“6 Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a Chief Cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the Corner,
8 And a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a Peculiar People; that you should show forth the praises of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the People of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:6-10
The atoning work of Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of sin for lost and break the power of sin for the Believer is not a “doctrine” but is the Foundation, the “Chief Cornerstone” of all doctrine. Most would agree in the Atonement for Salvation…at least I would surely hope. However, it is the double cure where most stumble. The atoning work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross to break the power of sin in the Believer’s life is too often rejected and other methods embraced, namely humanistic psychology, to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil.
The Cross of Christ is the means by which God reaches man and man reaches God. To seek another method after Salvation to break the power of sin in our life, we are in fact leaving our first love, Jesus Christ, and have become double minded.
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.” James 4:7-8
Many have stumbled and are disobedient. They have been deceived by the double minded and have now become double minded themselves. Just as the serpent beguiled Eve, so too have many hearts been corrupted by another gospel and another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:3-4) who points them to self.
Until the Believer submits to God through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we cannot resist the devil…and make no mistake, the devil will not flee unless we are fully submitted to God. The double minded constantly fight satan in the flesh yet “...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Cor. 10:4).
Purify your heart ye double minded…submit to God. The Lord has called us to be a Peculiar People, a chosen generation to show forth the praises of HIM, Who HE is and what HE has done for whosoever will believe. Lift Jesus Christ up….He is worthy to be praised!! Forsake philosophies of man to conjure up faith, look to Jesus – the Author and Finisher of our faith. Choose THIS day, while it is today in Whom you will serve.
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
Prayerfully consider.
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 