Habakkuk 3:2

“So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”

Galatians 3:9-10

What does it mean to be “of the works of the law?” The word “of” refers to origin. If I am of the works of the law I trace the origin of my salvation to something I have done. Just what that something is varies according to who you are talking to. Some would say it is obedience to the law. Others would say it is your sincerity. Still, others would say it is your will that decides whether to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation. Whatever form it takes, it is still something you must do before you can be saved. Salvation is the end, the pay back, for the works that you perform. But those who are “of truth” (Gal 3:9), trace the origin of their salvation to God Himself. What we do does not end in salvation. We begin in salvation. Our works find their origin in God Himself (Eph. 2:8-10). All who are of the works of the law are under God’s curse! All who are “of faith” are “blessed with faithful Abraham.”

Pastor Todd Nibert

FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER

Believers are not perfect people yet. We still do things that we should not do, things for which we must ask forgiveness. How does scripture teach us to forgive? The same way God has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to forgive one another as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

1. We should forgive one another for Christ’s sake. God has forgiven His people for the sake of the blood of Christ, which was shed to cover the sins of God’s elect. We then, should forgive each other for Christ’s sake: for the good of the body of Christ.
2. We should forgive freely. Don’t make someone meet certain qualifications before you forgive them. Simply forgive them freely, just as God has freely forgiven you.
3. We should forgive before we are even asked to forgive. God forgave the sins of His people while we were yet His enemies, long before we sought His forgiveness.
4. We should forgive sincerely, so that we don’t keep bringing up past faults. God has forgiven the sins of His people so sincerely, God doesn’t even remember the sins of His people anymore.
5. We should forgive as often as is necessary. God has forgiven ALL of the trespasses and sins of His elect.
6. We should not take advantage of our brethren and force them to constantly forgive us. Make every effort to avoid harming your brothers and sisters in Christ. Isn’t this the believer’s attitude toward our sin against God? Shall we sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1-2)

No one in the flesh can do anything perfectly, including forgiving our brethren, but never use the flesh as an excuse not to forgive. Should a sinner who has been forgiven of all sin by God be unforgiving and harsh toward the sins of others? God forbid that would be my attitude.

"Short prayers are long enough. There were but three words in the petition which Peter gasped out, but they were sufficient for his purpose. Not length but strength is desirable. A sense of need is a mighty teacher of brevity. If our prayers had less of the tail feathers of pride and more wing they would be all the better."