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Delighting in the Truth: The Human Condition and Salvation, by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     From January to March, we are offering a series of devotionals on our Membership Affirmation of Faith. Our aim in this series is to help Glory of Christ grow in our understanding of truth, our love of the God of truth, our love of one another, and our love of unbelievers. The Affirmation is made up of eight articles of faith, the sixth of which is entitled “The Human Condition and Salvation” and reads as follows:

We believe that man was created by God in His own image and for his glory; but that man sinned and fell short of God’s glory, and thus incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal separation from God. We believe that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and so are under divine condemnation. We reject justification by works of the law, and we believe that only those who trust Jesus Christ as their Savior, by virtue of His atoning death on the cross, submitting to him as Lord, and embracing Him as supreme Treasure of their lives, are justified, delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life. We believe that this faith leads to a heartfelt turning from sin. The Christian life involves growth in grace through persevering, Holy Spirit-empowered resolve to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. (Genesis. 1:26-7; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Eccl. 2:11; Matt 13:44; John 1:13; John 3:14-16; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; 17:3; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Phil 3:7-8; I John 1:9; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:11; 8:1; I Corinthians 15:1-2: Hebrews 3:12-14; Hebrews 6:11-12; Hebrews 10:39; Romans 3:28)
     Notice that this statement covers the creation of humankind, the fall of humankind, the effects of the fall, human nature and behavior, the God-given way of salvation, and the effects of salvation in the lives of those who believe. I encourage you to see these distinct subjects in the statement, look up all of the Scriptures and meditate on them, and then ponder the following questions.
     As you reflect on the human condition and salvation, take some time to ponder the following questions, preferably along with other believers: (1) How can a better understanding of the human condition and salvation help us to worship him? (2) How can a better understanding of the human condition and salvation help us to love other believers? (3) How can a better understanding of the human condition and salvation help us to gain a greater passion to share the gospel with unbelievers near and far?

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