”Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” | Hebrews 4: 14-16

The Lord said in Matthew 11: 12, “The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

While it is true that salvation is a work of God in which we are passive, men dead in sins do not actively seek the Living God.

It is equally true that when God does give a dead sinner life, that one who was dead in sins becomes very active.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” (Matthew 7: 13)

He “strives to enter in at the straight gate.”

He earnestly “seeks God with all his heart.”

“I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” (Luke 11: 8)

He is “importunate” (‘insistent’) in prayer.

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8: 12-13)

He seeks to “crucify the flesh” and “through the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the body.”

“Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2: 10)

He is willing to “endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

The rest that the believer enters is not one of laziness, apathy, or indifference.

If our belief in sovereign grace has lead us to excuse our sin, justify our disobedience, dampen our enthusiasm, become indifferent to our responsibility, or make our love and zeal grow cold… we have not understood sovereign grace.

While all of our former religious activity does need to be killed, may God deliver us from using His grace to have a passive attitude that is not taught in Scripture!

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “Who, Where, How, Why, and When”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 18 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky