Truth that delivers
“In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”
James 1:18 NASBS
The only hope for fallen humanity lies in the grace of God, which must be embraced through faith in the life of the individual being saved. This occurs through the sovereign act of God, Who performs the miracle of regeneration in the heart.
This work of salvation was made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the death of Jesus, there is no chance for anyone to receive the divine life that is promised to all who love Him. Moreover, without Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit, it is impossible to approach the one true God, whose power radiates throughout all of creation, declaring His existence to humanity, and leaving everyone without excuse.
James, the brother of Jesus, makes a bold statement when he says, “In the exercise of His will, He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”
This implies that without God imparting saving faith to humanity’s lost condition, there is no hope. For man is darkened by sin, alienated from God, and by nature a child of wrath, who is driven by unrighteous passions. The very core of his heart, where emotions and feelings are stirred, is consumed with selfish rivalry and inclinations that refuse to bow to God’s supremacy when confronted with sin.
For this reason, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to redeem many from the power of darkness to the revelation of His word found in the Bible.
Concerning the spiritual life, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, You must be born again. The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
What a blessed and glorious end is this for those who are born again, for the word of God tells us, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
This is a magnificent prize to be won, a remarkable victory to accomplish, and a perfect conclusion of all that faith, hope, and love have embraced. The faith that is given by God is strong, despite the difficulties and fears that have plagued the mind.
It is comforting, despite the painful temptations that have burdened the soul. It brings healing, despite the deep affliction of overwhelming guilt from past and future failures, and it is saving, leading us to believe in the death and resurrection of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our souls.
Reader, I implore you to come to Christ and be saved. Bow before the cross and look upon the bleeding wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ. These wounds have satisfied the wrath of God’s anger that burns against sin. Plead with Him to grant you saving faith and to fill your heart with a longing for holiness.
Ask Him for the strength to overcome the hidden and inward lusts that deceive your heart and lead you toward destruction. He has never turned away anyone who comes to Him with faith and repentance.
So come, all who are weary and burdened, come, all who are weighed down by corruption and sin, come, all who have placed their hope in religion—come to Jesus Christ and be saved.