~Alistair Begg~
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Do
you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full
atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How
you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is
forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord,
smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have forgiven me, smite as hard as You
will." And in a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses,
crosses, persecution, what You will. You have forgiven me, and my soul
is glad."
Christian,
if you are thus saved, while you are glad, be grateful and loving.
Cling to that cross that took your sin away; serve Him who served you. "I appeal
to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual
worship."1 Do not let your
zeal evaporate in some little exuberant song. Show your love in meaningful ways.
Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there is a Mephibosheth anywhere who
is disabled, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there is a poor tried believer,
weep with him, and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and
carried your sins.
Since
you are forgiven freely for Christ's sake, go and tell others the joyful news of
pardoning mercy. Do not be contented with this unspeakable blessing for yourself
alone, but publish widely the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy
boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for
you to preach in. Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the
Lord must give it to you. Seek it this
morning before you go into the world. When it is the Lord's work in which
we rejoice, we need not be afraid of being too glad.
1Romans 12:1
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