Tag: Sin

The BIBLE VIEW #1028 — Our Sinful Nature

In This Issue:
Die, Old Nature!  Die!
Remarried

Volume: 1028     December 8, 2025
Theme: Our Sinful Nature

Die, Old Nature!  Die
Bill Brinkworth

When a person is saved, he becomes a different, “new” man.  One may be “new” on the inside, but all have the same “flesh” they were born with.  

Those fleshly, worldly desires may be tucked away out of sight for now, but they will always be waiting for their chance to make an appearance.  If the indwelling “new man” does not keep them in check, they will ruin his life and cause him to be in the same miserable state, or worse, than he was in before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

No, one does not get unsaved because he does not follow the “new” Holy Spirit’s guidance.  However, his life may not appear much different from that of an unsaved person.  He will not have the joy he could have, nor be all he could be.  He will go through many hardships he would not normally face, and God will not use that person as He desires.

All have to battle the pull from the old nature’s stranglehold to rule and get its way.  Many of our personal and social problems are because someone’s “old man” (Romans 6:6) is trying to rule the roost — again.  

It is that old man who is prevailing when the green-eyed monster of jealousy raises its unruly head between brother and sister, or when one gets angry quickly with another.  He surfaces again when a lie is offered to get one out of trouble.  

It is the “old man” who creates power struggles between peers, becomes selfish, and it is that same villain who spreads gossip to defame one’s testimony because someone hurt the gossiper’s feelings.  The “old man” exposes himself when a mouth spews out hurtful words and filthy talk.

The old nature retakes control when we allow it to criticize someone who is not doing things our way, when we are scared others are not accepting us, and in countless other ways.  The “old man” will always haunt our lives, until we do what God commands us to do to our old, could-be-dominating nature.  Our “old man” must die — sometimes even daily, but he must cease to control our lives!

No, do not even suggest that one commit sin and takes one’s life.  It is not what the Bible is teaching here. That thinking is definitely letting the “old man” have his lecherous control over one’s life.  Everyone, if they want to please God, must put the “old man” of the flesh to “death” and let the new, spiritual man lead.  The old nature must have as little control over one’s life as possible.  Here is some of what the Bible says about the subject:

When one is saved, he is a different person with new needs, desires, and purpose.  The second “birth” creates in him a new part of him that never existed before.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3   Also:  II Cor. 5:17 (see above).
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15  Religious ceremonies, traditions, and works should not be the governing factor in one’s life, but a new, spiritual life in accordance with God’s Word should be guiding him.

Do not live for “self.”  Let the “new man” be your life’s leader.  Put self-ambition, self-goals, and self-desires behind you and let your leading force be the desire to be obedient to God’s commandments found in His Word and to be a godly testimony (example).  Listen to the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

Let many of your self-motivated desires “die,” and have no control over your life.  In so doing, God will live through you.  The “new man” has a new mind, Spirit, master, goals, and  joy.
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10  

Let your “old man die”.  Self-will will have less dominance when the “new man” is leading.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

Do not let worldly desires and habits rule your life.  Being born again is being born into the family of God.  What kind of child are you that, while a member of one family, acts like and wishes you were a member of another family?  That is what those who are living for the world, by living the world’s way, are doing.  By their actions, they are telling God, “I love you Father, BUT I like how the unsaved live, and I will behave, have the same goals, and strive to be like them.”

Christians are on the winning side!  Why would anyone ever want to act and live like those on the losing side?
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts … And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. … Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:22-32
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; ….” Isaiah 43:18-19
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9  

You are not your own anymore if you are saved.  “I’m born again, but I don’t want to do all God wants me to do,” is what too many say by their actions and words to God.  You are not your own; you are purchased by God when you were saved.  The blood that Christ shed on the Cross bought you.  

You did not like who you were, or how you were headed to Hell, before you were saved.  God has done great things for you, including rescuing you from an eternal Hell.  Don’t you want to do something for Him?  Live the life He wants you to live!
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”  I Corinthians 3:16

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

If all the children of God would obey the “new man,” and let their “old man” “die”, their lives would be much different.  There would be fewer disagreements, tensions, and disunity in churches, families, schools, and the workplace.  All would have the same Godly purpose and direction when the “new” creature is allowed to guide them through life.  If you want the “new” life God desires you to have, let your “old man” die — and please, don’t ever let him be resurrected!

“There is but one question, and that is, what is the will of God?  That settles all other questions.”  — William E. Gladstone

Remarried
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 6, Paul lets us know that when we trust Christ as Saviour, our “old man” is “dead” (Rom.  6:6).  The part of us that was once unrestrained, did whatever it wanted to, even things that were against God’s desires for us, is “dead”.  Once we are saved, we no longer have to serve our sin nature.

Romans 7 takes that understanding and explains how we are no longer under sin’s dominion, and the Old Testament laws that identified the sins.  Paul likens the new arrangement of being saved to a new marriage (Romans 7:2-3). 

Like a marriage, one is bound to one spouse for as long as they live.  Before we were saved, we were bound to sin, until that nature died.  It led us where we allowed it to take us into bars, adulterous relationships, bitterness, blasphemy, and hosts of other places.  Our sin nature was in control.

Like a marriage, we are no longer bound to the first “spouse” when that “spouse” dies.  Our first “spouse” died when we got saved.  That first “husband” contained over 600 Old Testament laws.  A saved person is “… dead to the law by the body of Christ …” (Romans 7:6).

The law is essential, however.  It shows us what God likes and dislikes.  From it, we learned that lying is wrong, as is adultery, deceitfulness, disobedience, rebellion, hatred, and on and on the list goes (vs. 7).  Without the law of God, we would not have known the whole mind of God concerning sin.

The law is very hard, however.  It curses and condemns us for the sins we have committed.  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, when accepted, pays for our sins, and now we can have grace and mercy.  As Matthew Henry put it, “The sentence of the law against us is vacated and reversed by the death of Christ to all true believers.”

For the believer, the “old man” is dead.  We can be “married” to another.  The second spouse is Christ.  We are not bound to the “old man” and his laws.  Yes, the old nature and new nature will still battle for control (Romans 7:18-19),  but with the new mind a Christian has, he can be free from the control of sin (Romans 6:7).

“If you are saved, you sin by choice, not by chance.” — Barbara Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #1024- Sin

In This Issue:
Catching Monkeys
It Cannot be Tamed
A Wormhole
A Snow Story

Volume: 1024   October 27, 2025
Theme:  Sin

Catching Monkeys
Bill Brinkworth

Many hunters use their skills with bows and arrows, blowguns, and spears to kill monkeys.  Missionary Arnold Skelton told of an interesting way that natives capture the primates.

Some clever hunters have figured out a way that monkeys can trap themselves.  The hunter would scour the jungles looking for the right-sized, wild gourd.  It would have to be large and big around the middle.

After the gourd had dried for several weeks, he would cut a two-inch hole in the side and a smaller one in the top, through which a rope could be passed and the gourd hung from a tree.  He would then take the insides out of the gourd, leaving an empty, hard-shelled trap that he would use to catch a monkey dinner.

After finding the right place in the jungle where there were plenty of monkeys, he would hang his trap from a tree.  In the center of the gourd-trap, he would place several handfuls of peanuts and then leave his monkey-catcher.

In a short time, the curious creatures would scamper over to see what the man had left behind.  A glance and a long sniff would reveal to the monkeys that one of their favorite foods was conveniently close by — and easy to get!

One monkey would venture first.  He would look the gourd over well.  The gourd was a common sight to the creature and would not rouse many questions, and inside, he would discover wonderful, plump peanuts.  What more could a monkey ask for?

Into the gourd would venture one monkey’s hand, grasp one or two peanuts, and then slowly, he would ease out his hand.  Easy pickings!  He got a handful and they were so good!

Perhaps another monkey saw how easily it was done.  He, too, wanted his share.  In would go his little hand, and not wanting to miss out on this free deal (“Why, some of the other monkeys may go next and not leave any more for me!”), he would grab as many as he could get.  His hand was now too big to get back out of the hole.  When he tried to pull back his hand, it would not come out through the gourd’s hole.  His hand was stuck.

He would pull and pull, but to no avail.  The creature was caught.  There seemed to be no way out.  His own selfishness had bound him to the trap.  It would never dawn on him to let go of the peanuts.  There, he would be captured until the hunter returned and easily killed the monkey.

So many people are in a similar trap.  It may not be a lust for peanuts that has them bound, but it may be bondage to cigarettes, drinking, drugs, lying, adultery, stealing, or some other sin that has them caught.

At first, the sin looked harmless to them.  “Everyone was doing it, and it seemed to be okay.” Finally, sin’s noose tightened, and there was no longer any fun or enjoyment in the iniquity.

It has them caught.  There seems to be no escape from the terrible wage (and there always is at least one) of the sin.  There is.  Let go, before it’s too late!

“Oh, it’s easy to say, but harder to do,” many claim the excuse.  There is only one way to escape the consequences of sin, and that is to leave it.  No person can do it for you.  No pill will take sin’s grip away.  No good work will erase it.  You have to break the bind.  The sin has to be stopped.  The longer it continues, the stronger its grip.

“Well, I can’t stop this sin.” Well, maybe YOU can’t.  There is, however, another way to get the victory.  This way is to call upon the Lord to help you.  He can help you get the win over this world, its traps, and snares.  You must trust in Him to show you the way out.

Here are some Bible verses about letting go and letting God help you get the victory over the devices of this world:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

The only way you will know His will and way is if you read His book.  His Word is exactly that, His words.  The Bible is a book with the preserved plans of God to help you through life.  You will never know His way if you do not read it and you will never get the victory unless you obey it.

Yes, little monkey, there is a way out of your predicament.  Let go and let your Heavenly Father help release you from sin’s bondage.

“In diving to the bottom for pleasures, we bring up more gravel than pearls.”
—Author Unknown

It Cannot be Tamed
C. H. Spurgeon

I have heard of a man who kept a tame leopard in his house.  It had been nursed from the time it was a cub, and it wandered about the house like a cat.

One day, while the master was asleep, the leopard licked his hand.  As it licked a place where the skin was thin and broken, blood began to flow.  Soon,s all the wild instincts of the beast flashed from its furious eyes.  

The man suddenly woke and saw the situation.  His end was near unless he should be quick and skillful enough to destroy the animal.  

Do you think he paused or hesitated?  No, a loaded pistol was within his reach, so he stretched out his hand quietly, grasped it firmly, aimed it steadily, fired it instantly, and the creature lay dead at his feet.  It had come to this: either he must kill it, or it would kill him.

Is it so with you?  Your sins may have begun to draw “blood” from you already.  Those stings of conscience, that empty purse, that lack of peace, those red eyes all are starting to tell what sin can do.  

Not yet do you know all sin’s horror.  Before the leopard of iniquity springs upon you and speedily tears you to pieces, God help you to give it up!

“Secret sin down here is open scandal in Heaven.”  — Dr. Chafer

A Wormhole
Author Unknown

You have seen an apple with a wormhole in it.  Do you know whether the worm began to bore the hole in the apple from the inside or from the outside?  Many would say from the outside, but a scientist will agree with the observer who declares that the worm began on the inside.  In fact, they tell us that the egg was laid in the blossom and that the worm was hatched in the heart of the apple, whence he bored his way out.

That is precisely the way the worm of sin starts work in the human life.  It begins in the heart and bores its way out.  We know it is true that out of the heart are the issues of life.  We must never forget that the heart must be sound, or the life will be mutilated.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23



A Snow Story
Author Unknown

It was wintertime, and the freshly fallen snow had clothed the whole face of the country in a beautiful white robe.  Crossing a field with her milk can in hand was a little girl.  She was on her way to the farmhouse to buy some milk.  In the middle of the field, she stopped and took three looks.

She looked around.  All was pure and white: the hedges, the trees, the ground, and the house.  All were covered with snow.

She looked within.  The little girl thought of her sins, of how many wrong words she had spoken, and of how many bad things she had done.  She felt she was dirty with her sins and not at all like the snow around her.

She looked up.  She turned to the Saviour of sinners, and from the field rose her cry, “Lord, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Would the Lord hear that cry?  Indeed, He would.  He answered it at once and gave that little girl knowledge and confidence that His precious blood cleansed her from all sin, and that she was whiter than snow in His sight.

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

The BIBLE VIEW #1022 —Anger

In This Issue:
Get It Right Before Bedtime
When Anger Is Sinful
Uncontrolled Anger
When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Yielding Personal “Rights”
Unhappy and Last Place

Volume: 1022   October 20, 2025
Theme:  Anger


Get It Right Before Bedtime
Bill Brinkworth

Part of man’s makeup includes the “anger” emotion.  Perhaps, because we are made in the image of our Creator, we received this reaction in certain situations from God.

Reading the Scriptures, one will quickly see some instances where God was angry.  There were times when God was angry with Moses (Ex. 4:14), Aaron (Deut. 9:20), Israel (Deut. 9:8, II Kings 17:18), Solomon (I Kings 11:9), and the wicked on a daily basis (Psalms 7:11). 

God’s only son, Jesus, also got angry at times.  He was angered by hardened hearts (Mark 3:5).  Most likely, Jesus was angered when He saw people making the Temple, a place of worship, into a place of commerce (John 2:14-15).

However, when God and Jesus became angry, no sin was involved.  God is Holy (Lev. 19:2, I Sam. 2:2) and does not sin, nor does His Son (Heb. 4:15).  Anger does not necessarily need to be sinful.

There are still things that make God angry, and I am sure they still break Jesus’ heart.  We encounter plenty in this life that should make a Christian angry. 

The killing of 4,000 innocent babies a day by abortion should make a Christian angry.  The world’s brainwashing attempt to get people to accept and tolerate sin should get a believer mad.  

Punishing righteousness and godly living should make one displeased.  Christians live in a world where many things are done contrary to what the Bible teaches we should do, and they should get upset over that.  We should love the sinner, but sin should make us angry.

Sometimes people’s reactions to things, which may not necessarily be a sin, can get them mad.  Regardless of what upsets us, we must be cautious, as anger can lead to sin.  A Christian must always be wary of getting involved in iniquity.  One must avoid anything that may, at one point, lead one to do wrong.

For this reason, God has given us a blow-off valve so the pressures from our anger do not evolve into sin.  God’s warning is that no matter what gets you angry, make sure you get it right before the day is over.  Before the sun goes down and before you put your head on your pillow, make sure you deal with your anger.

If you find yourself angry with your wife, family member, coworker, or anyone else, make sure to address it before the end of the day.  That means someone may have to surrender their pride and discuss the day’s provocation with their spouse before bedtime. 
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Ephesians 4:26

A child may need to be apologized to because a parent’s temper got the better of them during a discipline situation.  Perhaps a phone call is necessary to re-establish a good relationship with an employee or neighbor.  If we want to end the possible consequences of improper handling of anger, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Failing to address anger promptly often results in hostilities and feelings being bottled up.  When one wakes up the next day, those emotions are strengthened and hardened in one’s mind.  The longer they remain undealt with, the harder they will ever be to reconcile.

Unreconciled feelings often lead to hardened, unpliable hearts.  A hardened heart leads to bitterness.  Before long, one may develop a bitter spirit towards an individual or even a group of people, all because anger was never addressed and instead it festered and grew.  

Often, the person may not even realize what has happened to him.  Anger and bitterness can fester in a relationship all because one let a day go by without humbling oneself and getting a problem resolved before the sun went down.

Perhaps, many suns have set on your anger.  The resulting bitterness has robbed you of the joy you once had. 

Every time you see a certain person or hear his name, the old, unforgiven memories churn up, and you find yourself facing the same anger.  It would have been much easier to remedy those feelings on the day it happened, but it is never too late to get your angry feelings right with another. 

Yes, it may be the other person who did something terribly wrong.  However, your anger has robbed you of your joy, and that sin may have kept you from having a closer walk and relationship with the Lord.  Get hostilities and anger right today, before the sun goes down.

“A man that does not know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil is either a fungus or a wicked man” — Beecher


When Anger Is Sinful
J. Beaumont, 1871

Anger is sin:

  • When we are angry with the providence of God.
  • When we are angry with the laws of God.
  • When we are angry at the doctrines taught in the Word of God.
  • When we are angry at the good we see in others.
  • When we are angry with those who differ from us in religious sentiments.
  • When we are angry at reproof.
  • When we wish evil upon our reprover.
  • When we use unlawful means to avenge ourselves.

“To be angry is often to revenge the fault of others upon ourselves.” — Antinomy

Uncontrolled Anger
Oliver B. Greene

Alexander the Great was one of the few men in history who truly deserved his descriptive title.  He was energetic, versatile, and intelligent.  Although hatred was not generally part of his nature, several times in his life, he was tragically defeated by anger.

The story is told of one of these occasions, when a dear friend of Alexander, a general in his army, became intoxicated and began to ridicule the emperor in front of his men.  Blinded by anger and quick as lightning, Alexander snatched a spear from the hand of a soldier and hurled it at his friend.  Although he had only intended to scare the drunken general, his aim was accurate, and the spear took the life of his childhood friend.

Deep remorse followed his anger.  He was overcome with guilt, Alexander attempted to take his own life with the same spear, but he was stopped by his men.  For days, he lay sick, calling for his friend and chiding himself as a murderer.

Alexander the Great conquered many cities and countries, but he had failed miserably to control his own spirit.

When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Author Unknown

In early 1952, President Truman appointed Newbold Morris to investigate crime and its management in high government circles.  Later that year, Morris was in the witness chair answering a barrage of pointed questions from the Senate subcommittee regarding the sale of some ships by his New York company.

The investigation was becoming hot and fierce.  Morris’ face took on a look of pain, then of surprise, and then of anger.  Amidst the excitement, he shouted as he reached into his coat and produced a sheet of white paper.

“Wait a minute.  I have a note here from my wife.  It says, ‘Keep your shirt on.’”

Everybody laughed, and the angry excitement died down, at least temporarily.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Yielding Personal “Rights”
Author Unknown

The public library had a system called “Dial-A-Tale.” Anytime a young child wanted to hear a fairy tale, they could call the number, and a voice would read a short fairy tale to the listening young ear.  However, the number was only one digit different than Rev. Tom Erickson’s number.

Because the small fingers often made mistakes, Tom received frequent calls from a child wanting to hear a fairy tale.  

After several unsuccessful attempts to explain a wrong number to the small child, Tom felt he had only one alternative.  He obtained a copy of Three Little Pigs, and set it by the phone.  Whenever a child called, he simply read him the tale.  A beautiful illustration of yielding personal rights and avoiding anger.

He didn’t, as you might have thought, change his telephone number to avoid the “invasion of his privacy”, as some might have done.

“Anyone can become angry.  That is easy.  But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, and in the right way — that is not easy.”  — Antinomy

Unhappy and Last Place
Author Unknown

A Do-it-yourself catalog firm received the following letter from one of its customers: “I built a birdhouse according to your stupid plans, and not only is it much too big, but it keeps blowing out of the tree.  Signed, Unhappy.”

The firm replied: “Dear Unhappy, We’re sorry about the mix-up.  We accidentally sent you a sailboat blueprint.  But if you think you are unhappy, you should read the letter from the guy who came in last in the yacht club regatta.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1016 — Sin Free?

In This Issue:
One Can’t be Sinless
I Stil Mak Mistaks
Guilty

Volume: 1016   September 1, 2025
Theme:  Not Perfect

One Can’t Be Sinless
Bill Brinkworth

When I was younger, my mother once confined me to my room until supper time because of my bad behavior.  While there, I was very upset about getting into trouble.

The guilt of not doing right and being punished was humiliating.  Making my mother upset also lay heavily on my heart.   I never wanted to disappoint her and have her punish me.

After retrieving my Bible from the bookcase and reading random passages from it, I felt even worse.  Although I don’t remember which passage affected me, I was reminded that my actions were sinful.  Conviction made me feel worse.

Soon, I made up my mind that I would never sin again.  In a short time, I don’t remember what I did, but even though I was the only one in the room, I had sinned again.  All alone, with no one to lead me astray, and I still sinned.

At that point, I realized that it was not possible not to sin.  Now that I am saved, I understand that I was discovering my soul may not want to commit iniquity, but my weak flesh had a mind of its own if I let it. 

As a Christian, we may be forgiven and may not sin as much as we did before being saved, but we are and always will be sinners, as long as we are in this body!  We may not want to break God’s commandments, but we can and too often will.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” I John 1:10
“What then?  are we better than they?  No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Romans 3:9

Admitting one’s sins is essential, but it is just a starting point for getting ALL one’s sins forgiven and forgotten by God.  The crucial next part to have ALL one’s iniquities pardoned is to realize there is nothing anyone can do or pay to have their sins canceled.  Good deeds and acts will not pay the great price the sinner owes God.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There is only one payment that God will accept to cover our transgressions.  Believing that God sent Jesus, His only Son, to pay our sin debt on the Cross is the only way.  That personal realization and trusting what He has done for us will then free one from sin’s ultimate penalty.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9  We can be saved from an eternity in a tormenting Hell.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Although we may still need to confess and repent of our sins daily to remain in fellowship with God, it does not mean we have to be saved again.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30  “Sealed” indicates salvation is an official transaction that cannot be changed.
“Quench not the Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:19

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:29  A saved sinner will not lose one’s salvation.

If one is not saved, they will experience an eternity of regret.  For those who are truly trusting Christ’s payment for their iniquities, you are forgiven.  However, get it right with God and purpose to do your best to flee temptation and sin with God’s help.

“When one is saved all their sins are forgiven, but refusal to clean out current iniquity can halt God from working in one’s life.” — Brinkworth

I Stil Mak Mistaks
Bill Brinkworth

I have been writing Christian material for over 40 years.  Thousands of articles have been produced.  However, despite my best efforts, I still make many mistakes.

All articles have been read and reread.  Each time I review the material, I find more errors and often discover a more effective way to express something.

My bookshelves have many grammar and writing books.  I have studied them and try to adhere to the rules, but still, not one article I have written in all those years has been without error. 

During and after writing, I carefully proofread what I have written.  Sometimes, I reread the article more than five times before I handed it to my wife for her to check.  Still, even with the two of us proofreading, there were still errors or improvements that could have been made.

Since she was unable to proofread my writing due to her illness, I use professional proofreading software to check the pieces I had written.  Those programs still find mistakes.  If I check the article with one program, another system will find errors that the other software did not detect.

Just before they are published, I reread them again.  Still, I find mistakes or more efficient ways to make a statement.

It is very discouraging to me that, despite the effort I put into the material, I still do not write “perfectly.”  The fact and truth of the matter is, no writer can proof their own work.  Other proofreaders may also still find more mistakes.

One printing company I am familiar with has put each of its publications through a rigorous 12+ point barrage of proofreaders.  Most have still found errors.

As hard as I try, I will always make mistakes in what I write.

Likewise, a person, saved or lost, will also make “mistakes,” however, their deeds are often sins.  Sin always has grievous side effects and usually regrets.  It must be avoided,

Try as the sinner may, iniquity will always be around the corner.  It is very difficult not to sin, especially in this God-rejecting environment. 

None of us is “good.”  We may have better moments, but sin can hijack one’s thought life or behavior.
“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Galatians 3:22

Because of an inherited sin nature, no thanks to Adam and Eve’s disobedience,  we will always sin.  Those who claim they do not sin are either ignorant of what iniquity is, are dishonest, or should be checked for nail prints in their hands  (Jesus was the only person who never sinned and His hands were nailed to a Cross).
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

Because one will always sin, that does not give anyone the license to continue transgressing God’s commandments, nor does one need to stop trying to halt iniquity.  “Why, I keep messing up, so why try?” some mutter in exasperation.

When a born-again child of God sins, one does not lose one’s salvation.  No one has earned their salvation; it is a free gift of God, and He does not take back what He has given.
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Timothy 1:9

Sin needs to be confessed to God, and with God’s help and one’s watchful attempts, it can be curtailed.  Draw closer to Him.  He will patiently help you get untangled from sin’s stranglehold.  You can succeed.
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” I John 2:1

We cannot be perfect because of our temporary, weak bodies.  However, one day we will not have to battle our sinful flesh and be discouraged by our sin.  God will one day give saved people a new body that will not sin.  Until that time, carry on doing his will and way.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“Real Christians are forgiven, but sin can still ruin one’s walk with Christ and make one’s life miserable.” — Brinkworth

Guilty?
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.  Amen.  26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:22-32

The BIBLE VIEW #1003 — Temptation

In This Issue:
Drifting Away
Shame!  Shame!
Don’t Dig It Up!
Tested before Deemed Trustworthy

Volume: 1003   April 28, 2025
Theme:  Temptations

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, a Bible study, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/



Drifting Away

The battle for living a godly life does not end when one is saved. It begins when one trusts Christ as Saviour, especially if one is determined to live an obedient, Christian life.  

Some succumb to the temptations of this world and lose their love for the things of God. Demas, spoken of in II Timothy 4, was one such causality.
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” II Timothy 4:10

For a while, Demas was a faithful fellow laborer in Christ (Col. 4:14, Philemon 1:24) alongside Paul. Paul relied on Demas to help reach the lost.  Like countless millions, however, the allure of this world caught Demas’ eye and lured him away from his main purpose in life.

Since I have been saved, I have seen many Demases. They got saved and started sitting next to us in a pew. They never missed preaching. 

When the doors of the church were opened, they were there. As the preacher preached, they jotted down what was said as fast as possible. Their marked Bible was evidence that they read the Word of God quite often. Conversations with them indicated they had a consistent prayer life. 

Then, a downward decline started. A once faithful believer missed one church service. It was not long until another was missed. Soon, only one service a week was attended, and then their pew was permanently empty.

A visit to their home revealed that, like Demas, their priorities had changed. No longer was pleasing the Lord their number one goal. Faithfulness to Him had been replaced by a new job, girlfriend, hobby, or sport. Like a fish tempted by a shiny, fluttering lure, they had gotten hooked by something the world offered.  They were soon out of a lifestyle purposing to obey the Lord.

“Drifting away” from living a God-pleasing life can happen to any Christian.  It may begin when one reads the Bible and does not get excited about what was read or by sitting through church and not getting anything out of it.  It can be a spiritually downhill slide when one has too many spiritual “used-to-does”.

When those temptations come, do as Paul did; fight the “good fight” (II Tim. 4:7). Fight any change from doing right.  It may be a lifelong struggle.  If you fail, get back up and do what you used to do.  Finish the course (II Tim. 4:7).  Its benefits are everlasting!

“When a man who professes to be converted says that he goes into the world and sin for pleasure, it is as if an angel went to Hell for enjoyment.”
 — C. H. Spurgeon

Shame!  Shame!
Bill Brinkworth

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” Ephesians 5:11-12

The Bible commands Christians to keep far away from the luring grasp of sin.  We are not only to do our best not to commit sin and avoid those involved in it, but we are not even to talk about the iniquities in which others are involved.

This last principle has been ignored by most, and the opposite is practiced.  Many, instead of obeying God’s command, “educate” the masses about certain behavior.  Their hopes are often that knowledge of the side effects of certain socially unacceptable practices, often what the Bible identifies as sin, will help people stay away from them.  Unfortunately, education about something one should not do frequently stimulates an interest in trying to do that very thing.

Programs to educate youth about not doing drugs quite often put the ideas in their minds about doing them and show them how to do something they would never have known about if they had not been shown how or introduced to it by “education”.  The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D. A. R. E.), a publicly-funded program that uses law enforcement resources to help children resist drugs and gangs, illustrates this fact.

Instead of reducing the number of children involved in those things, it has been found that there has been an increase in their involvement in drugs and gangs.  The Family Council of Drug Awareness reported, “Since its curriculum (D. A. R. E.’s) went national, two patterns have emerged: more students now do drugs, and they start using drugs at an earlier age.” Education about something that should not be discussed often increases the practice, not decreases it.

Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money have been spent over the decades to give young people a sex education under the guise that knowledge will help them keep from making “mistakes.”  Instead, education about sex has increased and encouraged its practice at an early age before marriage.  

Birth rates quickly prove this fact.  In 1950, when sex outside marriage was not openly talked about, especially in the school curriculum, birth rates for unmarried women were about 30 per 1,000.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the birth rate has decreased from previous years.  However, it is now over 450 per 1,000 unmarried women.  The CDC also noted that abortions in 1970 were 10 per 1,000 and increased to over 70 per 1,000, not including the effects of growing usage of birth control, including the day-after “emergency” birth control drugs.  Again, education about not doing something has become a “how-to” and an invitation to “do.”

Other once unwelcomed behaviors are also on the increase.  There was a time when few even knew a divorced couple; now, it is difficult to find couples that have not been divorced.  Perhaps the exposure in movies and television about divorce and adultery has made a once feared occurrence a ho-hum common one. 

Homosexuality, imprisonment, poor parenting, lack of respect for Christianity, crime, and hosts of other once frowned-upon activities are common in public-school lesson plans and media “entertainment,” that they have lost their social stigma and are now acceptable and even encouraged in some areas.  Knowledge of what was once taboos again has contaminated society by going against God’s commandment to discuss something that should not even be whispered about.

The world often defends its efforts in “educating” by belittling God’s commandments and labeling it as making the masses willfully ignorant or “censoring the truth.” The truth, however, is that in most situations, speaking of practices that should not be committed only puts the idea in one’s head.  It does not take much thought to develop the idea to, “I’ll just try it this once”.  Once it is experienced, inhibitions are worn away, and a more frequent practice is easily accomplished.

The human brain is an amazing organ.   It seldom completely forgets something to which it has been exposed.  Conversation about doing improper things often is where the idea to commit them originates.  

God’s wisdom warns us not even to talk about sin because it will not be long until you are neck-deep in it — paraphrased, of course.  God’s commandments are always the best.  If heeded, they will keep you from the hurtful consequences of sin.

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.” Barbara Brinkworth

Don’t Dig It Up!
Salters, 1871

Worms and other insects take up their habitation under the surface of the Earth.  A plot of ground may be outwardly covered with grass and decorated with flowers.  Take a spade in your hand and turn up the solid ground, and you soon have a sample of the creatures and filth that lurk beneath.  Temptation is the spade that breaks up the ground of a believer’s heart and helps him discover the corruptions of his fallen nature.

“In diving to the bottom for pleasures, we bring up more gravel than pearls.”
—Spurgeon

Tested before Deemed Trustworthy
C. H. Spurgeon

A further reason why you are tempted and tried is that God, in His wise providence, is testing you to see whether you are fit for His work.  Before a firearm is sold, it is taken to the proof shop.  

It is loaded with a charge, perhaps four or five times heavier than it will ever have to carry at the ordinary sportsman’s hand.  The barrels are filled, and no great hurt is done if they burst in the proof house.  However, it would be exceedingly dangerous if they should burst in the hands of some unskilled man in the field.

God often tests His servants.  Some that He will make special use of are put to the “proof house.”  Perhaps they are loaded with five times more temptations than any person should ordinarily endure so that God may see and prove to onlookers that they are fit for His Divine service.

We have heard that the old warriors before they would use their swords, would bend them across their knees.  They had to see whether the weapons had the right stuff before they would venture into battle with them.  God does this with His servants.

If it had not been for the devil, Martin Luther had never been the Martin Luther he was.  The devil was, as it were, the proof house for Martin Luther.  One must be tried and tempted before he becomes fit for the Master’s use.

“God doesn’t give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given.”

The BIBLE VIEW #996 — Complaining

In This Issue:
Sweet or Miserable?
It’s Temporary
Complaining?
Contentment
Discontentment

Volume: 996    March 10, 2025
Theme: Complaining

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/



Sweet or Miserable?
Bill Brinkworth

Every living person has or has had difficulties.  This certainly is not Heaven because of Eve’s and Adam’s sin.  This planet is cursed because of the original iniquity.  All will experience hardships.
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;” Genesis 3:17

Some may have a period of grace where life seems to be treating them well.  Others are not having that experience now.  Sooner or later, all will face trials and tribulations.

Many in the valley of challenges and hardships, even if it is a slight rumble or complaint, blame others and God.  When blessings pour out on them, they are not always satisfied, grateful, and still find something not to be happy about.  Often, they are just miserable.

Others, however,  have a sweet spirit, even though they seem to have much to complain about and be angry over.  They may be facing humbling health situations, financial fiascos, or social separations, but they usually seem to be smiling and have something positive to say through it all.  Why is there such a vast difference in attitudes between the two reactions?

Those with a closer walk with the Lord, trusting His leadership and having a more positive outlook has much to do with why some have a healthier attitude toward what they are experiencing.  Grumbling, ungrateful Christians usually do not have a closer, surrendered, trusting relationship with the Lord.

Why would an unsaved person want to have a life like the proclaiming Christian who cannot find anything good in their life?  What a poor testimony the grumbling believers are for the cause of Christ.  They are often a black-eye to Christianity. 

Their complaints may:

  • Convince others that God is not real or cannot help.
  • Convince some God cannot take care of His own.
  • Convince others that there is no difference between the lost and saved.  One’s discontentment may encourage unsaved people to shy away from Christianity.
  • Convince others that they are fine as they are because they have a better attitude than the complaining “Christian.”

However, a joyful, grateful, trusting believer will have a different attitude and affect on those they are in contact with.  People may see that a believer:

  • Truly believes there is a God, relies on Him, trusts what the Bible says, and has peace that most do not have amidst trials and tribulations.\
    “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Hebrews 10:34
    “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:12
  • Reacts differently when confronted with bad news, hard times, and a scary future.
    “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12
  • Has hope, peace, and joy even when experiencing difficulties.  Those are rare reactions that unbelievers seldom see.  The better attitude becomes a positive advertisement for Christianity to those desiring the same comforting trust while facing problems.
    “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” James 1:2 
  • Does not throw up one’s hands in frustration, wanting to quit, but is calm and knows that there will be a positive outcome eventually.


    Most people want joy, peace, and hope.  They gravitate to those that seem to hold the treasure they seek.

Count your current blessings, not your past difficulties.  If you do count your trials, you certainly will be depressed and unappreciative.  Besides,  enduring difficulties can strengthen one’s faith.  No strong Christian got that way without facing hardships and coming out on the other side of their situation with more faith and trust.

Rehearsing the “good times” will remind you that there is hope.  God fixed the situations in the past, and He WILL do it again.  If you are saved, you are on the winning side.  Have a good attitude and be happy.

“A complaining Christian may unwittingly be giving free advertisement for the devil.”   — Bill Brinkworth

It’s Temporary
Burroughs, 1599-1646

Though we experience trials, it should not be grievous to us.  This is not our permanent, eternal home.  No matter what the trouble is, it will not exist forever.

The scripture tells us that we must behave as pilgrims and travelers.  Our life here is only temporary.  We are just passing through.

Abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul.  Consider your temporary condition here.  Do not think to satisfy yourselves forever. 

A person coming into an inn, if there is not a full stock of food there to last a while, is not troubled because it is not his own.  He is going away soon and will not be there long. 

So let us not be upset when we see other people with great estates when we have not or at those who seem to have everything we wish for.  Why?  Because we are going away into another “country.” 

You are not  “lodging” on Earth here, but only for a relatively short time  If you should live a hundred years, in comparison with eternity, it is not much more than a temporary “night.”  Again, you are only a pilgrim just passing through this life.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
I Corinthians 10:13

Complaining?
Watson, 1696

Are you complaining about your troubles? The trial may not be the biggest problem, but your discontent attitude may be the underlying issue.

It is not the water outside the ship that is the trouble but the water that gets through a hole in the hull, which can sink the vessel.  Likewise, it is not usually outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian intolerable but one’s spiritual flaw.

A contented mind would sail above troubled waters. Still, when there is a leak of discontentment available, trouble may get into one’s heart. Then, one will be disquieted and “sink.”

Apply the principles mariners follow.  Pump the water of discontentment out and stop the spiritual leak of your soul, and no trouble will harm you.

Contentment
Trough, 1599-1646

One who has been in the school of afflictions for a long time is not very bright in Christ’s school of life if nothing has been learned about contentment.  Those that God exercises much with afflictions should have learned how to be content.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

One newly coming into the care of Christ, perhaps, has complained about their situation and seemingly cannot bear the affliction.  Lord willing, their faith and trust will improve as they allow God to work in their lives. Yet older, supposedly more mature Christians still wilt murmur and whine when facing challenges. Oh, it is a shame for any that have been a long time in the school of Jesus Christ to murmur and allow discontented spirits to ruin their walk with Christ.

“Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” — A reminder from Johnson Oatman’s hymn, “Count Your Blessings”

Discontentment
Charnock,1628-1680

Discontentment is a secret boasting of some excellency in ourselves as if God does not govern well and we could manage better.

Shall an inexperienced ship passenger, who does not understand the use of the compass, be angry that the skillful pilot will not steer the vessel according to the way the traveler thinks best? Must we give our orders to God, as if His infinite wisdom is not as trustworthy as what we believe and want?

The BIBLE VIEW #992 — Lying

In This Issue:
Lying Lips
Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
The Boss Is Never Out!
You Can’t Fool God

Volume: 992    February 3, 2025
Theme: Lying

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion. Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading. The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say

Lying Lips
Bill Brinkworth

From a young age, most know it is wrong to lie. Perhaps it is an innate guilt or a learned ”no-no”  from reprimands from parents, friends, or teachers. 

The unacceptance of untruths is universally frowned upon, and the bearer of falsehoods is often mistrusted and avoided. One should learn quickly that dishonesty is not an accepted behavior.

 A lie exposed has cost many future suspicions from friends, fellow workers, and casual and long-time acquaintances. Because of discovered untruths, relationships have been shattered, jobs have been lost, and even jail time has been the penalty for many who lied. 

Lying lips have cost many much more than ever realized.   God also does not tolerate falsehoods and demands people, especially Christians, be true to their word.

God’s Word, the Bible, has much to say and warn about untruths:

God and His Son, Jesus, are honest. Since believers should be like their Saviour, Christ-like, we should also be truthful.
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; “ Titus 1:2

God hates untruths!
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

God commands us not to lie!
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

Lies are often told because of pride.
“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.” Psalm 59:12
“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:69

Liars twist and change God’s truths to enable them to do what they desire rather than what God commands.
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Romans 1:25 

Although usually our weak flesh succumbs to dishonesty, often people may be encouraged to lie by Satan’s influence. Since an unsaved person does not typically heed God’s commandments it may be easier to follow the leading of God’s and humanity’s enemy.“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 

God knows who is honest.
“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” II Corinthians 11:31

A good witness of a situation should tell the truth of what was seen, heard, or experienced.
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverb 14:5 Also: Exodus 23:1.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.” Proverbs 21:28 

ALWAYS be honest.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18 
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:22-23
“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2

We can lie about anything, including about being right with God.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”  I John 2:21
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation  3:9

Because of the rejection of God’s will and way, our world has become one of dishonesty, distrust, misdirection, and deceit. It is a tolerated sin among politicians, police, and most people. It should not be.

Dishonesty separates many and breeds mistrust. This must stop for a society to be healed and get along with each other. Start today, especially if you are a born-again child of God. Always tell the truth!

“Your words are the most valuable possessions you have. Do they have
 great value from those who know you, or are they remembered as possibly a distortion, deception, or a lie?” 

Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
Sunday School Times

In her book, Floods on Dry Ground, Eva Stuart Watt described missionary work in the Belgian Congo, and said, “Even among the enemies of the Gospel there was growing secret admiration for those whose lives were out and out for God.

The term “Bakrustu ya kweli,” was often heard from heathen lips. It means “real Christians.”  Far and wide the believers were known as men of truth and men whose prayers were answered. 

One day the paramount chief had a big court case in which a Christian was charged with hiding a Mabuda prisoner. At the tribunal, the chief said to the accused, “Tell me, did you hide that man?”

“No, Chief. I didn’t.”

Then turning to his soldiers, he said, “You liars, the lot of you. This man is a ‘Bakrustu ya kweli!’  He couldn’t tell a lie!”

“A liar is not believed even when he tells the truth.” — Cicero

The Boss Is Never Out
Sunday School Times

A storekeeper went away for the day and left a clerk in charge. A customer came in and asked a favor of the clerk, which meant he would have to do something dishonest.

“You can do it, if you want,” argued the customer, “because your boss is out.”

The clerk looked the man in the face, and said, “You are mistaken. My Boss is Jesus Christ, and He is never out!”

“Aye, sir: to be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of a thousand.”— Shakespeare

 

You Can’t Fool God
Granville Kleiser

You can fool the hapless public,
You can be a subtle fraud,
You can hide your little meanness,
But you can’t fool God!

You can advertise your virtues,
You can self-achievement laud,
You can load yourself with riches,
But you can’t fool God!

You can criticize the Bible,
You can be a selfish clod,
You can lie, swear, drink, and gamble
But you can’t fool God!

You can magnify your talent,
You can hear the world applaud,
You can boast yourself somebody,
But you can’t fool God!

“Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.” — Thomas Paine

The BIBLE VIEW #991 — Backsliding

In This Issue:
Neither Cold nor Hot
Definition of “Backsliding”
Reflections of a Backslider
Causes of Backsliding
Signs of Backsliding
Consequences of Backsliding
Remorse of Sin

Volume: 991    January 27, 2025
Theme: Backsliding

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say



Neither Cold nor Hot
Bill Brinkworth

In Revelation 1 to 3, seven churches are mentioned.  They were not only churches that existed when John penned Revelation, but they were also prophetic of major characteristics of church ages, in general, throughout history.  

Many believe that six of the prophesied church ages have already passed.  However, many churches in the current church age are very similar to the church of Laodicea.

The church of Laodicea was the seventh church of which John wrote.  This was a “lukewarm”, complacent, and ineffective ministry (Rev. 3:16).  They had riches and many things the world had to offer.  Still, they were doing very little for the Lord. God saw them as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).  Their failure to do anything for the Lord disgusted the Father (Rev. 3:16).

Unfortunately, the Laodicean church pictures the church age we are currently in.  Like all church ages, not all churches were or are the same.  There has always been a remnant doing God’s will and way, but the majority of current churches are much like the church of Laodicea.  

Today, there is more concern for the social interests of man than the spiritual.  Clubs, committees, eloquent speakers, church entertainment, paid musicians, church appearances, and not offending anyone have a higher priority than the needs of people’s souls.  Preaching “Thus saith the Lord” is rarely heard anymore, and if it were, there would be many offended and some would desert the church.  

Physical wealth does not cover up the fact that the majority of churches are not heeding the tugging of the Holy Spirit and, in God’s eyes, are “… poor, and blind, and naked.” The money these churches have may not be the “blessing of God” they proclaim it to be, but a curse voiding their usefulness to the cause of Christ.

Part of a Christian’s responsibility is to live the way God commands and to tell others what God’s Word says.  Watering down the message to “fit in” or “not to offend” undermines its purpose. 

The Word of God is supposed to offend and convict the sinner.  That conviction often stops the sinner from a downward slide and turns him around with a repentant heart.  

Where psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and drugs often fail and mask the real problem, the Word of God often exposes the root of a problem.  If allowed, the truths from the Bible will change one’s life. 

Drunkards have been converted, their addiction halted, and their lives restored.  Adulterers have been enabled to stop their iniquity, and they and their families have been reunited.  Murderers have also been saved, and their lives changed.  God’s Word has changed the lives of liars, cheaters, gossipers, unbelievers, and countless more.  

There is not one sin that God cannot help one stop, nor one life that God cannot change.  Why would anyone want to hide God’s message or water it down after it has done so much to countless lives?

No matter the climate of the majority of lukewarm, worldly churches, until the Lord comes there is still time for personal repentance and a return to God’s ways of righteousness.  The door of opportunity for personal revival is still open at this time!

There is no reason an individual or even a local church cannot have a spiritual revival, nor is there a reason to be lukewarm and displeasing to the Lord.  We can be as full of zeal and excitement as the church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-12) and others who purposed to obey and follow the Lord’s commandments.  Do not be cold, indifferent, and useless to the cause of Christ.  Be on fire and effective!

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I [God] will spue thee out of my mouth.”  Revelation 3:15-16

Definition of “Backsliding”
Noah Webster, 1828

Backsliding: The act of apostatizing [to forsake principles or faith which one has professed] from faith or practice.

“If you are not as close to God or as “spiritual” as you once were, you are most likely backslidden.”

Reflections of a Backslider
J. Newton

Sweet was the time when first I felt
The Saviour’s pardoning blood
Applied to cleanse my soul from guilt,
And bring me home to God.

Soon as the morn, the light revealed,
His praises tuned my tongue;
And when the evening shades prevailed,
His love was all my song.

In prayer, my soul drew near the Lord,
And saw His glory shine;
And when I read His holy Word,
I called each promise mine.

But now, when evening shade prevails,
My soul in darkness mourns;
And when the morn the light reveals,
No light to me returns.

“Sin enough, and you will become dead and unbothered by it!”



Causes of Backsliding
W. M. Punshon

  • Was it the spirit of slothfulness that seized you?  Did you shrink from the effort of continued resistance to evil and of prayerful watchfulness against your insidious sin?
  • Was it self-complacency that took possession of your heart?
  • Was it anger that seized and shook you in its petulant grasp because you were not “appreciated” by your friends?
  • Was it because you envied pre-eminence that was denied you?
  • Was it the spirit of indifference that exhausted your recent energy?
  • Was it your rebellion against the godly advice you were given?
  • Were your convictions superficial things that only touched the surface of your nature but did not come from your heart?

From these and similar causes, many have rested in their ease or retreated until they have lost their joy and usefulness for God’s work and cause.

“Sin will always take you lower than you have ever expected to go and will cost you far more than you would ever have thought you would pay.”

Signs of Backsliding
C. Buck

  • Indifference to prayer and self-examination of one’s spiritual condition
  • Trifling or unprofitable conversation
  • Shunning the people of God
  • Associating with the world
  • Taking the commission of sin lightly
  • Neglecting one’s Bible-reading
  • Immorality

Consequences of Backsliding
C. Buck

  • Loss of character
  • Loss of comfort
  • Lose of usefulness
  • And as long as any remain in a backslidden state, a loss of well-grounded hope of future happiness.

“When God pardons, He consigns the offense to eternal forgetfulness.”



Remorse of Sin
John Bate

It is said that on the wall of one of the Egyptian pyramids is written, “The impious shall commit iniquity without recompense, but not without remorse.”  Does not this ancient inscription of heathenism receive its corroboration from the scriptures and the experience of every sinner in the present day?

“Deathbed repentance is burning the candle of life in the service of the devil and then blowing the smoke into the face of God.” — Billy Sunday

The BIBLE VIEW #987 — Bitterness

In This Issue:
Bound by Bitterness
Advice on How to Have a Good Testimony
Forgive

Volume: 987    December 30, 2024
Theme: Bitterness

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
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Bound by Bitterness
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most devastating human emotions can be feelings of bitterness.  Its strangling grasp can creep into our lives.  Sometimes, we do not know how much it consumes our thoughts and feelings.  Before we know it, we are captured in the claws of the sin of unforgiveness.

Perhaps it started with hurt feelings over what was said, another’s actions, or even a lack of response.  We mull it over and over.  It festers in our gut.  Our spirit may even be crushed.  

We can get hard feelings about the person that offended us.  Perhaps those hurt want to get “even” with the other person.  Before long, hurt feelings can lead to different actions, including slander against the offending person or avoidance of that person.

The hurt accomplished may not even be recognized by the “offender”.  They may not have a clue as to how one is reacting to their remarks or actions, yet the offendee’s bitterness burrows deeper and deeper into one’s life.

Holding a grudge against another can be so devastating to some that it affects their health.  Anger can be a result of bitterness.  When angry, adrenaline and other hormones are released into the bloodstream, causing high blood pressure and a faster beating heart.  Depression, ulcers, heart attack, and stroke have also been linked to those that are controlled by the stress of bitterness and unforgiveness.  Not forgiving and not attempting to forget the offense can also lead people to do or say things to the offender that they would never think of doing or saying.  Bitterness can indeed affect a person’s life.

All have wrongs done to them sometime in their lives that hurt their feelings.  Some let them roll off their shoulders and continue with their lives; others stew and never let go of what another has done to them.  

The Bible has much to say about bitterness and forgiving one another.  Here is a glimpse of what is said in the Bible:

  • God says not to be bitter and hold a grudge!  “It’s not that easy not to be bitter,” is often said.  That is true.  No sin is easy to stop.  To have a healthy life and a good relationship with God, bitterness must be halted.
    “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour [to complain, utter loud noises], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” Ephesians 4:31
  • Forgive those who have wronged you.
    “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Luke 17:3
  • Christ knows all you did, yet He still has forgiven all you have done if you are saved!  (John 3:16)
    “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32   Also: Col. 3:13.
  • Do not worry and occupy your thoughts with what another has done to you.  The gateway to bitterness is the thought gate.  Once an idea gets in and is contemplated, it does more damage the more it is entertained in one’s thought life.  Do not let yourself dwell on it.  Stop thinking about it before it gets out of hand.
    “Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;” Prov. 24:19
  • Do not even start entertaining thoughts of getting even.
    “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” Proverbs 24:29  Also: I Peter 3:8.
  • You certainly have wronged others, even unintentionally.  You surely want to be forgiven by others and the Lord, so forgive those who have “wronged” you!
    “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12  Also: Mark 11:25-26.
  • Forgive them, even if they do the offense more than once!
    “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21  Also: Luke 17:4.
  • The only “getting even” God allows is to be nice to the offender!
    “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” Proverbs 25:21- 22  Return unkindness with kindness!  This is certainly not what the world gives as a solution.  Vengeance never takes away hurt feelings.   Also: Mat.  5:44-45, Rom. 12:14, Rom.  12:17.
  • If any “getting even” is needed, God will do it, not you!
    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
  • Do not be happy when bad things happen to them.  Do not gloat, “They are getting theirs!”
    “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18

Unforgiveness and the bitterness that often follow do not help or change anything.  The hurt feelings of bringing the matter up repeatedly certainly digs its trap deeper and deeper.  The only way to get peace is to forgive.

“It’s easy for you to say.  You don’t know what that person did to me.” You are right.  I do not know, but I have learned that carrying and harboring bitterness will hurt you and others.  Your only choices are to let it fester or eliminate it.  Hopefully, you truly want to get rid of it.

Although it is repeatedly suggested that we forget our offended feelings, most of us cannot.  Only God can forget when He chooses.  We may not be able to get it permanently out of our minds, but we can do our best not to let it be at the forefront of our thought-life.

We all battle hurt feelings.  It is our choice how we handle them.  God’s Word clearly says we should not let those temptations rule and destroy our lives.  Instead of getting bitter and blaming God about a matter, it is the time to get close to Him.  It is during those hard times that we learn of His mercy and grace.

The longer one carries a grudge, the heavier it becomes!
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Eph. 4:26

Advice on How to Have a Good Testimony
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most valuable assets a Christian can have is his testimony.  What others think of him is often what they see him do, how he reacts in certain situations, and how they believe a Christian should live (although their view may not always be accurate).  Paul gave some advice on how to preserve that testimony in Ephesians 4.  Some of his advice included:

  • Do not live like the rest of the world and put the wrong value on things that are not that important (vs. 17-18).
  • Do not lust after things of this world and be consumed with greed for them (vs. 19).
  • Do not let your conversation with others be about lust for this world’s things (vs. 22).
  • Live a righteous life and strive to be a good example (vs. 24).
  • Let your conversation be honest, and do not lie (vs. 25).
  • If you get angry, get it right with those involved before the sun goes down (vs. 26).
  • Do not get close to sin, and allow the devil to destroy your testimony (vs. 27).
  • Do not steal; work hard for what you want (vs. 28).
  • Be careful of the words you utter, and make sure what you say helps others (vs. 29).
  • Do not sadden the indwelling Holy Spirit by sinning (vs. 30).
  • Do not allow the sins of bitterness, violence, anger, and evil speaking to be part of your life (vs. 31).
  • Be kind to others (vs. 32).

 As hard as we try, some will always see our example wrong, no matter how we adhere to the above advice and other godly principles.  Although it is impossible to please all the people all the time, we have a responsibility to try to have the best testimony possible.  Our example is not so much about what others think about us but what others believe about Christ from our example. 

We are often all the unsaved will ever see about Christ.  Will they determine that they do not want to be a Christian because of what is observed by our behavior, or will they consider being one because of how we live our lives?

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Heb. 12:15

Forgive
Author Unknown

In a school in Ireland, one boy struck another, and when he was about to be punished, the injured boy begged for his pardon.  The teacher asked, “Why do you wish to keep him from being punished?  He hit you.”

The boy replied, “I have read in the New Testament where our Lord Jesus Christ said that we should forgive our enemies and therefore I forgive him and beg he may not be punished for my sake.”

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Mat.  6:14-15

The BIBLE VIEW #986 — Sin

In This Issue:
We’re All Sinners
Curse of Sin
Deceitfulness of Sin
Sin, the Deceiver
Sin, the Tyrant
What Forgiveness Did


Volume: 986    December 23, 2024
Theme: Sin

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something taught in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.

We’re All Sinners
Bill Brinkworth

His friends whispered as loudly as they dared, “No, Avijit.  Do not go up to those people.  They do not want you there.  Stay with us.”

Avijit walked on towards the settlement, ignoring his friends’ pleas.  “I’m not like you,” he muttered.  “They will take me in and help me.”

As he approached a woman laden with wares she had just purchased at the bazaar, she shrieked as she gazed at the boy approaching her.  “Stand back,” she warned.  “Don’t get any closer!”

“But,” he tried to present his case, “I am not as bad as the others,” he pointed to the three that stood at the city’s outskirts, watching what would happen.

“Still, you are a leper!” reminded the woman. 

“But Ketak’s fingers and toes are disfigured,” he pointed to a distant figure of a young girl wrapped in tattered rags.  “Look at mine.  They are straight and strong.”  He showed the woman his young, brown fingers.  They were not affected by the dreaded disease.

“Maybe not, but still, you have the cursed disease.  Stand back.”  She said as she also took one step backward.

“But, my sores are not as bad as Badal’s,” he pointed to another figure looking on from afar.  “See, they are a lot smaller,” he pointed to the sores on his face and ears.

The woman shrugged as she looked at the disfiguring mass of sores spread across the young boy’s face and body, “But still, you have leprosy.  If you get any closer, I could also get the disease.  Stand back.  Stay with your kind, so we don’t get it,” and she quickly scurried away.

No matter how Avijit compared himself to others, the truth of the matter was that he still had a contagious disease.  He was still a leper and was a danger to others around him.  Many compare their sins to others in a similar manner.  They know what they have done but justify their iniquities as not as “bad” as others’ deeds. 

They compare themselves to the convicted thief behind bars and justify, “Yes, I have stolen pens from work, but I’m not as bad as that man who robbed a bank.”

The truth whispers back, “Ah ha, but you are still a thief.”

“I may lie to keep myself from getting in trouble with my parents, but I’m not as bad as that person who always lies.”

Again, the truth speaks softly to the conscience, “But you still are a liar!”

Stumbling for an example to clear any suggestions that they are guilty of being “bad”, justification fires back, “But, I am a good person.  I’m not as bad as others!”

The small, soft voice of conviction answers, “But sinning only once still qualifies you as a sinner.  Do not compare yourself to other sinners.  The penalty for iniquity is Hell.”

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Cor. 10:12

Unfortunately, it is “human” to compare ourselves to others.  It is not our measuring tool that matters, however.  It is God’s judgment that matters, and He says no sinner can go to Heaven. 

Since we are all sinners, the prognosis is not good.  However, because God loves us, He gave us a way to have our sins forgiven and forgotten.  That way is to recognize you are a sinner and believe that Jesus has paid for your sins with His blood at Calvary. 

All we need to do is admit our sinnership and trust Christ’s death is sufficient to pay for our sins; and then we can have God’s promise of Heaven one day.  All sin can be forgiven, and we can have our name written in Heaven’s “Book of Life!

“And there shall in no wise enter into it [Heaven] any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 21:27

Curse of Sin
Dr. J. Parker

O Sin, how hast thou curst us!  Thou hast thrown up a barrier between ourselves and God.  With thy chilling breath, thou hast extinguished the light of our household joys.  Thou hast unstrung our hap and filled the air with discordant cries.  Thou hast unsheathed the sword and bathed it in human blood.  Thou has dug every grave in the bosom of the fair earth.  But, for thee, we should not have known the name of widow or orphan, tear and sigh, and sorrow and death.  But for thee, our hearts had been untorn by a pang, and our joy pure as the ecstasies of Heaven.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

Deceitfulness of Sin
Modified from an article by Henry Smith

When a man sins, he thinks within himself, “I will do this no more.”  Soon, another sin rears its tempting head, and after falling for its “bait,” the partaker of the sin again lowers his head in defeat and shame, promising never to do it again.  The lesson is still not learned, and after another sin is committed, it is repeatedly promised to “never to do it again.”

That is the way of sin to spur a man forward in his involvement in it.  Each time iniquity is committed, the man feels farther from God, less good about himself, and tormented by his own conscience.

“Give sin an inch, and you will have to retake a mile!” — Author Unknown



Sin, the Deceiver
Edited from a poem by Keach

Sin is composed of nothing but subtle wiles.
It fakes and flatters, and betrays by its smiles.
‘Tis like the panther, or the crocodile.
It hides its sting, seems harmless as a dove.
It hugs the soul, and hates, when it vowed to love.
It plays the tyrant most by gilded pills,
It secretly ensnares the souls it kills,
Sin’s promises they all deceitful be:
Does promise wealth, but pays only poverty.
Does promise honor, but only pays us shame
And quite bereaves a man of his good name.
Does promise pleasure, but only pays us sorrow.
It promises life today, but pays death tomorrow.
No thief so vile, nor treacherous as sin,
Whom fools do hug and take much pleasure in.



Sin, the Tyrant
Edited from an article by John Bate

An Arab miller was one day startled by a camel’s nose thrust in the window of a room where he was sleeping.  “It is very cold outside,” said the camel, “I only want to get my nose in to warm it.”

The nose was allowed in, then the neck, and finally, the whole body worked its way into the abode.  Soon, the miller began to be extremely inconvenienced by the ungainly companion he had obtained in a room certainly not large enough to hold both.  “If you are inconvenienced, you may leave,” said the camel.  “As for myself, I shall stay where I am.”

Thus is the ploy of sin.  It slithers in just a bit, and soon, a whole life is inconvenienced and plagued by its dominance.

What Forgiveness Did
Edited from an article by Dr. Guthrie

In the garrison town of Woolwich over 175 years ago, a soldier was about to be brought before the commanding officer for a misdemeanor.  The officer hearing the case exclaimed, “Here he is again.  What can we do with him?  He has been before us often, and nothing seems to turn him around!”

The sergeant-major apologized for intruding and said, “There is one thing that has never been done with him yet, sir.”

“What is that, sergeant-major?”

“Well, sir, he has never yet been forgiven.”

“Forgiven?” shouted the colonel, “See the long list of accusations against him?”

“Yes, I see, but the man is not before you yet, and you can cancel it.”

After reflecting on the matter, the colonel ordered the man to be brought before him.  When the prisoner was asked what he had to say regarding the charges brought against him, he replied, “Nothing, sir.  Only that I am very sorry for what I have done.”

After making some suitable remarks, the colonel concluded, “Well, we are resolved to forgive you.”

The soldier was struck with astonishment.  Tears ran down his face as he wept.  The colonel felt deeply, when he saw the man was humbled.  After thanking the colonel, the forgiven soldier left.

For two more years, the soldier remained in the army.  Not once were further charges brought against him during that time, or was fault found in the man.  Mercy triumphed.  Kindness conquered.

Such is the same mercy given to any that will humble themselves before the Father.  With a simple, sincere admittance of sinnership and trusting in Christ’s gift of eternal life, one can likewise be forgiven and have a new and different life.

“When God pardons sin, he consigns the offenses to eternal forgetfulness.”
— Author Unknown