By Bradlee Dean
May 24, 2023
Oh, how many complicate the plain meaning of Scripture!
Case in point: A child is set in place as the model of Heaven and if men understood this, they would realize that it is this very point that many must unlearn as grown adults in order to be able to relearn, once again, by the Spirit. We must become as little children, and this is what takes place when a man is born again of the Spirit of God (John 3:3).
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 18:3
Now, I ask that you observe that there are so many issues that take place in the American Church that have taken precedent over the mandate that Christ has given. Men get caught up in debates over things that have nothing to do with what it is that we are called to do, which is seeking and saving that which is lost (Luke 19:10).
Jesus plainly told us that if we follow Him that we would become the fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). Instead of this, men are debating whether or not if they are saved, do they have to do the works? You cannot make it up, friends.
As the country is literally going to hell just as the Lord promised to a disobedient people (Psalm 9:17), they are trying to figure out if they are to do the works.
Friends, this is what saved people do. The saved not only know what they are saved from, but they also know what it is they are saved to do. However, this is where most stop, the “saved for” part of Scripture.
Imagine, if you will, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Gideon, Jesus, the Apostles or the patriarchs of the faith, both past and present, standing there and expecting the Lord to do for them what it is that He commanded them to do (Proverbs 7:2).
Yes, friends, the Lord fought for all of these patriarchs of the faith the way that He still fights for us today, but we must, like men, emulate them in the same way by going to the battle fields (Hebrews 13:7).
Remember, our graces are not apparent until they are in exercise.
James 2:14-26 plainly tells us:
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”
When it comes to the justification of this faith, he who is justified does the works; for this is the meaning of Scripture. Justification proceeds good works, and works are performed by those who have been justified.
We know that we do not do the works to get saved. However, because we are saved, therefore, we do the works.
Conclusion: Remember the Book of Acts because you have a life chapter to write as well to this present generation, and this is a work of faith and labour of love (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
© 2023 Bradlee Dean – All Rights Reserved
E-Mail Bradlee Dean: Bradlee@SonsOfLibertyRadio.com
