Sunday, June 13, 2010

Heidelberg Catechism Devotional Q30

Q.30. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?

A. No.  Although they boast of being his, by their deeds they deny the only savior and deliverer, Jesus.  Either Jesus is not a perfect savior, or those who in true faith accept this savior have in him all they need for their salvation.

Monday

Have you ever been asked to do something only to find out that the person who asked you went ahead and did it himself or herself or asked someone else because they didn’t think you could actually do the project?  This is what question 30 is getting at, either we believe Jesus capable of all he promised, or we don’t and so we look for someone or thing else to aid him.  Our actions display our true beliefs for the entire world to see.  In Galatians, Paul wrote to believers who were trusting in their works to save them.  Read his response in Galatians 5:2-4.

Tuesday

Our world is full of lucky charms, little gimmicks that we believe to contain power – black cats, lucky pennies, etc.  Unfortunately, this kind of thinking permeates the church as well.  Many who profess Christ also believe that dead believers who have been honored by certain churches as saints are like lucky charms that can help us get into heaven or change our present situations, etc.  That is why there is so much talk about patron saints in some circles, but there are also those who believe in guardian angels who serve similar purposes.  Unfortunately, this is deny Christ’s complete and perfect intercession and care for his children.  When one prays to or attributes success to these human or created beings, they are denying God the glory he deserves.  Christ has done everything we need. Read Colossians 1:18-20 and Hebrews 7:23-25.

Wednesday

Faith in Jesus requires that we believe he is perfect and all that is needed.  To add anything to him is to deny the gospel message that salvation is by grace and a gift of God. Read Ephesians 2:8-9.  Furthermore, it is deny that Jesus is sufficient and that something else is needed in addition to Christ in order to ensure our salvation.  This is a denial of his sovereignty and power, his complete rule of the entire universe.  Let us trust in Christ alone.  Read Ephesians 5:25-27.

Thursday

Read Acts 20:28-31.  Who purchased the Church and with what did he purchase it?  Paul tells the Ephesian elders that Jesus purchased the Church and that he did it with his own blood.  Nothing else was needed, and no one else was present.  There fore our faith must remain in Jesus and Jesus alone. 

Friday

The apostle Paul tells s that we have all wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption in Christ.  Read 1 Corinthians 1:30Because of Christ alone, all of these result.  Imagine being engaged, and telling your fiancĂ© that she is only part of what you need in a spouse, but that you also need Maggie and Suzy as well to complete you marital needs.  There isn’t a woman alive who would willingly give in to that and any man who tried it is selfish and deluded.  He doesn’t really understand marriage, or commitment and he is blind to a woman’s jealousy.  Did you know that we are the bride of Christ? And our Lord is a jealous God?  He wants us completely and totally, so he saves us completely and totally and asks us to trust him completely and totally.  Read Exodus 34:14 and John 3:29.

Saturday

Read Ephesians 1:3-12.  Is there any credit given to anyone or anything other than Christ for all the various aspects of our salvation?  There is not.  Christ alone fulfills our salvation for Jesus alone was, is and always will be the perfect sacrifice for the taking away of sin.  Rejoice and be glad that there is nothing else needed.

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