LEARNING DAILY

 

Proverbs 16:6, In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

 

Do not misunderstand this verse. One cannot atone or be reconciled by showing mercy or living their life in truth. Forgiveness of sins comes only through what Jesus Christ did for whosever believes in Him (John 3:15) and what He did at the cross at Calvary. It is God’s mercy that sent Jesus to this earth to take our place on the cross and according to the truth spoken through the prophets in the Old Testament (from Clarke’s Commentary). All Believers are to put this into our hearts so that we live for Him. That is how we refrain from doing evil and making those mistakes written about in the last page of the blog.

 

I was challenged by a statement made by Dr. Ed Newton, Pastor at Community Bible Church, Sunday morning. He said, “The Bible will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from the Bible.” He did not mean one who reads/studies the Bible will no longer sin. He meant the person who reads/studies the Bible will learn to fear God and do the best they can to walk on the narrow way. When we study God’s word, we gain such a respect and reverence of who God is that we want to do everything we can to please Him and bring glory to Him. That includes departing from evil! The book of Proverbs is clear that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. That reverence leads to humble and obedience to His majesty, power, justice, mercy, and grace. The study of God’s Word also tells us that God can do whatever He wants to do, at any time, and in any way. He is in control of all things – yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

 

Proverbs 16:5 tells us it is inevitable that God will punish those who are proud in their heart, too arrogant to acknowledge God. The only way to avoid the consequences of pride and sinful living is to acknowledge our sin and ask Jesus Christ to forgive and change us. Romans 6:23 is clear that every sin will be punished. It also declares that grace comes through God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. I cannot think of a better way to live our life than in God’s mercy and His truth; when we do, He changes us by purifying our life and helping us to “depart from evil”. It is His desire for us to be made perfect, complete in Him and motivates us to live the life He desires. Instead of living for ourselves, to desire others to see how great we are and all other self-centeredness, we begin to live to help others and live to serve God. That should drive us to hate sin and turn from it.

 

I want to emphasize the statement Dr. Newton made. Reading and studying God’s Word will change you! As you read about God’s love for you and His desire for you to live the life He desires, you want to change and no longer live the life you once lived. Let me tell you that God’s Word will help you understand His mercy, grace, and love for others in a way that will cause you to desire to share that with others. That can happen through your words and through the life you lead. The Word of God will drive you to hate sin, to want to drive the sinful nature from your life, convict you when you sin, and cause you to go to the Father to be forgiven.

 

The greatest goal for each of us should be to turn away from sin and walk the narrow way, the perfect way, to God. He accepts nothing less. I encourage you to be in God’s Word, to learn more about God’s mercy and truth, to desire more mercy and truth and His fear in your life. Gaining these virtues or qualities will make you great in God’s eyes. May God bless each of us in this pursuit as we walk toward His kingdom and eternal life!