I have been re-reading "We Would See Jesus" by Hession this past week. I thought I would post an idea (a full quote is too long) from this short book, which was published in 1958.
The devil wants to condemn us and bring us into bondage. His accusations have two effects on believers. One is to cause us to defend ourselves. This self-justification actually drives us away from the grace that God gives to those who humbly ask. The other effect is to cause us to begin striving. By self-effort we attempt to make-up for our sins or try to change and improve ourselves. This also separates us from grace. As we attempt to climb up we are actually climbing away from Him.
The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, convicts us of sin and bring us to the Cross. There we find Jesus, the door to forgiveness, peace, and growth. Unlike the guilt of satan, the conviction of the Holy Spirit causes us to admit our sins before the cross and to draw closer to Christ. Also, it leads us to cease striving and to rest in the light burden and easy yoke of our Lord.
I hope you find this encouraging as I did. The life of faith is not simply believing something, it is believing in Jesus Christ and resting the full weight of ourselves, our lives, and our problems in His hands. May we seek Him and find Him (Jer. 29:13) , and then abide (John 15:5) in Him and rest (Matt. 11:28) in Him.
1 comment:
i think i've read that book - terry had to for grad school. good stuff. i really liked the quote. how i need to be reminded of that b/c there definitely are different kinds of guilt!
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