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AN ESTABLISHED HEART (I)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9
Hebrews 13:9

Ephesians 2:8-10

 

“For it is a good thing that the heart

be established with grace…”

 

AN ESTABLISHED HEART (I)
 
There are many “divers and strange doctrines” (Heb 13:9) in the world. The particular reference here in Hebrews 13:9, however, seems to be those doctrines that would replace the grace of God with the works of man.  Hence, the exhortation: “it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats.”
 
Dear reader, the biblical gospel presents salvation as entirely the work of God. We, as sinners lost and dead, play no part in accomplishing our own salvation. It is a gift that we simply receive by faith, and even that is the result of God’s regenerative work in our hearts. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10).
 
But what a powerful temptation it is to have something of which we can “boast”! Pride seeks constantly to ask, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matt 19:16), with the underlying assumption, concerning God’s law, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matt 19:20). Many, it is to be feared, are like the Pharisees who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9), and many who say secretly within their hearts, “I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers… I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:11-12).
 
Then also, doubt and uncertainty seek constantly to ask, “What good thing have I done, in which I may confidently rest?” So many are searching for assurance of salvation! And when they will not rest by faith in God’s promises, they run desperately to and fro, even sometimes afflicting and torturing themselves, if only they might secure that elusive goal. Yet, “it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats” (Heb 13:9)! Let us find our security by trusting in the finished work of Christ, on our behalf, and nothing else.
 
THOUGHT: “Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” (Lowry)

PRAYER: Father, help me to rest secure, only in Thee!

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