A basic truth we must hold on to and defend in this age, where it is universally denied, is expressed in Psalm 127:1 . There we read, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
The truth here is that our salvation, one hundred percent, is God's work. It is true that He calls us believers, and we do repent. But He does not command us to do anything in our own strength. We do not help Him. He saves us. We can labor in our salvation, because He implanted it in us, and because He gives us the strength and will to do so.
A man can build a house. He can be a soldier or guard and stand before the gate of the city to keep out the enemies. But that house builder and the guard must receive every breath of life and heartbeat from God. Similarly, we cannot believe, and cannot even desire salvation, unless God gives it to us. God is not dependent upon us for our salvation, anymore than He is dependent upon us for our physical life. We have absolutely no faith in Him until He gives it to us. We must fight Satan and sin; but we can do so only when God gives us the strength and desire. He owes us nothing. We owe Him thanks for everything that we have spiritually as well as physically.
God's house, His church, is built by God. He builds it through man. But man is God's tool. Man never helps God. God helps him spiritually and physically. The church is safe because its safety depends upon God, and He promises to save it and glorify it.
Praise God then for all the blessings of salvation that you have. See Him behind all the things in your natural life, but also behind all of your salvation. The ability to serve Him, and the desire to do so, are His gifts unto us. They call for everlasting thanks to Him. We, by His grace, will enter His house of many mansions. But He builds it and brings us into it.
Read: Psalm 127
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
2 Chronicles 21 ; 2 Chronicles 22 ; 2 Chronicles 23:1-21
Romans 11:13-36
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 20:7
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Quote for Reflection:
“Let our miseries drive us to seek Christ; and as he admits none to the enjoyment of his rest but those who sink under the burden, let us learn, that there is no venom more deadly than that slothfulness which is produced in us, either by earthly happiness, or by a false and deceitful opinion of our own righteousness and virtue.” ~ John Calvin
Additional Info
- Date: 28-July
