The True Nature of Salvation
When it comes to our relationship with God, many of us have it backwards. We think that our good deeds, sacrifices, and painful struggles will earn us a spot in His favor. But this mindset implies that God is somehow impressed or swayed by our efforts. The truth is, God’s love and salvation are not transactional.
A God of Mercy, Not Bargains
A god who could be bought with tithes or impressed by our pain would be a petty, egotistical deity. A god who demanded sacrifices in exchange for salvation would be heartless and unjust. But our God is not like that. He is a great God who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
The Path to Joy
The first step towards experiencing God’s joy is not a triumphant declaration of self-sufficiency, but a humble plea for help. It’s an acknowledgment of our moral destitution, an admission that we are spiritually bankrupt. Those who have tasted God’s presence have reached the end of their rope, exhausted their options, and stopped demanding justice. Instead, they plead for mercy, aware of their spiritual crisis and the emptiness of their pockets.
Surrender, Not Conquest
God’s delight is not awarded to those who have conquered their struggles, but to those who have surrendered to Him. It’s not about what we’ve done, but about what He has done for us. When we come to the end of ourselves, we can finally experience the joy and freedom that comes from knowing God.
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