Mon., 9/12/16 Devotion (2 Cor. 1:24c)

Today's encouragement comes from the few words of 2 Corinthians 1:24c, which say this:

" . . . for by faith you stand."

When it is all said and done, the entire life of the true religion revolves around the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ—Who is known by us through faith alone. This is why Paul could write to the rebellious and proud Corinthian believers, and say that "by faith [they] stand."

A lot of times in religion the emphasis is put on all kinds of other things, like, “I am going to be sure to obey everything the Bible says"; or, “I am going to try real hard to be a good Christian." These statements may have their place—but they do not amount to anything devoid of the life of Christ flowing through us by faith. This is why the little believing baptized child stands infinitely taller than the proud pharisee (in the eyes of God).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Can the soul be sad while God is with it?” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]