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Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25, NIV).
We will all stumble, but the good news is that we are already forgiven.
When confessing our inadequacies, let’s remember there is a promise in the Bible that Jesus can save completely those who come to God through Him.
Amen. Let’s win against temptation this week.
Years past, I wrote part of my master’s thesis on the single Greek word “sozo” or “save.” The implication of the word “sozo” is that our entire being is saved. We are spirit, soul, and body, and when the New Testament teaches “sozo” or “salvation,” it’s not just forgiveness but total restoration of who we are.
We are saved spiritually, psychologically, and physically! This is why the author of Hebrews says, “Jesus is able to save completely!”
If we have complete and total salvation, we should be growing in our ability to resist temptation.
Again, let’s win against temptation this week.
Holiness is different in Christianity than in the other religions and philosophies of the world. Our holiness comes from Jesus, who is able to give us grace and power. Holiness in every other religion comes through hard work – and we always fail!
In Christianity, the motive for holiness is our relationship with Jesus.
We begin to love Him more than sin. Our holiness is rooted in His ability and not our “works.” Grace is freely given by Jesus, while “works” is a constant striving and wondering if we will ever be good enough.
Love overcomes temptation.
When we are tempted this week, in that moment of temptation, think about Jesus. Romans 13:14 says, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (NASB1995).
Think, “Jesus, I’m being tempted. Allow me to love You more than this desire.”
If we fail, let’s think, “Jesus, I confess my sin. I also confess that You still love me.”
Learning that following Jesus isn’t absolute perfection (on this earth) and that grace brings forgiveness, we then love God more and more. And our lusts diminish as there is no greater power than love.
We also have this promise from Hebrews 7:25, “Jesus lives to intercede for us.”
Grace and Jesus praying for us — these two facts define an unequaled formula for our complete and total salvation.
Let’s win against temptation this week. Jesus is able!