May 28, 2022
“And he [John the Baptist] will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17
Gabriel’s message to Zacharias that Elizabeth would bear a child is an affirmation that God had His faithful people among the rebellious Jews. Along with this came a smack of discipline for the hesitation of Zacharias to believe the message (v.20). Their son John, who would preach in the spirit and power of Elijah, would bring a message of the Savior to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. What family isn’t blessed by the tender heart and firm leadership of a father who truly loves his family?
Another turn John’s message would bring: the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. What kind of wisdom do the just possess? Romans 1:17 tells us: The just shall live by faith. They have the wisdom to confidently place their full faith in the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The “Elijah message” of John was crystal clear. Those who have been made “just” are “justified” from past sins. The lifting of such a burden—being given a “clean slate”—is compared to the birth of a new baby! This new start is meant to lead to a changed life. Only Christ can save from sin and change a life. These two facets of salvation—mercy and grace—are inseparable.
The “twin towers” of deception with which our enemy the devil gains a foothold among his victims comes by separating these two facets. The first is “salvation in sin.” So many who come to recognize their past sins are taught to accept forgiveness from Jesus, who indeed bore the sin of the world on the cross. While this is perhaps a good start, there is a disconnect by failing to rely on His power to overcome sinful habits. Under this delusion, Satan’s victims are hypnotized into believing that no change is needed. Forgiveness blankets future sins without looking to Jesus for the power to exit a lifestyle that ignores God’s word and the conviction and leading of His Spirit. Their consciences become seared (1 Timothy 4:2) and sin is no longer regarded as sin. But, beloved, the Holy Spirit never contradicts His word!
The second is “salvation by works.” The delusion here is about accumulation of “merits” for doing lots of good things. But no amount of good works can erase even a single sin. What we need is a new heart, cleansed by Jesus. Only He has the power to create…a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). There are millions who are “neck deep” in good works that only seem to cover sin. But underneath it all is a lack of faith in the righteousness of Jesus with whom we are to be yoked. Their hope is that their “good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds.” This is actually a pagan teaching. Beware of the devil’s careful efforts to counterfeit the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22) and manifest lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
… you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15