“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
It is a very “strong” word. In fact, if I use it in these articles, many will find it offensive. You know as well as I, that keeping our conversation in what many consider to be beyond political correctness is out of order in our society and era of history.
However, Jesus used some poignant expressions in His day that called attention to known facts. Herod was called an “old fox”. (Luke 13:32) The Pharisees were addressed as being filled with “leaven”. (16:6, 11) While Jesus obviously spoke with tenderness and concern, many other confrontations took place during His 30 plus years of ministry where He addressed people in a “tell it like it is fashion.” Repentance cannot be “soft pedaled”. A man headed for “hell” does not need to be placated with how great he is. He needs to hear how he can escape the fires of judgment and turn towards the mercy of the Almighty who has made salvation possible thru Jesus Christ. It is an about face transaction from where I was headed to where I am now going.
Ephesians 2:8-10 says it all: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one can boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we would walk in them.
The picture is graphic. Repent of your sin and accept the sin-bearer, Jesus Christ, and continue to let Him work in and through you.
ETCetera 