Rod Nikula | The Voice of Zion March 2018 --
There is great joy in believing all doubts and sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. One is acceptable to God and has a living hope of eternal life in heaven. The congregation of God is seen as a golden candlestick. Jesus reminds us that in God’s kingdom, “the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached” (Luke 7:22).
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which reminds us of our hope of salvation. Scripture testifies, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22,23).
Sin, the devil and our carnal being cause us to sorrow, lose hope and doubt the power of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Jesus once told His disciple Simon Peter, “Behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). The battle is against Satan, whose name means ‘adversary’. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
The power of sin in one’s life is devastating. It is committed in thought, word and deed. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8–10).
A defiled and uncared for conscience will eventually cause one to lose faith, and love for God and one’s neighbor. One might even question God’s love, guidance and care. In addition the desire to use the gospel to care for others in need, diminishes. Instead, faults are seen. Like Simon Peter, one might feel better than others and strong in their faith. In that condition, Peter went on to deny his faith and joy was lost. He wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).
There is joy and comfort in believing according to God’s unchanging Word and its promises. It is the same yesterday, today and always (Heb. 13:8).
Today, rejoice that the power of grace and the forgiveness of sin is far greater than sin’s power. Pray that faith would not be lost, and that God would give a childlike heart willing to hear and believe the voice of the Good Shepherd. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23,24).
God calls and offers grace. He intends His children to rejoice in the gospel of forgiveness, Christian freedom and the hope of eternal life. There is no other way. Don’t let doubts, fears nor sin rob you of the joy of salvation! Rather, pray that God would increase your joy and uplift you with the Holy Spirit through the gospel of the forgiveness of sins.