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Do You Have Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation with Joy?

September 6, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

There is a hope that overrides every trial, tribulation, temptation, and sorrow. Do you have that hope? It is a hope that replaces our deepest pains with expectant joy. Have you ever felt that kind of joy built on hope? Overwhelming, overpowering and pushing aside every thought that does not bring you into the presence of Jesus Christ. So, again, I ask, “Do you have hope that overrides every tribulation with joy? That is the hope in which you stand if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We stand firm in Him alone. He is the hope we can rest in. A hope that drives away fear, pain, suffering, and temptation. You may say, “How do I have this kind of hope?” So, listen closely. Paul in Romans 5 through 8 details for us how to experience this hope.

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 KJV

Paul follows the true plan of an essay to clearly present the truth about justification and sanctification over chapters 5-8. In true format, he begins with telling us what he is presenting in Romans 5. Romans 6-7 is the body of proof for the report. And Romans 8 is the final review of what he presented. The first long sentence tells us the central point of this. In the previous chapters he has carefully presented our sinful state. And followed this by our utter helplessness to secure our own salvation. Salvation is clearly presented both for Jew and Gentile as by Grace alone, in Christ Alone through Faith Alone. Not of any works of our own hands. Because of this we have peace with God only through Jesus Christ. No longer are we subject to His wrath. The war was won. Christ won the victory for us.

Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation-The Sin That Easily Besets Us

Have you ever been caught in that Merry-Go-Round of Christian living? You know that the thing that upends your peace with God is sin. Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin on the Cross. That is if you have ever asked Him into your heart as Lord and Savior. Even then you may find there is a sin that keeps pulling you into its grips. You have repented, prayed, and pleaded with God that you will do better. With every ounce of your being you try to walk away. Yet then the same desire plagues you. You find yourself falling repeatedly into that same sin, until you feel defeated. There is no peace and no joy. Unfortunately, yes, we remain in these human bodies even after being saved. So, what then?

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV

Look to Jesus. Focus on Him. How? Bible Study, Prayer, and Singing Songs unto Him. Seek His Presence every moment of the day in all you do. The more scripture you have in your memory banks, the faster the Holy Spirit can bring them to mind. Songs are a wonderful way to recall the Goodness of God and His Magnificent Glory. Singing those songs in moments of crisis, blocks out the other thoughts which are trying to crowd into your head.

What to do with Sin that Upsets the Peace

Never ever forget, your salvation was by grace. Your sanctification is also by grace with the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life. Worry the day you are no longer battling sin. The day that you think you have finally conquered all sin. Or when you believe you are living a fully righteous life on your own. For me it was a fleeting thought at the age of 16. “God aren’t you glad you chose me? I am not like those others defaming your name. Everyday I witness and stand up against the crowd.”

That was right before I went through years of spiraling downward. At times I wondered if I would ever overcome the sin which so easily beset me. Wondering how could God still love me. Finally, after years of the battle, body physically broken by illness, surgery, and age. No longer do I battle that particular sin. Though now I see more clearly all the others. Moments of selfishness. Occasions of doubt. Sadness that may creep in where joy should be found.

But you see through the years, I have learned. The sooner I refocus of Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my faith. Pushing all else aside. The faster I am restored to that place of peace and joy.

For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:18-25 NASB

Hope that Overrides Every Tribulation with Joy When Temptations Rise

What is that hope? We know that cloaked in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we cannot be lost again. This flesh groans for its final day of redemption when we will never again sin. If you do not groan for this. Beware! Ask yourself if you ever accepted Him as Savior. If Sinning does not cause you to feel pain for dishonoring the one you love, then do you love Him?

But if you struggle within your heart and mind, you can lay it all out at the cross. He has said that if you repent you are forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 KJV

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25

Do you believe God’s Word to be true? Our hope rests by faith in Who HE IS not in what my guilty hands can do. That is why we can stand firm in Him. Not wavering and not moving.

What did Moses say to the Children of Israel while the Egyptians were pursuing them. The Red Sea stood before them? It appeared they had no where to go.

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day Exodus 14:13 KJV

Or Paul in Ephesians told us how to stand firm

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6: 11-16 KJV

Hope that Overrides Tribulation: Physical Pain and Illness

We look to Jesus as the healer. Sometimes praying for relief of the pain. It seems at moments He is silent in our suffering. We even see Him miraculously heal others and wonder “Why not me?”. But if you remember while on this earth, neither did He heal everyone. Instead of asking, “Why not heal me?” We should be asking, “What is your purpose in my going through life with this pain or this infirmity?” Paul asked God that very question three times, and this was the answer he received from God.

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NASB

Ultimately Paul understood that there was purpose in His suffering. We may never fully understand the why here on earth. However, we will see it clearly one day. There is purpose and meaning in all that happens. Sometimes it is to protect us from our own self. At other times it is for the good of the Kingdom. And yet, other times it works within us to draw us closer to Him. What we do know is that it does have purpose otherwise we would not have to walk through it. He would not allow us to suffer without purpose. Never forget sometimes His Suffering is to stop us from walking down a path that will hurt us. Therefore our pain is an act of love by God toward us.

John Piper wrote:

So, let’s take John 16:20, where Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament. . . . You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” That’s sequential: “Because I die and then live again” — then he makes the comparison — “you’re going to have joy.” But here’s what he says. This is the analogy he’s making:

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. (John 16:21)

There is sorrow in the anguish of labor pains, followed by joy. Now, anguish is not owing to unbelief. The anguish is owing to pain: the season of pain gives way to the baby in the arms and brings a season of tearless joy.

But even in the cries of labor pain, there is what Paul calls the joy of hope. He says in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope.” And in Romans 5:2–3 he says, “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings.” So, he put the two right together in Romans 5:2–3. We rejoice in our sufferings — our labor pains, you might say — because all Christian suffering is like giving birth: God makes it bring “an eternal weight of glory,” he says in 2 Corinthians 4:17. So, there is both sequential and simultaneous sorrow and joy.¹

John Piper _{https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/does-joy-come-after-suffering-or-in-it accessed 9/6/2025}

Many places in the world one must be willing to die if they declare their devotion to Jesus Christ. Even to own a Bible is considered a death penalty. In Paul’s time, it did prove a death penalty for him as well as the majority of the apostles. Yet, the gospel message spread by the power of God in spite of all the trials and difficulties.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you. “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:16-22 NASB

And who endures to the end? The one who is cloaked in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. That is all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior. I cannot endure by my own might or works. Sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption from this earthly body, I will not falter. As to suffering or trials? Are we above our Master and Lord? No. But rest assured. He is with us each step of the way. Rely on His presence always going before you, in you, behind you, surrounding you.

Conclusions:

We were formerly the children of Wrath. There is therefore no peace without God. Our only hope of salvation is Jesus Christ. No works can save us. Perhaps some feel a pseudo peace for their own good works. Or others are so enwrapped in their own sin that they are numbed to recognizing their condition. However, they have never experienced the peace so overwhelming or experienced moments of ecstatic joy. That peace and joy which can only be felt by seeing even a glimpse of God.

Keep reading His Word, Praying, Seeking His Presence in everything, and Sing

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Does Delight Create Works?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Does Delight Create Works?

August 29, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

The first three chapters of Ephesians tells us clearly who we are in Christ. Paul is very clear that Salvation is by Grace Alone, through faith Alone, in Christ alone. But he is also very clear. True faith transforms us immediately as to position and gradually through sanctification by the work of the Holy Spirit. There is a transforming work that begins the day we accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Each step of the journey we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Declared Righteous, Declared Saints all by one step of redemption. Bought by Jesus at a very high price on the cross. Yet if faith in Jesus gets One into Heaven, Delight in Him Create Works? If there is no transformation, no outward display of the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. Then can one be truly saved?

I am not speaking of immediate perfection. Nor am I saying we will be fully like Him while living on the earth. That is until the day we return with Him to reign during the millennial reign of Christ. There remains within me this fleshly nature. But even that can be seen being transformed step by step. One tiny glory following tiny glory, as I remain focused on Him. For He is the “Author and the Finisher of (my) faith”. Hebrews 12:2

Faith In Jesus Gets One Into Heaven Yes and Amen

Until now in the book of Romans, we have seen that God has revealed Himself to every human born. None are without a glimpse of His Glory. All therefore are accountable to accepting the light He provides or choosing their own foolish human desires. Thus, placing themselves either as bowing to Him or to themselves.

Gradually, skillfully, Paul has presented the case for the progress of evil. It fills our world because foolish human beings choose to worship themselves rather than God. As such they form many idols throughout their lives. Those idols weigh down and burden all society leading to wars, pride, death, sorrow, tragedies of many kinds. But what can I say? I too was dead in my trespasses and sin.

Yet the Bible is very clear.

Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. … For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:20, 23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Romans 4:1-4

So, If Faith In Jesus Gets One into Heaven, What About Works?

Recently there has been a lot of talk about working our way into heaven. President Trump even said concerning the Ukraine/Russian War,

“If I can save 7000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s a pretty good…..I want to try to get to heaven if possible. I hear I am not doing well. I’ve hit the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven this would be one of the reasons.”

President Donald J. Trump, _{https://www.newsbreak.com/mediaite-520570/4183303672076-trump-tells-fox-hosts-he-s-worried-about-not-getting-to-heaven-i-am-really-at-the-bottom, accessed 8/29/25}

Oh, how I am praying that he come to realize that the only way to heaven is to trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! He must accept there is nothing he can ever do to earn heaven, except to humbly bow before Jesus. Accepting and believing that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. I wish I could spend even 30 minutes with Him to tell Him that. Jonathan Pokluda prays for the same chance as he pointed out last week in His sermon. That sermon is attached below. Please listen to it.

In chapter 4 Paul presents the case for righteousness by faith alone by discussing both Abraham and King David. Now some will argue that this chapter conflicts with what James wrote in James 2:21-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:21-24

What at first sight might appear a difference, really is not. That I will begin to unpack for you.

Looking at Abraham’s Faith for Righteous-a Faith In Jesus that Gets into Heaven

When God first called out Abraham, He called him to leave Ur of the Chaldees and go to Canaan. He was to leave his father, forsaking everything. But he only made it to Haran to start with where he stayed until his father died. We know this. How? First, there is a note in Genesis 11 that he left for Canaan and then stayed in Haran. Also, please note the clarification of this by Stephen right before being executed.

“Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.” Acts 7:2-8 NKJV

God called Abraham who started in the right direction and then paused. He was 75 years old when he continued to Canaan where he was supposed to have headed. We also know that he did follow God in faith. But not perfectly. Many a stumble along the way. He lied and told both the King of Egypt and later Abimelech King of Gehrer that Sarai was his sister. Why? because he was afraid. (What happened to his faith here?) He had moments of great faith and then sometimes less. God spoke with him directly anyway. Essentially, Abraham did believe what God had promised. The covenant was that he would be the father of many nations. This despite his being barren. He had a child by Sarai’s handmaid, named Ishmael who became the father of the Arab nations.

Yet, Abraham was known as the friend of God who was clothed in righteousness due to faith.

Then We Have James Account—Works, Faith, or works resulting from Faith

As the years had passed and Abraham grew in his knowledge of God, his faith grew as well. One day that faith was brought to its greatest test. Namely, God told him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise on an altar. At this point, he trusted God enough to believe God’s plan was perfect. He now finally believed t “God IS and God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him”. (paraphrase of Hebrews 12:6). He marched forward to do exactly as God commanded believing with all his heart, God had a perfect plan. That is when faith was demonstrated by his actions. A faith with no fruit, no actions is not a faith at all. That is what James means when you read it carefully. And Paul echos that sentiment with full explanation in the Ephesians 2 verses we just began this post with.

Some would say it was Abraham’s obedience in circumcision that sealed him as righteous. But it was in Genesis 15 that this was written.

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6 KJV

But the covenant sealed with Abraham by circumcision concerning the Jewish nation occurred in Genesis 17. Abraham was 99 years old. So, faith was not sealed by works. Rather works came only because of faith.

David Another Example of Righteousness by Faith

Our only hope of heaven is to be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus through faith. For King David it was a faith in the promises to come. He was to be the Father of the Messiah to come. A miracle he had to accept by faith alone. He would not be able to imagine how God would do it. Even though God revealed a lot to Him. Consider the Messianic Psalms Yet, was King David perfect. Anyone who knows his story can be assured otherwise. He did suffer earthly judgments that were harsh to his gentle heart; but God was faithful. This led to King David writing this Psalm which is quoted in Romans.

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:6-8

Again, What About Works vs Faith, Does Faith In Jesus Get One into Heaven

Righteousness is imputed to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It was an imputed righteousness to Abraham before circumcision and in spite of his stumbling faith at moments. Although that faith did grow leading to works, not works leading to faith.

For the promise, that he (Abraham) should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith…. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Romans 4:13, 16-22

What is that to us Gentiles, Does Abraham matter?

Yes, a thousand times yes. Catch this. God told Abraham that he would be the Father of many nations. There is the Jewish nation via circumcision and all the covenants with them. Then there is the Gentile nations comprised of all who would be saved by faith and our promises. His faith was counted as righteousness before circumcision.

Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. Romans 4:9-12 (NASB).

And therefore, this is very important to us.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:21-25

If Faith in Jesus Gets One into Heaven, Why should we work?

Because we cannot do anything else but to work. Delight in Him demands we work and yet not us. Rather we are compelled each day more intensely to surrender everything into the hands of He who paid it all for us. Our love grows demanding we honor and glorify Him. We are a new workmanship created to good works. How can we do anything less? A faith without works resulting as the fruit of the Holy Spirit is a nonexistent faith.

Remember and Never Forget

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. Ephesians 2: 1-10 Berean Standard Bible

Please watch on Youtube this amazing sermon reflecting the truth Faith in Jesus Gets One into Heaven. It is Grace Alone, through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Can I Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride by faith alone in Jesus?

How to be Truly Justified Freely by the Blood of Jesus Christ

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Pictures licensed by Goodsalt.com

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Can I Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride by faith alone in Jesus?

August 24, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Perhaps the most difficult thing for the human heart is to overcome sinful pride. We are born with this sin nature that pulls within our hearts desiring to think of me first always. It is in the heart of the child screaming “mine”. And it never seems to go away during our lifetime. Even we who have put our faith in Jesus Christ are plagued by Sinful Pride. Can we ever overcome sinful Pride? We tend to be self-centered. Desiring love, recognition, and wanting others to recognize what we do.

Even the work I think I am doing for God often gets turned toward wanting glory for myself. Instead of being only for His Glory. This despite all the Glory being His Alone and none of mine. I can do nothing, absolutely nothing good apart from His Holy Spirit working through me. Should not my entire desire be for His Glory Only? He who gave His Life for me.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. II Corinthians 5: 12-19 KJV

Overcome Sinful Pride by Remembering Previous Study Above in Romans

No one of the flesh is Righteous. Absolutely No One can be saved trying to climb their way to Righteousness. Even those who do works continuously trying to redeem themselves are doing so with a self-pride. Often trying to be whom they can never be alone. Essentially what we just finished studying earlier in Romans 3 points out our inadequacies. And then shows what Christ accomplished on the cross in our behalf.

First, Jesus in dying for the glory of God upheld the value of the Glory of God. In such doing he restored what we have dishonored. Repairing the injury we have done in despising the Glory of God. What do I mean by saying we have despised the Glory of God. We do it all the time. By our actions, how often do we treat God as unimportant in our lives? We go about our days with no regard for Him. This alone suggest He is of low worth. Meanwhile, we prefer worldly pleasures and self-exaltation over His divine beauty and greatness. It is a preference for temporary things over the eternal joy and fellowship found in God. We further display this by our frustrations when He does not do it our way. As though we deserve anything from Him.

Furthermore

He absorbed the wrath of God for us. This is something we must never forget. The depth of His payment for us. He appeased God for all the condemnation that was for us and deflected it ALL upon Himself. All the guilt, all the shame, and all of what we justly deserved.

He paid the ransom for all who come to believe in Him as Lord and Savior. He did this only by His grace as our redeemer. Thereby He freed us from the guilt, condemnation, fear, and power of our own sin. Our only hope to sin less is by surrendering to the Holy Spirit, every moment of every day. Sin usually occurs when I ignore the promptings He whispers in my head.

Furthermore, God vindicated the righteousness of God Himself in His son. The righteousness of God cannot dwell with sinful man, unless the price is paid for our unrighteousness. How arrogant and proudful are we when we are fighting to do the right thing in our own flesh? And we all do it. What hypocrites are we.

Our only hope to Overcome Sinful Pride is Dying Daily to Self

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:16-21

Yes, I truly understand how hard that can be. To die to self, so that I let Him live through me. I must allow it to be Him that shines and never seek my own Glory. Yet, it is so hard not to say, “Look what I did this week for Him.” I, we are wired that way. Always wanting at least to be noticed for what we do. But when I tell others what I do, am I not falling again into the trap of pride. Hoping to get a “wow” from someone. It is so hard to not speak of how much you give or do for the Lord. Our excuse is we want to shine a light on His work.

But the truth is we want an “attaboy” from those around us. We want to feel a little better about ourselves. Which is foolish really. Should it not be enough that God chose me before the beginning of time? Me, so prone to sinful pride. And is not sinful pride what causes me to be critical of others? Comparing myself to them, whether I realize it at the time or not. Always wanting a leg up. If we are all in the same boat. All sinners saved by Grace Alone, then what is there to compare? That is why Paul wrote, “Where is boasting, then?”

We are His Workmanship Not Our Own—Big Difference

And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 3:1-10 KJV

Our works did not save us. Yes, we are to persist in working for Christ. But that work must come out from the workings of the Holy Spirit. Not ourselves. The same as we cannot earn our salvation. We do not truly earn our crowns by pulling up our boot straps to work for Him. Instead, we surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us and thereby shining the Light fully on Christ.

The New Testament describes several types of crowns believers can receive at the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment occurs after the rapture while the tribulation is going on earth. So, this is a judgment for believers. These crowns are:

Crown of Life: For those who endure persecution and trials with faithfulness.

2. Crown of Righteousness: Given to those who love and eagerly anticipate the appearance of Jesus Christ.

3. Crown of Glory: A reward for faithful leaders, such as pastors, elders and teachers.

4. Crown of Rejoicing (or Soul-Winner’s Crown): For those who evangelize and bring others to Christ.

5. Crown of Incorruption: For those who overcome the desires of the Flesh

But here is the caveat. When we receive the crowns, we will then cast them at Jesus feet. Why? Because there we realize, He did the work when I stepped aside and let Him. I could not of my own accord do it.

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:10-11 KJV

So, How do we Really Ever Overcome Sinful Pride

We must keep our eyes focused on Him. Then we are transformed little by little through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

Paul in writing to the Corinthians referred to the believers there as an epistle demonstrating the truth of the gospel of Christ. Not written with ink or human effort. But rather written by the Spirit of the living God in fleshy tables of the heart. Just as God promised in Isaiah, His law would be written on our hearts. This is His work. When I desire to sin. His Spirit convicts me. And provides the way of escape at which point I listen or I don’t. Yet, He will draw me back in, one way or another; because I am covered by the blood of Christ. I would rather listen than to have to be drawn back. Sometimes the drawing back is tough, but even that is better than marching forward in my own prideful desires.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

The letter of the law only leads to death. But the spirit gives life eternal to all who accept the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

When Moses had gone up on the Mount of Olives, his face shown so brightly that he had to wear a veil. He had been in the presence of God. God’s commandments are glorious. They are righteousness revealed. How much more glorious, His Grace toward us!

So, Now What can we do to overcome sinful pride

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 2 Corinthians 3:12-15

The veil remains unless one accepts Jesus Christ. He is the one who unveils the truth.

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

So as we look upon Him who died in our place. We behold His Glory, although dimly and there in we are being transformed, day by day. Little glories, little changes; but one day I will have His heart. No longer will there be the dark spots I now see. All my sinful pride will dissipate in the presence of His Glory. Then I will see Him face to face and fall prostrate at his feet, knowing it was only He when goodness came forth from me.

Concluding Thought

When I consider the truth of who I am. I am reminded that I can do nothing without Him and to Him is due all the Glory. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

So, it takes me to the illustration I heard Jack Hibbs present in his sermon regarding Romans 3:26-31.

A Father Oxen working hard pulling the plow, turning all the dirt. He did the job with great skill. Alongside him was a young ox, yoked to him. His feet hardly touch the ground, held up in the air slightly by the Father’s yoke. The Father smiled as the young calf happy to see all that was being accomplished. Yet, knowing all along that only the Father was laboring.

Well that little calf is me yoked to my Lord and Savior. He does all the work, when it is good. And He through the work is sharing a tiny piece of His Glory with me. While at the same time shining forth His Magnificent Glory through me. What Grace and Mercy is That!

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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How to be Truly Justified Freely by the Blood of Jesus Christ

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

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How to be Truly Justified Freely by the Blood of Jesus Christ

August 17, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Paul presents in Romans 1:18 through Romans 3:19 this truth. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. No one is righteous. And no one seeks God. No chance for anyone to work their way to righteousness. Yet, it is important to understand that God’s Glory is at stake. If He did not fulfill His righteousness, His justice, and His Love in dealing with the sin of humanity. How can anyone be truly justified freely? Can He remain fully just and righteous if He allows the despising of His Glory without any decree of punishment? Without Wrath?

To be truly Justified Freely, requires the shedding of blood. But if we cannot of our own volition be saved from the sin that entraps us, how can we be saved? Our justification cannot be by our own working to be better. Then how can we be freely justified? The wage of sin is death. The just decree is our death with no hope. There is no propitiation for sin, no satisfying the offense against God’s Glory, without the shedding of blood. Once dead, no chance to repent. But if the only innocent, sinless person who walked the earth freely paid the price for us. Would that be enough to declare everyone free? It would except what about those who do not believe in Him? Was He the propitiation for their sin? Did He bare their wrath as well?

Would that be Just? If Jesus bore their wrath, why should they? Or was it, He gave His life for His bride. Knowing, seeing, and loving each one of us before the earth was formed?

How Can God be the Justifier and We be Truly Justified Freely

Could it be like Boaz redeemed Ruth, Christ became our kinsmen redeemer. Or the ram caught in the thicket that died in the place of Isaac because of faith. Noah who because of faith was saved through the flood. Not because of perfect righteousness. But because He believed God. Or even Adam and Eve who did not die themselves. But were saved from sudden death by the substitutionary death of an animal from which God clothed Adam and Eve. This a representation and foreshadowing of what was to come. Jesus would take their wrath upon Himself, shed His blood, and clothe all who believe in Him with His righteousness.

How do I know their salvation was due to faith? Read this from Genesis 3.

Now they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me some of the fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:8-13 NASB

Note at this point there was no true repentance. Nor was there really any hope. Yet, God had not appeared in sudden wrath. Instead, He was walking in His Shekinah Glory as He had always walked with them. It was at that point, God said,

So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field! On your belly will you go, and dust you will eat, all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:14-15 Berean Standard Bible

At this point God foretold of Jesus Christ who was to come and crush the head of Satan.

To the woman He said,

“I will greatly multiply

Your pain in childbirth,

In pain you shall deliver children;

Yet your desire will be for your husband,

And he shall rule over you.” Genesis 3:16 NASB

He then points out that sin entered because Adam chose to listen to his wife instead of God. Instead of trusting God, Adam put his wife ahead of God. It had been Adam God told not to eat. He was to be the protector and the leader of his wife, the God given role.

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;

Cursed is the ground because of you;

With hard labor you shall eat from it

All the days of your life.

Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you;

Yet you shall eat the plants of the field;

By the sweat of your face

You shall eat bread,

Until you return to the ground,

Because from it you were taken;

For you are dust,

And to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:17-19 NASB

It was then that Adam named EVE (life), indicating that he understood God was sending someone through her to crush Satan’s head.

Now the man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. And the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Genesis 3:20 NASB

Now it was after Adam believed by faith that salvation was going to come by God Alone through a redeemer, then God clothed them in His righteousness because of faith. Yet, God proclaimed the salvation to come before they demonstrated faith. This is crucial to understand. Choice is present. Also, God foreordained the response of Adam and salvation comes only through the absolute Sovereign work of God alone. Even if I do not understand fully how both are true, I know the Bible teaches both as equally true. One day I will understand. Yet, this truth has been ever present from the beginning.

Justified Freely by Faith Because of the Gospel

Paul had introduced the truth that justification is by faith in Romans 1.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16 NKJV

That is the good news Paul wants to share with the Romans and all the world. But before they could understand this, he spent the next verses and chapters explaining how all have sinned. None are righteous on our own. Therefore, without the gospel of Christ there is no means of salvation. Now he has returned to further explain the truth of salvation. It is apart from the law and not through the law.

now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, Romans 3:21-25 NKJV

God is the only hope of Righteousness for the human race. For only He is righteous. Only He can provide a robe of righteousness to all who believe in the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Redemption set forth by the propitiation provided by His blood, through faith. Thus allowing those who believe to be fully justified freely.

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,

My soul will be joyful in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,

He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, Isaiah 62:10 NASB

How Are We Justified Freely by Propitiation of the Blood of Jesus Christ

Propitiation is the act of appeasing or making well-disposed a deity, thus incurring divine favor or avoiding divine retribution. The word was well known throughout all the nations and all the false religions. Yet, is the word denoting payment in full for the sins of the ones seeking restitution to favor.

It was at a tremendous price. Jesus Christ came and took upon His flesh the full weight of the wrath of God against Himself. That was the struggle we saw in the Garden of Gethsemane. Yet, His love for us and His absolute surrender to the will of the Father were what drove Him to the cross. His blood was the propitiation for our sin.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2: 1-2 KJV

This is further explained by John McArthur in his study bible.

2:2 propitiation. Cf. 4:10. The word means “appeasement” or “satisfaction.” The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross satisfied the demands of God’s holiness for the punishment of sin (cf. Rom. 1:18; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:3). So Jesus propitiated or satisfied God. See notes on Heb. 2:17; 9:15 for a clear illustration of propitiation. for the whole world. This is a generic term, referring not to every single individual, but to mankind in general. Christ actually paid the penalty only for those who would repent and believe. A number of Scriptures indicate that Christ died for the world (John 1:29; 3:16; 6:51; 1 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 2:9). Most of the world will be eternally condemned to hell to pay for their own sins, so they could not have been paid for by Christ. The passages which speak of Christ’s dying for the whole world must be understood to refer to mankind in general (as in Titus 2:11). “World” indicates the sphere, the beings toward whom God seeks reconciliation and has provided propitiation. God has mitigated His wrath on sinners temporarily, by letting them live and enjoy earthly life (see note on 1 Tim. 4:10). In that sense, Christ has provided a brief, temporal propitiation for the whole world. But He actually satisfied fully the wrath of God eternally only for the elect who believe. Christ’s death in itself had unlimited and infinite value because He is Holy God. Thus His sacrifice was sufficient to pay the penalty for all the sins of all whom God brings to faith. But the actual satisfaction and atonement was made only for those who believe (cf. John 10:11, 15; 17:9, 20; Acts 20:28; Rom. 8:32, 37; Eph. 5:25). The pardon for sin is offered to the whole world, but received only by those who believe (cf. 4:9, 14; John 5:24). There is no other way to be reconciled to God.

Therefore, We are Justified Freely

To be justified is a court term. Rather than being condemned we are declared not guilty. That is how we are covered by the robes of righteousness that are Jesus Christ’s robes. Covered by the blood of Christ, our sins have be covered completely. That is the only way God could remain just and allow us to be justified freely through faith. The price was paid by Jesus Christ. Therefore the Glory of God, His Righteousness remained on display.

On the way to the Garden Jesus prayed that the Glory of God the Father be revealed through Him to the world. And in thus, His own Glory restored as He returned to His throne beside the Father. Furthermore, He prayed that their Glory be shared with us who believe in him.

That is how God’s full righteousness is displayed.

A quote from Jonathan Edwards to close:

Do not presume upon the mercy of God, and so encourage yourself in sin. Many hear that God’s mercy is infinite, and therefore think, that if they delay seeking salvation for the present, and seek it later in life, that God will bestow His grace upon them. But consider, that though God’s grace is sufficient, yet He is sovereign, and will use His own pleasure to determine whether He will save you or not. If you put off salvation till the end of your life, salvation will not be in your power. It will be as a sovereign God pleases, whether you shall obtain it or not. Therefore, seeing that in this matter you are so absolutely dependent on God, it is best to follow His direction in seeking it, which is to listen to His voice, which says, “Today, if you hear My voice, do not harden your hearts” [Psalm 95:7-8].

Beware also of discouragement. Take heed of despairing thoughts, because you are a great sinner, because you have persevered so long in sin, have backslidden, and resisted the Holy Spirit. Remember that, no matter what your case may be, no matter how great a sinner you are, God can bestow mercy upon you without the least prejudice to the honor of His holiness, which you have offended, or to the honor of His majesty, which you have insulted, or of His justice, which you have made your enemy, or of His truth, or of any of His attributes. Let you be what sinner you may, God can, if He pleases, greatly glorify Himself in your salvation. Amen. Jonathan Edwards _{https://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/je-sovereign.htm}

And please read some of J. I Packer to further understand

The particular antinomy which concerns us here is the apparent opposition between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, or (putting it more biblically) between what God does as King and what He does as Judge. Scripture teaches that, as King, He orders and controls all things, human actions among them, in accordance with His own eternal purpose (See Gen. 45:8, 1:20; Prov. 16:9, 21:1; Matt. 10:29; Acts 4:27 f.; Rom. 9:20 f.; Eph. 1:11; etc.). Scripture also teaches that, as Judge, He holds every man responsible for the choices he makes and the courses of action he pursues (See Matt. 25; Rom. 2:1-16; Rev. 20:11-13; etc.). Thus, hearers of the gospel are responsible for their reaction; if they reject the good news, they are guilty of unbelief. “He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed…” (John 3:18; cf. Matt. 11:20-24; Acts 13:38-41; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; etc.) Again, Paul, entrusted with the gospel, is responsible for preaching it; if he neglects his commission, he is penalized for unfaithfulness. “Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 14:16; cf. Eze. 3:17 ff., 23:7 ff.

) God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are taught us side by side in the same Bible; sometimes, indeed, in the same text (E.g., Luke 22:22, “the Son of man goeth (to His death), as it was determined; but woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed’’ Cf. Acts 2:23.). Both are thus guaranteed to us by the same divine authority; both, therefore, are true. It follows that they must be held together, and not played off against each other:

Man is a responsible moral agent, though he is also divinely controlled.

Man is divinely controlled, though he is also a responsible moral agent.

God’s sovereignty is a reality, and man’s responsibility is a reality too. This is the revealed antinomy in terms of which we have to do our thinking about evangelism.

To our finite minds, of course, the thing is inexplicable. It sounds like a contradiction, and our first reaction is to complain that it is absurd. Paul notices this complaint in Romans 9. “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why does He (God) yet find fault? For who hath resisted His will?’ (Rom. 9:19). If, as our Lord, God orders all our actions, how can it be reasonable or right for Him to act also as our Judge, and condemn our shortcomings? Observe how Paul replies. He does not attempt to demonstrate the propriety of God’s action; instead, he rebukes the spirit of the question. “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?’ (Rom. 9:20).

The creature has no right
What the objector has to learn is that he, a creature and a sinner, has no right whatsoever to find fault with the revealed ways of God. Creatures are not entitled to register complaints about their Creator. As Paul goes on to say, God’s sovereignty is wholly just, for His right to dispose of His creatures is absolute (Rom. 9:20 f.). Earlier in the Epistle, he had shown that God’s judgment of sinners is also wholly just, since our sins richly deserve His sentence (Rom. 1:18 ff., 32; 2:1-16.).Our part, he would tell us, is to acknowledge these facts, and to adore God’s righteousness, both as King and as Judge. Our part is not to speculate as to how His just sovereignty can be consistent with His just judgment, and certainly not to call the justice of either in question because we find the problem of their relationship too hard for us. Our speculations are not the measure of our God. The Creator has told us that He is both a sovereign Lord and a righteous Judge, and that should be enough for us. Why do we hesitate to take His word for it? Can we not trust what He says?

The Creator is incomprehensible to His creatures
We ought not in any case to be surprised when we find mysteries of this sort in God’s Word⎯for the Creator is incomprehensible to His creatures. A God whom we could understand exhaustively, and whose revelation of Himself confronted us with no mysteries whatsoever, would be a God in man’s image, and therefore an imaginary God, not the God of the Bible at all. For what the God of the Bible says is this: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8 f.).

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility – J. I. Packer

How both biblical truths coexist in God’s grace, by J. I. Packer, 1961

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility – J. I. Packer

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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How Does the Word of God Set a Heart on Fire?

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the NKJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

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How Does the Word of God Set a Heart on Fire?

August 9, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

In the previous two chapters, Paul made his case for there being no advantage to circumcision. No excuse for any male nor female not knowing, worshipping God. After all He reveals Himself throughout His creation. Yet, Paul is very aware his audience will object. Did not God call Abraham to be the father of a great nation, chosen by God Himself? Despite all they went through, God preserved them as a nation. Israel was re-established after all the years of exile (for their own rebellious hearts). But God was faithful. Watch carefully as Paul proceeds forward with his apologetic arguments to dispel their questions. And to demonstrate they had been given the greatest gift of all. The very Word of God. That alone can set a heart on Fire. But alas many did not believe. Instead, they looked to heritage, traditions and self-righteousness to be their security.

Squandering the very thing that would have, could have saved them. Their most precious possession, the oracles of God which proclaimed the gospel message of Christ from the beginning. Yet, they were blinded to the truth of the Word of God. Hence stiffening and making their heart cold rather than being flamed into a heart on fire for God and His gospel message. So, as we read these scriptures, keep in mind even Peter thought Paul was at times hard to understand. But that we must be on guard to not be carried away with error.

STEP by STEP Through the Word

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which there are some things that are hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You, therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unscrupulous people and lose your own firm commitment, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14-18 NASB

Paul Presents a series of questions and answers to address the objections raised.

Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Romans 3:1

So, Paul did you not just finish arguing that there was no advantage in circumcision? Which is it? Are you now going to say there is? Well, yes and no. Read on.

Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words of God. Romans 3:2 NASB

They were given the very words of God—that was a tremendous advantage. Called out to be God’s people, but even with His words, they remained a stiff-necked, cold-hearted people. Why? Like Adam and Eve, they failed to believe the Word of God as fully true. They doubted and wanted to believe themselves to be their own Creator, not the created. Pride with all its ugly tentacles held fast. With all the scripture and prophets pointing to Christ, they hung Him on the cross. Why? Because He did not come the way they wanted Him to. But does that change who God is in any way? Not one iota!

What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? Far from it! Rather, God must prove to be true, though every person be found a liar, as it is written:

“So that You are justified in Your words,

And prevail when You are judged.” Romans 3: 3-4 NASB

The Apologetic Arguments continue as the Word of God flames a Heart on Fire

But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking from a human viewpoint.) Romans 3:5 NASB

Ok, Paul, so you are saying we can only see God’s righteousness because of our own unrighteousness? Then is it fair that God would show wrath toward us for our unrighteousness? He needs us to demonstrate His righteousness. This question will continue to build until we reach chapter 9. So don’t think we will fully answer here. but we will step by step as we proceed. For now, we see Paul’s first answer.

Far from it! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? Romans 3:6 NASB

He can judge the world because He is perfect righteousness. We are but broken clay pots. Yet we think of ourselves as fine Porcelain China. As though deserving all His Goodness for our own attempts to prove our goodness.

But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let’s do evil that good may come of it”? Their condemnation is deserved. Romans 3:7-8 (NASB)

How often do I or we look at someone else and cry out, “Condemned!”?

So, does just reading the Word of God put a heart on fire?

What then? Are we better than they? Romans 3:9a NASB

So, by being given the Word of God, are we better than anyone else? Growing up in a Christian nation or in a church saves us? Or are we the same? Are we better because God called us to be His child?

Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written: Romans 3:9b-10 NASB

Then Paul quotes Old Testament scripture to include Psalms 14, Psalm 5:9, Psalm 10, Isaiah 59, Jeremiah 6:14, and Psalm 36:1,

“There is no righteous person, not even one;

There is no one who understands,

There is no one who seeks out God;

They have all turned aside, together they have become [i]corrupt;

There is no one who does good,

There is not even one.”

“Their throat is an open grave,

With their tongues they keep deceiving,”

“The venom of asps is under their lips”;

“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”;

“Their feet are swift to shed blood,

Destruction and misery are in their paths,

And they have not known the way of peace.”

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3: 11-18 NASB

That pretty much sums up the argument. We are all lost and unable to fulfill any part of the law because we have wicked hearts.

Why Do We who know the Word of God, struggle the most?

Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19-20 NASB

To Bring this all home:

The longer I walk with God, the more I realize the depth of my own inadequacies and my own sins. The more wondrous the Word of God becomes to me. Its preciousness in revealing Him, the more I see of my own sin. The thoughts that wander into my brain. Thoughts condemning another for the very things I too do. Or the moment of happiness (however brief) I feel when someone faces the same trials they had perpetrated toward me.

Those thoughts came full circle for me on Thursday. That morning, my reading took me to Psalm 94 and I wept under the weight of it. Yet, with an underlying peace because I knew it was God who held me up even then. That is when I wrote this poem. Writing poetry transports my mind back to the reality of the wondrous Word of God. Then I am reminded how only He can set my heart on fire for Him.

Desire a Love on Fire

Broken vessels are we all

Cling tight, O Lord lest I should fall

Whatever part of darkness lies

Within this heart so well disguised

Oh God remove the pride, the stain

That only You within remain

Oh Lord I plead my one desire

A Passion for Your love on fire

For only if You hear my plea

Cut out the darkness that is me

And let Your Spirit shine forth free

Remove the dross that I now see

Of all the pride hid deep within

That binds this heart with its own sin

My Gracious Lord I know Your love for me

Has heard my cry my earnest plea

For by Your Grace, Your love divine

That saved this wretched heart of mine

And day by day your work within

Transforming me, I might not sin

Oh, hold me tight within your arms

For there I’m safe from any harms

Your faithful promises I see

For You, dear Lord have chosen me

And on this hope my soul shall rest

You only bring to me Your best

And if the shadows do surround

In You my hope and joy are found

Let all the mountains rise in song

And to Your throne my anthems throng

My hope, my love, my one desire

Come set this heart of mine on fire

That all of whom I meet today

Will see Your Grace on full display

So, Why Is It at Times Harder for Us Who Know Him?

In a sense, like my son told me today, “we feel the weight of our sin. Knowing our only hope is Him. The more I know of the Word of God, the less I admire me. When anyone sees the overly tired, bald, fat grouchy guy–well that is when they see the real me. But when I seem to rise above that, showing mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Well that is when you are seeing God in me. He is my hope of Glory and only He is.”

I agree wholeheartedly with that. When this tired old woman becomes too quickly frustrated and irritated by the actions of others, well that is me. After 65 years of knowing Him as Lord and Savior. I would have hoped she was fully buried so only His Spirit shines through. Yet, that is not the case. She very much is alive in me. I see her all too often suddenly become irritated by unimportant things. Or snap over foolish things. Letting my feelings hide the wondrous truth of who He is. Every detail of my life is in His hands. Therefore, knowing this, I should never be frustrated. True faith never allows such moments.

My prayer is God shoves me aside whenever He needs to so He can shine through. I do not want to dishonor His name and His Glory. So please Lord, keep shoving me aside whenever I get in the way of Your Glory. One glorious day, standing before Him, I will truly have His heart on fire. Until that moment Lord, do whatever it takes to transform this heart to one that can love as You do. Break me, mold me, change me to thy will.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Click here to go to my page titled How to Be Saved. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Empower Your Heart to Dispel Darkness by Light How?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the NKJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.