The Heart of the Matter: Understanding God’s Favor
In the book of Genesis, we find a pivotal moment in the story of humanity. Genesis 4:4 reveals the LORD’s response to the offerings of Cain and Abel, and it’s here that we gain insight into the nature of God’s favor.
A Person, Not Just an Action
Moses doesn’t simply state that Abel’s worship was pleasing to God; instead, he begins with the person of the one offering. This subtle distinction highlights a crucial aspect of God’s character: He looks beyond our actions to the heart of the individual. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “man sees things that are apparent, but God looks into the heart.”
Faith: The Prerequisite for Pleasing God
This understanding has significant implications for our relationship with God. It means that any deeds done before faith, no matter how righteous they may appear, are ultimately meaningless. They are defiled from their roots and offend the Lord, who demands inward purity of heart. This is a sobering reminder that our best efforts, apart from faith, fall short of God’s standards.
The Gift of Faith
So, how do we attain this faith that pleases God? The answer lies in recognizing that faith is a gratuitous gift from God, a special illumination of the Spirit. As Peter notes, it is God who purifies our hearts by faith. This realization should humble us, acknowledging that our ability to please God is solely dependent on His grace.
Purity: A Fruit of Faith
But what about the idea that faith leads to purity? Some might argue that faith motivates us to seek God as our rewarder, resulting in a life of purity. However, this perspective overlooks the fundamental role of God’s grace in our lives. True purity is not the result of human effort but rather the fruit of faith, which is itself a gift from God.
Reconciliation Precedes Regeneration
Others might suggest that faith purifies us through regeneration, making us acceptable to God. While this view contains some truth, it neglects the essential fact that reconciliation must precede regeneration. Due to the curse on humanity, we require gratuitous reconciliation with God, which is only possible through faith.
Atonement: The Foundation of Acceptance
Furthermore, even as believers, our works are imperfect and require expiation (atonement). The ceremony of legal washing serves as a reminder that, whenever we approach God, purity must be sought elsewhere than ourselves. Ultimately, it is God’s gaze upon us in Christ that makes our obedience acceptable.
Conclusion
In the end, our understanding of God’s favor is rooted in the recognition that faith is a gift from God, and purity is its fruit. As we reflect on the heart of the matter, may we be humbled by the realization that our relationship with God is built upon His gracious initiative, not our own efforts.
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