They walking obediently, conforming to God’s wishes (Law, which shows us the way in which to walk),
'Cause God never said Heaven's for willing sinners too, but those who
show they’re genuine, walking the talk.
Otherwise, Christians would be exempted from rebelliousness, which God's Word says they aren’t, and rightly so,
'Cause why would God reward a form
of religion, a sham, charade, a walk that repentance doesn't
show.
Such is where grace just becomes a joke, a selfish excuse to
just carry on sinning, effectively,
Which given our fallen nature (and if grace did cover wilful
sin), would be clutched at most readily,
And which God clearly knows, hence those warnings in His
Word, and why we should fall at His feet every day,
Aware that the acceptance of His grace is just the beginning, the
cross pointing to a better way.
Hence “Walk ye in it” we’re told, the Spirit enabling, we
becoming more and more sanctified each day,
'Cause God wants that change to begin now, we not waiting 'till His
coming (whilst meantime we rebelliously play),
To continue to willingly sin while we wait, is to assuredly seal
our fate, 'cause lost we'll be,
Given God never gave us licence to sin when He selflessly died due to our sins, at Calvary.
By Lance Landall
This poem was tweaked on 22 October 2022.
"Since everything
will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You
ought to live holy and
godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming"
(2 Peter 3:11,12, NIV).
“You
were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off 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
[God accepts people where they are, but He gives them no excuse
for
staying there]” (Eph 4:22-24, ESV).
30. Are We Going Backwards?
Well, if so, here’s one reason why:
Folk thinking they’re saved though still sinning wilfully,
And thus there being little
incentive to walk rightly — love for God lacking, clearly —
As gratitude for all that He
has done for them should be motivation enough,
But no, obedience cramping
their fallen style, they off when the going gets tough.
And why we see all that
worldliness, their misunderstanding imperilling them,
For they continue to do those
things that God via His Word has chosen to condemn.
And why they’re hardly
growing, for how can they when indulging in unheavenly things?
Things that appeal to the old
nature that they should’ve left behind, from which ill springs.
And perhaps praying that the
Spirit will dwell within, yet continuing to sin,
They still doing what God has
said, “Please don’t,” and thus their walk not all that genuine.
For surely if they’ve repented
of their old ways-cum-sinfulness that God’s said, “Shun,”
They wouldn’t act so
hypocritically, snub their noses at the will of the Son.
Though we’re saved by grace
alone, we’re not free to do as we please, such not making sense,
For God hates sin, such
being why we can’t wilfully sin and use grace in our defence.
No, as forgiveness comes after
true heartfelt repentance and not before wilful sin,
And thus why deliberate sin
voids God’s grace, He knowing who’s really genuine.
Though God’s grace awaits our
acceptance of it, and in that
sense comes first, it only
Saves after and not before,
and hence why we must ask for God’s forgiveness daily.
In fact, the very moment we knowingly
sin, we showing we're truly sorry
And that genuineness seen in
our attempt to avoid acting rebelliously.
Yes, how could it be any other
way? — as if God could sanction our sinning,
And given that when it comes
to our battle with sin, such we’re meant to be winning.
Oh no, not in our own strength, but
via the empowering of the Spirit, who,
Desires to bring about that
change that every single Christian should desire too.
All why the acceptance of
God’s grace is just the beginning, for from there on,
Every Christian should yield
to the Spirit’s promptings, the old ways soon dead and gone.
And wasn’t that why we
repented in the first place? — well, it should’ve been so,
For how else but via our
change-cum-good example will others Christ come to know?
By Lance
Landall
“Many
[Christians] will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy
name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I
never knew you:
depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).
31. Don't Play With Your Salvation
They met, boy and girl, the sexual
talk smutty, though some would call it dirty,
And back to his flat they
went, intercourse the intention; promiscuity.
And as per usual, alcohol
involved, their antics equally smutty,
Yes, sin in all its shameful
glory, and oh, how often such is the story.
Well,
It wasn’t long before
something sparked an argument, it heated and nasty,
Foul words and threats flying,
both at it — and yes, a certain physicality.
But fear soon overcoming her,
and she rushing out onto the busy road,
Only to be killed instantly by
a surprised trucker with a heavy load.
Yes, he had no chance of
stopping, and that girl now lost for all eternity,
It not mattering whether she
was a Christian or not, hope gone completely,
Because at that point she was
in open, defiant, chosen rebellion, and
Lest others follow suit, this
clear-cut fact is something all need to understand.
If God were to save such folk,
what kind of signal would it send, and why He won’t,
And as far as such sinning
goes, every chapter of His Word conveys, “Don’t!”
And thus Christians without
excuse, and her true state showing at that point in time,
And given death came early,
all hope gone, she still indulging in sleaze and slime.
And that’s calling a spade a
spade, ’cause our Holy, righteous God will not be mocked,
And how ones fate is thereby
sealed, when, come death, ones head is defiantly cocked.
Too bad she had a good side, did good
things, because in the end such doesn't count,
It having been all for nothing
when at the last moment Satan’s horse we mount.
Yes, we either faithful to the
end or not, and having moved further from sin,
Thus a true ambassador for
Christ, able to rightly call our self Christian.
And saved, because God’s grace
isn’t a cloak for willing sin, that wrong that we knew,
And sudden death knowing no
repentance, and genuine deathbed confessions few.
Yes, their heart much the
same, they simply caught out, and now facing reality,
And that being, that their
wrongfully chosen path has cost them eternity.
And God having warned so, but
sin too attractive, and self still wanting its say,
And hence how folk play with
their salvation, ’cause our righteous Judge will have His say.
By Lance
Landall
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more
in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"
(Philipians 2:12, KJV).
"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it
is sin"
(James 4:17, ESV).
32. Remember This
Yes, remember this, that salvation is your decision, not that of the Son,
You accepting Him or rejecting Him, out of sync with Him or one with Him,
Who the victory won.
You either covered by His grace or not, and if you’re not, that’s your fault alone,
Yes, something on your part, not His part, because no fault’s found in the Cornerstone.
So, you get to decide if you’re going to Heaven, and in Heaven you’ll be,
If faithful and true, the Spirit empowering, grace not granted willy-nilly.
God knowing the heart, its genuineness and committedness, or lack their of,
And so, it all coming down to you, and why we’re told, that by their fruits we’ll know.
By Lance Landall
33. Deathbed Confessions
What makes folk think they can carry
on sinning and then at the last moment say:
“Ops! Sorrrrrrry, Lord,” and
expect to be saved and then upwards be winging their way?
It’s the going before that
counts, not some last minute awakening sparked by fear,
For such convictions are
nothing but dubious, self-serving and insincere,
The penny having finally
dropped, and their predicament painfully clear.
You see,
Such folk aren’t motivated by
a willing and obedient heart, and why
They’re wasting their time,
for their pathetic excuses our Saviour won’t buy,
But reply, "Depart from Me, ye
that work iniquity."
They so unlike the thief on
the cross who was genuinely moved and sincere,
He not having known different,
unlike us, who know better than to veer.
Yes, for we know the score,
and that being: That straying-cum-cruising the broadway
Is contrary to God’s will, for
He tells us not to detour, dally or play.
Thus we’ve no excuse,
deliberate and continued sin being plain rebellion,
And be our plane on its fiery
way down, Satan would be seen sporting a grin.
As if grace would cover us, or
any whose
life reflected selfishness, and
Whose cry wasn’t from the
heart but in order to spare themselves from God’s mighty hand.
Yes, they just like those
outside the ark who hammered madly on its bolted door,
And who the prior warnings of
God’s messenger — Noah — had chosen to ignore.
And still God warns today, but
via His Word, signs of the times and more godly men,
Who point to the folly of
those folk who tried God’s patience time and time again.
But who’s listening, taking
notice? — and procrastination a perilous thing,
For should such folk meet with
a sudden death, there’d be no grave from which they would spring.
All why we sometimes need a
jolt, and certainly the right take on grace, for grace
Only covers the repentant,
continued rebellion being a disgrace.
And this why deathbed
confessions amount to a cheek, and why God’s not amused,
For where in Scripture does it
say that it’s okay for God’s grace to be abused?
Yes, it’s really very simple —
plain logic, really — two and two making four,
And why post-cross the
apostles still upheld and directed men to God’s Law.
And then there was Christ’s
own example, right living not voided at Calvary,
But such the reason why He
died, for nothing ever excuses sin, you see,
And why when we err we should
there and then seek God’s forgiveness on bended knee.
By Lance
Landall
34. Make No Mistake
Okay, so you’ve become a Christian,
and that’s great! But before you became one,
Did you commit a crime, let’s say rape or murder someone, rob and point
a gun,
And haven’t owned up, done the time? Oh dear,
Because the God who won’t forgive those who don’t forgive others who’ve
hurt them,
Will hardly cover you with His grace, but rather, your sad omission
condemn,
For God will bring every hidden thing into judgment — and He means
everything! —
Yes, nothing escaping His notice, He not sheltering crims under His
wing.
For though you’ve asked Him for forgiveness, there’s a victim and those
earthly laws too,
Laws which Scripture says obey (except where it clashes with His Law,
I must tell you).
Okay, so you’re sorry, regret the wrong you’ve done, and I really feel
for you,
God too, but it’s the putting right that counts here, and what He
expects all to do.
For why should you get away with rape or murder, be hidden behind God’s
grace?
And thus all this another good reason why God’s judgment has its
rightful place.
And isn’t justice what you demand too? Of course, and why it must work
for all,
No one getting away with anything — well, not ultimately — hence God’s
call.
For though a God of love, He’s a God of justice too, so look out anyone
Whose ill is being hidden behind some religion, (nothing new under the
sun),
Or who’s foolishly thinking such unconfessed evil is hidden by the Son,
For even when a crime’s confessed to God, earthly laws state that time
must be done.
And so, hard as that may be, one must duly front up and pay the penalty,
Lest they for fear of prison, or what folk might think, miss out on
eternity.
Once saved always saved? Another heresy that has entered Christianity.
By Lance Landall
“And as he [Paul]
reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment,
Felix was
alarmed…” (Acts 24:25, ESV).
“For God will
bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether
it is
good or evil”
(Eccl 12:14, NIV).
35. Not Just Christians Saved
Knowing the God that I do, I'm sure that many non-Christians will be saved, and,Will enjoy Heaven too; the Saviour that Christians serve extending a nail pierced hand.
For why would He destroy anyone living rightly? — their heart and conscience clean,
They going by what knowledge and understanding they have, their kind acts routine.
Yes, why on earth would Christ destroy such folk? — they shunning violence and cruelty,
And perhaps living in a land where some tyrant forbids Christianity.
Or to put it another way, they taught differently right from a young age,
And thinking that what they’ve been taught is right, and such being by which all things they gauge.
In the Christian Bible there’s a book called Romans which seems to agree with me,
It speaking of those who act like God wants, though not converts of Christianity.
In other words, they acting Christ-like naturally, and therefore like Christians
(Well, as Christians should), and thus God’s grace also covering their innocent sins.
Innocent sins?
Well, as opposed to wilful sins, (unless, of course, one has asked for forgiveness).
You see, Scripture makes it clear that not every Christian will be saved, and rightly,
For why should any Christian if they’re continuing to act rebelliously?
In other words, contrary to the will of the God that they profess to follow,
And thus acting hypocritically, their Christian walk thus ringing hollow.
At the end of the day, it’s God who decides who’ll be saved, He knowing the heart,
And why all should mind who they condemn, or even consider saved — such not smart —
For not only is Christ the judge, but He able to see things that we can’t, and,
We bearing in mind how we so oft get things wrong, and others misunderstand.
By Lance Landall
These verses are particularly sprinkled with brackets (containing researched comments) in order to
give a clearer understanding:
“When Gentiles [pagans, non-Christians], who do not possess the law [the written revealed code], do instinctively [according to the promptings of conscience spontaneously] what the law requires [principles of God's moral law], these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves [the need and the impulse to do good that exist in the reason and conscience are, in a sense, a standard and law to each man]. They show that what the law requires [the conduct that the law demands (James 2:12)] is written on their hearts [wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit], to which their own conscience [acts according to the light it has] also bears witness [some awareness of the will of God]; and their conflicting thoughts [hidden things (Eccl 12:14; 2 Cor 10:5; Matt 5:28)] will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all [the judgment (Dan 7:9,10; Rev 20:11,12)]” (Romans 2:14-16).
However, a self-imposed ignorance would surely be another thing.
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Rom 1:20, NIV).
36. God Alone, Forgives
If you think you can go to a man and confess your sins and be forgiven,I’ve some sad news for you — you CAN’T! — and why such faulty teaching isn’t Christian,
Because the Word of God makes it very clear that only God can forgive us,
And hence why our only hope is found in our Saviour, the Father’s Son, Jesus.
That’s why He lived a life of perfect obedience, and died on Calvary,
Why He intercedes for us, why He is our Judge (well known for His mercy),
Why His robe of righteousness covers the forgiven, those who call on His name,
Not those who go to men, and via them — well, supposedly so — forgiveness claim.
No,
There’s no other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved, no other way,
It all to do with Calvary, and why we must go by what Scripture has to say.
Hence why there’s no rituals involved, no money changing hands, no priest involved,
Except that High Priest — Jesus — the only one who pardons and saves; problem solved!
Yes, you going to God directly, speaking to Him yourself, like He says to do,
He not wanting to hear from some intermediary, but personally from you.
He wanting an intimate relationship, you communing with Him each day,
And at any moment, in fact, and listening for what He might have to say.
And one thing He has said already is, seek Him, because He forgives and supplies,
And hence why He has given you a book of instructions, lest you’re mislead by lies.
So please draw near to Him in fervent prayer and study — and I meaning, daily,
For there you’ll find the Way, Truth and Life; and in time, the joys of eternity.
By Lance Landall
Once upon a time there was a very wise and loving ruler. The problem though, was that his subjects were a troublesome lot, prone to lawlessness, rebelliousness, and were very self-centred.
Both chastisement and the consequences of their folly wasn’t getting results.
The truth was that they deserved the maximum sentence that any ruler could hand out.
After much deliberation, the ruler, who was incredibly longsuffering, merciful and gracious, decided on a certain course of action.
Calling all his subjects together, he mentioned how he had always only had his subjects best interests at heart, how he so wanted them to show their gratefulness for his kind benevolence, fatherliness and faithfulness by refraining from their thoughtless, problematic and destructive behaviour.
And speaking frankly, he told them that he was quite within his rights to banish them from his kingdom, which would be a death sentence, effectively.
He then explained how much he still cared for them despite their sad behaviour, and how he would go to the ends of the earth in order to seek their future wellbeing. How he’d even risk his own future wellbeing for their sake, and how much he would suffer as a result.
And this he did.
Afterwards, he conveyed the following: If they would recognise and admit to their sad behaviour, were sorry for it, and would respond appropriately, his mercifulness would be extended to them whereby their future, and greater happiness, would be secured.
Well, many responded, bowing in agreement and praising his name and goodness.
The ruler was pleased that a goodly number had responded so, though he still attempting to reach those who hadn’t responded.
On the surface of things, progress appeared to be being made, but something wasn’t right.
So, over time, he carefully observed.
It appeared that most who’d accepted the grace that he’d extended weren’t behaving all that different, or, were in fact getting worse.
And then it dawned on him. Of course!
Now that they assumed their future was secure, and given that their hearts weren’t really all that softened, they thought that they’d still be okay even if acting as before.
After all, the ruler’s grace had been extended to them. All they’d had to do was accept it, and then, what did it matter if they erred.
But there’s erring and erring, though such seemed lost on them.
Well, the ruler wasn’t silly, he seeing the hypocrisy of it all, the lack of gratefulness and genuineness.
He mused to himself how any common judge who let someone off a serious charge of some sort, via responding very mercifully, wouldn’t be impressed if that same person ended up back in court on the same charge. They clearly not getting off the second time, but facing the music.
So why should he as a ruler, who’d shown mercy well beyond that of a common judge, allow his grace to be so abused, some people clearly taking licence with it, they thinking that a deal was a deal.
What gratitude! It hardly deserving of such grace.
No, they’d misunderstood, and thus his attempt to help and spare them only truly activating but a few.
And so, he knowing what he would have to do in time, and tears freely flowed.
Let’s take a very quick and simplistic look at — LOVE and TRUTH, FAITH and WORKS, MERCY and JUSTICE — essentials in the Christian’s life and spiritual realm.
If one or more is missing in the Christian’s walk, there is an imbalance. Likewise, if we focus disproportionably on any one of these six, we again create an imbalance.
Let me explain.
We’ll start with LOVE and TRUTH:
mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (1 Tim 2:10, KJV).
God’s Word shows that truth is of the utmost importance to God (John 17:17; Eph 6:14; John 16:13; 8:31,32; 1 Tim 2:4; 4:6; 1:3; 2 Thess 2:13, KJV; 2 Tim 2:15; 1:13; Titus 2:1; 1:9; 3 John 3,4; Rom 1:18).
In fact, not having a sound knowledge of His truths can prove disastrous (1 Tim 4:1,3,4; Hosea 4:6; Eph 4:14; Matt 24:24; 15:9; 2 Thess 2:12).
Those who diligently check things out are actually commended (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thess 5:21).
Now let’s take a look at FAITH and WORKS:
“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. For just as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is also dead [it is made void, invalid]” (James 2:24,26).
While a Christian should not act as though God will jump on them the moment they err, neither should they act as though God will overlook any wrong they do (James 4:17) — in other words, take license with His grace (Rom 3:31; 1 John 3:4).
Though God won’t zap us the moment we do wrong, He does not excuse sin (James 4:17), nor necessarily ignorance, thus failure to respond appropriately, could not only have its mean-time consequences, but its ultimate result, eternal death (James 2:12).
God’s Word instructs Christians to walk in accordance with His will (Matt 7:21) — obedience to His commandments (1John 2:4), the standard of Christian conduct (Rom 2:13; Eph 2:10; James 1:25; Rev 14:12). 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. Hence the importance, and place of works, in the Christian’s life. In Hebrews 10:26,27; 6:4-8 and Galatians 5:4 we can clearly see that we can actually void God’s grace!
The great "For by grace..." verses, found in Ephesians 2:8,9, are usually only quoted partially. Verse 10 is still part of that context and includes the following balancing element: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10, NKJV).
“...we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us…” (2 Cor 5:20).
“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 lastly, let’s take a look at MERCY and JUSTICE:
“For if we willingly persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice
for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27).
God’s Word clearly tells us, that before Christ comes back to this earth He sets up a court room (Dan 7:9,10), and a judgment time, in Heaven (Rev 14:7; Heb 9:24,27; Acts 17:31; 24:25; Eccl 12:14; Matt 12:36,37; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 4:1; James 4:12). After all, our works prove whether we are truly genuine or not (Matt 7:20).
There are situations of course where a heavier focus on any one of the above may be appropriate. For example: One should hardly encourage a Laodicean condition [spiritual sleepiness] with a disproportionate focus on love for example. Such a condition is more needful of the stirring straight testimony — the pointed truth, the importance of obedience, and God’s corresponding judgment. Not having a healthy respect for the seriousness of our daily need of remaining in God’s saving grace may result in the loss of our heavenly home. Sometimes we need a wake up call. Likewise, a legalistic condition [works obsessed, based] would be better served by a greater emphasis on grace, faith’s rightful place, the worthy attributes and application of Godly love, and its correspond- ing mercy. The cloth should be cut according to the situation. Willful sin requires reproof, carelessness requires warning, weakness requires encouragement, hurt requires sympathy, repentance requires mercy, discouragement requires hopefulness, wrong requires justice, and so on.
Biblically, love cannot be divorced from truth, nor faith from works, nor mercy from justice, nor any from each other, otherwise such balances necessary for our spiritual and general well being will be destroyed, and we endangered. Our own imbalance could negatively affect the lives of others (1 Cor 8:9).
Some relevant quotes by Edward Heppenstall (1901-1994):
"The Christian should refrain from all expressions of religion or interpretations of the Bible that imperil the
eternal sacredness of the moral code of the Ten Commandments and the will of God."
"The Bible knows nothing of faith in Christ that falls short of the moral integrity and good works of a
life that is right with God."
"Obedience is the evidence that one is right with God."
At the end of the day:
God's grace covers sinners, not sin.
God's grace is a robe, not a mask.
God's grace is a moulder, not a crutch.
God's grace provides strength, not an armchair.
God's grace provides assurance, not licence.
God's grace provides a way, not an excuse.
God's grace provides opportunity, not evasion.
Regarding God's Law, you might also like to read my mother's testimony: "When Heaven Spoke"
