The Doctrines of Grace #1: T

T.  In case you were wondering where that came from, and what it means, it comes from TULIP, the device used to remember the 5 points of reformed theology, also known as the Doctrines of Grace.

T, this stands for Total Depravity, the inability of man to do anything good. This is backed by Romans 3:10, and the Bible even goes as far as to say that all our "good" deeds are worthless. (Isa 64:6)  

Why is this so important, why does it hold relevance to our lives?  Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23),  although physical death is a consequence of sin, physical death is not necessarily what this verse is talking about.  No, this verse speaks of the eternal consequences.  Eternal damnation, separation from God and his wrath forever, a worse thing has never occurred.

OK, all have sinned, sinners go to hell, where is the hope in this?  Is all lost?  No, may it never be.  For "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15)

There is great hope, crazy hope, a greater hope has never been imagined.  But how do we obtain that hope? That, my friend, is for another story, another time.

Uno mensaje breve, cuando utilizar la Biblia, el aun mejor traduccion que utilizar es la Nuevo Version Internaccional, buscar biblegateway, donde el hiperenlace redirecciones.

Potential.

Today I went to some friends' house to help them clean up their yard, raking leaves, clearing walkways, moving mulch and firewood piles.  A good work day.

They have a very nice property, bluebonnets (when they come up) fill the front yard, a pool and patio one one side, a chicken coop on the other, and most prominently, a shady back yard with large oaks and a veranda and walkways.  As I was working there, a word came to mind:  Potential.  Yes, this was a yard with great potential, carefully tended to, it could become a place of life, and beauty, and music (pardon the LOTR reference!), a paradise.  However, left alone, it would inevitably become an eyesore, overflowing with fallen, decomposing leaves.

This yard is like our human hearts, without the tender, affectionate and constant care of the gardener,  our hearts our filled with junk, clutter, and sin.  However, when Christ is constantly there, through the word, our hearts can become filled, beautiful, clean, holy. Then, it begins to overflow, our lives affect those of others, strengthening them through the word, and in Christ.  We must clean our hearts, taking out the junk, and bringing it to Christ, for his will for our life is our sanctification.  Mortifying sin, growing to be like Christ, these are integral parts of the Christian life, and they only happen through constant time in the word and prayer.

So, how's your garden doing?

Thank you.

Ego no siempre fidelis, sed Dios siempre fidelis, siempre indulget.

Lord, I come on bended knee,
Begging for your forgiveness.
Once again, I have failed the King,
Inciting righteous wrath,
And judgement.
But you have said that there is:
"no condemnation for those
who are under Christ Jesus".
And for this, I thank you.

You have said that we have been:
"Justified.. by grace".
And even when we sin,
That grace is still there.
Lord, merciful Heavenly father,
You have chosen us before time.
Knowing what evil deeds,
we would commit,
but choosing us anyway.
And for this, I thank you.

Lord, "forgive us
our trespasses".
Our evil deeds are,
beyond measure,
and even our "good deeds,
are like filthy rags in your sight.
Continue to purge me,
Ridding me of this sin.
You have sent the Holy Spirit.
And for this, I thank you.

"Empty me, of the selfishness inside.
Every vain ambition,
And the poison of my pride...
Lord empty me, of me,
So I can be,
Filled with you."