Journal Ps 14-15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)
Scripture: “…there is none who does good.
The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are ANY who understand, who SEEK after God?
(conclusion) They have ALL turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is NONE who does good,
Not…even…one.” Ps 14:1b-3
Observation: This is an incontrovertible, undeniable principle of the Gospel. Without this, the Gospel as we know it, becomes weak and ambiguous.
Application: So why, Face in the Mirror, is this important to be reminded of in so firm a way?
Reviewing the Gospel from the aspect and doctrine of Man:
- Adam became corrupt, therefore all generations succeeding from Adam are corrupt.
- Because Man is corrupt, Man is considered not-holy and cannot come into the presence of God without falling victim to His Holy Wrath (whatever passes for annihilation in God’s economy).
- Because God loves Man (inconceivable but true), God makes a way to pardon Man:
o First through the Sacrificial System/Process, and then,
o Through the Final Sacrifice, the Holy, Sinless, Son Jesus.
o Notice that nowhere Man’s corruption is changed, it is only pardoned and found acquitted through faith in the Blood of Jesus.
- In parallel, Man’s inner being (heart) is changed, tantamount to being born again. Fresh start? Yes, but also no, for:
- Born again Man is at war with the Corrupted Man to put to death the corrupted urges of the Inner Man: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death (mortify) the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Ro 8:13; see also Ro 5 through 8 for further explanation)
Therefore, to put it another way, I walk in holiness by effort in the Grace of God, changed by His Grace to be able to do that.
It is because I have faith in the propitiation of Jesus, the acquittal decision of my Corrupt nature (Sin) before the Throne/Judgment Seat AND ONLY BECAUSE of Him: I haven’t been changed so much to be declared INNOCENT, only to be forgiven of my Sin.
Now the party in Revelation makes sense:
“And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne…the 24 elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him…They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things and by your will they existed and were created.” Rev 4:9-11
“And when (the Lamb) had taken the scroll, the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb…And they sang a new song, saying: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals. For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God (from every tribe and language and people and nation) and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God…
Then I looked and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels…saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!!” Rev 5:8-12
Prayer: All Glory to You who has pardoned my Sin undeservedly with your own Blood.
AMEN.
Ricky Two Shoes