Sanctification necessarily follows justification, because both blessings are wrapped up in the Christ to whom faith unites us.
You can’t be in Christ for justification and not in Christ for sanctification.
To separate these blessings is to make Christ half a Savior—one who rescues from sin’s penalty but not its power.
But to confuse them is to make yourself your own co-savior—seizing an honor that Christ retains exclusively for Himself.
Both (a) separating sanctification from justification and (b) confusing justification with sanctification corrupt the Gospel. They must always be united and always be distinguished.
You can’t be in Christ for justification and not in Christ for sanctification.
To separate these blessings is to make Christ half a Savior—one who rescues from sin’s penalty but not its power.
But to confuse them is to make yourself your own co-savior—seizing an honor that Christ retains exclusively for Himself.
Both (a) separating sanctification from justification and (b) confusing justification with sanctification corrupt the Gospel. They must always be united and always be distinguished.
❤5👍1
June 27: The Truth about Truth
#Devotional
Nehemiah 12:1–13:31; 2 John 1–6; Psalm 115:1–18
John the Evangelist’s letter to the “elect lady” presents a picture of joy and hope, as he “rejoiced greatly to find some of [her] children walking in truth, just as we were commanded by the father” (2 John 4). One word keeps reappearing in John’s letter, focusing his message: truth. John says that he loves the elect lady and her children “in truth” (2 John 1). He says that all who know the truth also love them. His reason is simple: “the truth … resides in us and will be with us forever” (2 John 2). When John speaks of truth, he’s referring to Jesus (John 14:6).
After his initial greeting, John goes on to express his wishes: May “Grace, mercy, [and] peace … be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love” (2 John 3). In acknowledging the source of truth, John acknowledges his connection to it. All believers live in truth because they are linked to God, who is the Truth. He is the source for all they do (that is godly), all they are (that is holy), and all that they will become (that is virtuous).
In a few brief statements, John teaches us an important lesson: God is the source of all the goodness in the world. Even in acknowledging others, we must acknowledge Him. If we’re to discuss truth, then we must talk about Him.
The elect lady that John addresses is not only truthful—she also leads others to the truth. When we act to encourage someone to work toward who they’re meant to be, we need to follow her example. We need to first lead them to truth: God.
What is God teaching you about truth? How can you live it?
#Devotional
Nehemiah 12:1–13:31; 2 John 1–6; Psalm 115:1–18
John the Evangelist’s letter to the “elect lady” presents a picture of joy and hope, as he “rejoiced greatly to find some of [her] children walking in truth, just as we were commanded by the father” (2 John 4). One word keeps reappearing in John’s letter, focusing his message: truth. John says that he loves the elect lady and her children “in truth” (2 John 1). He says that all who know the truth also love them. His reason is simple: “the truth … resides in us and will be with us forever” (2 John 2). When John speaks of truth, he’s referring to Jesus (John 14:6).
After his initial greeting, John goes on to express his wishes: May “Grace, mercy, [and] peace … be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love” (2 John 3). In acknowledging the source of truth, John acknowledges his connection to it. All believers live in truth because they are linked to God, who is the Truth. He is the source for all they do (that is godly), all they are (that is holy), and all that they will become (that is virtuous).
In a few brief statements, John teaches us an important lesson: God is the source of all the goodness in the world. Even in acknowledging others, we must acknowledge Him. If we’re to discuss truth, then we must talk about Him.
The elect lady that John addresses is not only truthful—she also leads others to the truth. When we act to encourage someone to work toward who they’re meant to be, we need to follow her example. We need to first lead them to truth: God.
What is God teaching you about truth? How can you live it?
❤1
June 27 - The Two Ways
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:13–14).
Two gates lead to two different ways. The wide gate leads to a way that is broad; the narrow gate leads to a way that is narrow. The narrow way is the way of the godly, and the broad way is the way of the ungodly—the only two ways people can travel.
The way that is broad is the easy, attractive, inclusive, indulgent, permissive, and self-oriented way of the world. It has few rules, few restrictions, and few requirements. All you need to do is profess Jesus, or at least seem religious, and you’ll be accepted into that group.
The narrow way is the hard and demanding way—the way of self-denial and the cross. When Jesus was asked, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” He replied, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:23–24). The Greek word for “strive” (agonizomai) indicates that entering the door to God’s kingdom takes conscious, purposeful, and intense effort.
The narrow way is for those who want God’s kingdom at any cost. Make sure that you’re following Christ as Lord along that narrow way.
Ask Yourself
We certainly live amid a “broad way” mentality—a mind-set that can worm itself into our own ways of thinking. But what has God taught and shown you during those times when you’ve been most devoid of worldly restraints, when your life has been most wholly devoted to His Word and His ways?
#LifeOfChrist
“‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:13–14).
Two gates lead to two different ways. The wide gate leads to a way that is broad; the narrow gate leads to a way that is narrow. The narrow way is the way of the godly, and the broad way is the way of the ungodly—the only two ways people can travel.
The way that is broad is the easy, attractive, inclusive, indulgent, permissive, and self-oriented way of the world. It has few rules, few restrictions, and few requirements. All you need to do is profess Jesus, or at least seem religious, and you’ll be accepted into that group.
The narrow way is the hard and demanding way—the way of self-denial and the cross. When Jesus was asked, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” He replied, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:23–24). The Greek word for “strive” (agonizomai) indicates that entering the door to God’s kingdom takes conscious, purposeful, and intense effort.
The narrow way is for those who want God’s kingdom at any cost. Make sure that you’re following Christ as Lord along that narrow way.
Ask Yourself
We certainly live amid a “broad way” mentality—a mind-set that can worm itself into our own ways of thinking. But what has God taught and shown you during those times when you’ve been most devoid of worldly restraints, when your life has been most wholly devoted to His Word and His ways?
❤3
God is not pacing heaven, wondering what to do next.
He is ruling.
He is never surprised, never anxious, never scrambling.
And in your darkest hour, the same sovereign hand that set the stars in place is lovingly holding your life steady.
You can trust Him.
He is ruling.
He is never surprised, never anxious, never scrambling.
And in your darkest hour, the same sovereign hand that set the stars in place is lovingly holding your life steady.
You can trust Him.
❤5
“...death draws every day nearer and the command to repent goes unregarded. As responsible moral beings, we dare not so trifle with our eternal future.” —A.W. Tozer
❤5
Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves, they all love bribes and chasing after rewards.
Isaiah 1:23
Isaiah 1:23
❤1
A Christianity edited to fit the age will always be too weak to save the age.
❤2
Dear Daughter,
Guard your tongue and your heart in the heat 🛡️
No harsh words. No silent withdrawal. Bring everything into the light.
Eph 4:26–27
Where do you need more vigilance in your marriage?
#DearDaughter #GuardYourWords #StrongMarriage"
Guard your tongue and your heart in the heat 🛡️
No harsh words. No silent withdrawal. Bring everything into the light.
Eph 4:26–27
Where do you need more vigilance in your marriage?
#DearDaughter #GuardYourWords #StrongMarriage"
❤4
God initiates faith when the Holy Spirit awakens the dead soul in response to hearing the Word of Christ.
❤9
June 27 (Saturday)
Saturday reset: Rest, reconnect, and realign your hearts with God! 🕊️❤️ Let today refresh your marriage for the week ahead! Matt 11:28 💞
How will you rest and reconnect today? #StrongMarriage #June
Saturday reset: Rest, reconnect, and realign your hearts with God! 🕊️❤️ Let today refresh your marriage for the week ahead! Matt 11:28 💞
How will you rest and reconnect today? #StrongMarriage #June
“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” Titus 2:11–12
Grace is our personal trainer.
The superior greatness of his salvation severs the root of sinful pleasures.
Grace is our personal trainer.
The superior greatness of his salvation severs the root of sinful pleasures.
❤7
“The seal of God’s foundation is that he has a people and they are holy. They do not give way to ungodliness. They don’t surrender to irreverent babble. They depart from iniquity because God knows them and they are his.” —John Piper
🙏4
“Others, as they have earth in their ears, so they have a stone in their hearts. ‘They make their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law’ (Zech. 7:12).
“The ministers of Christ therefore must be frequently brandishing the sword of the Spirit and striking at men’s sins, that, if possible, they may at last pierce the heart of stone.
“When the earth is scorched with the sun, it is so hard and crusted together, that a shower of rain will not soften it. There must be shower after shower before it will be either moist or fertile. Such an hardened piece is the heart of man naturally.
“It is so stiffened with the scorchings of lust, that there must be precept upon precept (Isa. 28:10). Our doctrine must ‘distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass’ (Deut. 32:2).”
— Thomas Watson
“The ministers of Christ therefore must be frequently brandishing the sword of the Spirit and striking at men’s sins, that, if possible, they may at last pierce the heart of stone.
“When the earth is scorched with the sun, it is so hard and crusted together, that a shower of rain will not soften it. There must be shower after shower before it will be either moist or fertile. Such an hardened piece is the heart of man naturally.
“It is so stiffened with the scorchings of lust, that there must be precept upon precept (Isa. 28:10). Our doctrine must ‘distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass’ (Deut. 32:2).”
— Thomas Watson
❤3
We cannot fight sin with our own weak willpower. We need the strength that only comes from the Holy Spirit. Spend time on your knees seeking his help daily.
❤5
Through every loss that we endure, God is plotting for our gain.
But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
— Psalm 22:6
A reproach of men and despised by the people.
— Psalm 22:6
❤2
June 28: Meet and Greet
#Devotional
Esther 1:1–2:23; 2 John 7–13; Psalm 116:1–19
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not speak a greeting to him, because the one who speaks a greeting to him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9–11).
This passage is sometimes used as support for forming exclusive communities—ones that don’t interact with people who don’t believe in the gospel or who have a different faith. Based on this passage, some believe that we as Christians are not permitted to interact with nonbelievers. Is that what John is really teaching?
John issued this warning during a time when false teachers were spreading confusing doctrines about Christ. He exhorted believers to “test the spirits” to see if these teachers were actually from God (1 John 4:1). They would know if these teachers were from God if they confessed the true message of Jesus Christ—specifically that He had come in the flesh and was from God (1 John 2:1).
John wanted the community to be aware of false teachings so they wouldn’t become confused or weakened in their faith. We, too, need to be intentional about the teaching we adhere to. If we are weak and troubled in our faith, we should seek out mature believers who can teach and minister to us. However, if we are confident in our faith, we should be ready and willing to share the message of salvation with those who need to hear it—both inside and outside our communities.
How are you sharing the gospel with those who need to receive it?
📌 @StudyBibleFam
#Devotional
Esther 1:1–2:23; 2 John 7–13; Psalm 116:1–19
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not speak a greeting to him, because the one who speaks a greeting to him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9–11).
This passage is sometimes used as support for forming exclusive communities—ones that don’t interact with people who don’t believe in the gospel or who have a different faith. Based on this passage, some believe that we as Christians are not permitted to interact with nonbelievers. Is that what John is really teaching?
John issued this warning during a time when false teachers were spreading confusing doctrines about Christ. He exhorted believers to “test the spirits” to see if these teachers were actually from God (1 John 4:1). They would know if these teachers were from God if they confessed the true message of Jesus Christ—specifically that He had come in the flesh and was from God (1 John 2:1).
John wanted the community to be aware of false teachings so they wouldn’t become confused or weakened in their faith. We, too, need to be intentional about the teaching we adhere to. If we are weak and troubled in our faith, we should seek out mature believers who can teach and minister to us. However, if we are confident in our faith, we should be ready and willing to share the message of salvation with those who need to hear it—both inside and outside our communities.
How are you sharing the gospel with those who need to receive it?
📌 @StudyBibleFam
❤3
June 28 - The Way to Life: Simple, but Not Easy
#LifeOfChrist
“‘For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:14).
God’s way of salvation is remarkably simple, but it is not easy. Nothing we can give or give up can earn us entrance into the kingdom. But if we long to hold on to forbidden things, it can keep us out of the kingdom.
Even though we can pay nothing for salvation, coming to Jesus Christ costs us everything we have. Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).
The person who says yes to Christ must say no to the things of the world, because to be in Christ is to rely on His power rather than our own and to be willing to forsake our own way for His. It can cost persecution, ridicule, and tribulation.
When we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, we declare war on the devil, and he declares war on us. The one whom we formerly served now becomes our great enemy, and the ideas and ways we once held dear now become our great temptations and pitfalls.
Along with warnings of suffering, the Lord also gives promises that our hearts will rejoice (John 16:22) and that we are to take courage because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He promises to enable us to prevail over those times of suffering, not to escape them.
Ask Yourself
Looking back, how have you experienced growth in your total dependence upon the Lord? Though we are often so hard on ourselves and perhaps weighed down with undue guilt, our hearts should rejoice to see the Spirit taking up residence in our attitudes and practices. Worship with this in mind today.
#LifeOfChrist
“‘For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it’” (Matthew 7:14).
God’s way of salvation is remarkably simple, but it is not easy. Nothing we can give or give up can earn us entrance into the kingdom. But if we long to hold on to forbidden things, it can keep us out of the kingdom.
Even though we can pay nothing for salvation, coming to Jesus Christ costs us everything we have. Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).
The person who says yes to Christ must say no to the things of the world, because to be in Christ is to rely on His power rather than our own and to be willing to forsake our own way for His. It can cost persecution, ridicule, and tribulation.
When we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, we declare war on the devil, and he declares war on us. The one whom we formerly served now becomes our great enemy, and the ideas and ways we once held dear now become our great temptations and pitfalls.
Along with warnings of suffering, the Lord also gives promises that our hearts will rejoice (John 16:22) and that we are to take courage because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He promises to enable us to prevail over those times of suffering, not to escape them.
Ask Yourself
Looking back, how have you experienced growth in your total dependence upon the Lord? Though we are often so hard on ourselves and perhaps weighed down with undue guilt, our hearts should rejoice to see the Spirit taking up residence in our attitudes and practices. Worship with this in mind today.
❤2🙏2