“Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 NKJV)
He prompts us to ask ourselves, where are we in the sight of God? As a nation and as individuals, are we turning away from Him? When we live out of God’s grace by not trusting in Jesus, we sin. God hates sin. Not only that it disappoints even those who also are sinners (sinners hate sinners!), it deprives us (and our nation) from the favors and blessings of God. Blessings for this life and most importantly for eternal life, could be lost because of rebellious act against God. Or, failing to do things we know to be good, as scripture says - "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”(James 4:17 NIV)
The scriptures warn us - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23 NIV)
Thanks be to God, we have the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus. That is in His grace (Romans 5:21). Not by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9); but "that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29). When we accept Him our Lord and Savior, He is our righteousness in the sight of God. Only then a nation is exalted and blessed. Apostle Paul reminds: "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV)
So, being made righteous by faith is Jesus, we are warned with these words - "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 KJV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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