Take my Heart, for I cannot give it!

I think this whole "works versus grace"thing is harder for cultural Christians than it is for new believers. Because we've grown accustomed to living "good works" to the point that we think our works save us. Where as new believers have not been living a life of good works - they've been living a life of sin. And so when they come and realize the truth (for they KNOW they cannot ever save themselves), it is such a beautiful reality to them that they cannot contain their joy! And this is what we all need…to realize whether in the church for 50 years or in the world for 50 years, it is only Christ's cleansing blood that saves us. We cannot do ANYTHING!!!!! 

I often reflect on this passage, I think it's good to be reminded of this. That neither our justification or sanctification can be done by ourselves. They both are a supernatural process.  

"No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. 

It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory." Christ Object Lessons, p. 159-160

Announcement: If you haven't noticed yet, I've just added a special Bible Question & Answer tab  in my tab column above. On this page I will begin sharing simple Bible studies on different topics we deal with in our daily lives. So check this page out…first two studies are already up, and ENJOY! :-) 

Review:

• Bible Thought: Only God can make me clean!
• Blessing: Thankful for the simple truths of Scripture He has been bringing home to my heart with new forceful clarity!
• Battle: To allow Him to continue the work…daily!