Pelajaran 9 _Ahad 21 Ogos

Sunday
August 21
A Thousand Rams?

Unlike every other religion, the religion of the Bible (both Testaments) teaches that salvation is by grace alone. Nothing we do can ever make us good enough to be accepted by God. Our good deeds, however well-intended, however Spirit-inspired, can never bridge the gap that sin has caused between God and humanity. If good works could save us, atone for sin, pay our debt before God, and reunite fallen humanity with the Creator, then Jesus never would have had to die for us, and the plan of salvation would be something radically different from what it is.
Only the death of Jesus credited to us by faith, only the righteousness of Christ (which He wrought out in His life and is then given to all who truly accept it) can save the sinner. Sin is so bad, so contrary to the basic principles of God’s government, which is based on love and free choice, that nothing less than the death of Christ could solve the problem created by sin.
All that being said, the Bible is clear that what we say, what we do, and what we think all matter, and that these thoughts and actions reveal the reality of our experience with God.
With the above in mind, read Micah 6:1–8. What point is the prophet making here, especially in regard to the question of the sacrifices (part of the worship service in Israel), that is symbolic of the plan of salvation? How can these words be applied to us today? See also Deut. 10:12, 13.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Those who claim to be children of God but who fail to show justice and mercy to their fellow men are acting out the spirit of Satan no matter how piously they may adhere to the forms of worship. On the other hand, those who walk humbly with their God will not neglect the principles of justice and mercy, nor will they scorn the proper forms of worship. God is looking for true worshipers who are willing to demonstrate their love for Him by obedient lives, motivated by humble hearts. What do all the right prayers, all the right styles of worship, and all the right theology mean if the person is nasty, unkind, arrogant, unjust, and unmerciful to others?

What do you think is more important: correct theology or correct action? Can you have your theology right and yet treat others in a poor manner? What hope can you cling to if, perhaps, you see yourself revealed in the above texts?