Striving to Obtain Salvation Versus Striving in the Flesh Versus Striving for Holiness

Striving to Obtain Salvation Versus Striving in the Flesh Versus Striving for Holiness

Is that a confusing enough title for you?  I apologize for that but let me show you how my hyperactive brain came up with this blog topic (I wish my body had as much energy as my brain). For some reason, when I was making my bed yesterday, I kept thinking of the phrase, "striving in the flesh."  Maybe because every time I have to make my bed I have to literally pull the mattress back to the left as it shifts in the night.  It is heavy and doesn't move easy, so maybe that was why my mind went to fighting against something that was difficult. Then my mind went to realizing that it is probably confusing to try to differentiate between striving to obtain our salvation versus striving in the flesh versus striving for holiness. I will do my best to try to explain all. 

The definition of the word strive is "make great efforts to achieve or obtain something."  Keep that in the back of your thoughts as your read this.

Striving for our salvation is a works-based theology.  Many false religions tell you that you need to earn your way to Heaven by being a good person.  Some say you have to keep a bunch of old laws that are no longer relevant to today (I just recently posted a writing on the new covenant, so I won't elaborate on that now, but here is that link if you are interested: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-parallel-between-new-covenant-and.html). Or you must go on a certain number of missions, give a set amount of money to the church, get married, have babies, women cannot cut their hair, etc., in order to earn your way to Heaven. Being a good person or meeting certain quotas has nothing to do with salvation. The only way to Heaven is through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, no matter how hard one tries to strive to obtain a key to Heaven, it will always be impossible.  You cannot buy your way to the throne of God through good works.  

(Ephesians 2:8-10) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(Ephesians 1:7) In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

(Colossians 1:12-14) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

The above verse is a great example of showing we cannot save our own souls, yet we still are expected to walk in good works.  And in this case, our works do matter (Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.). Which is where the subject of striving can get complicated.  For one thing now it becomes striving in the flesh versus striving for holiness.  

When we strive in the flesh we are striving against the things of God.  We are fighting an inner turmoil in trying to win the war against sinful habits.  This war within us is often in rebellion against God.  Going back to the definition of strive, we are working for our own agenda to obtain what we want.  We do not care if our goals go against Biblical principles.  Our motives are entirely self-centered rather than God-centered.  This displeases the Lord.

Although the word striving is not used, you can see how this next set of verses relates to striving in the flesh:

(Romans 8:5-8) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God... So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

(Romans 13:9 & 11-14) For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

(Galatians 5:16-17,19-21 & 24-25) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

(Colossians 3:5-10) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

(1 Peter 2:11) Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

When we strive for holiness, we are striving for the things of God.  When you read the next set of verses, you will see that God is very pleased when we strive to walk down paths of righteousness.  I will start with the words of Jesus:

(Luke 13:23-24) Then said one unto him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" And He said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Striving to enter through the gates of Heaven is trying to obtain the perfect prize of eternal life with Jesus.  This is not the same as striving to earn our salvation.

Goodness, I hope this all makes sense! Let me give you a few more verses: 

(Colossians 1:9-10, 12-14, & 27-29) that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery... which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

You can see that striving in the context of the above passages is a good thing as we strive for holiness in the Lord!  We are not trying to earn His love, but want to do the right things to please the Lord who loves us and we so love as well! There is no hidden agenda behind choosing God's ways over the world's.

In case you are interested, this may also help this topic make more sense, here is a link to another recent writing I did titled "The Message of Salvation:" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-message-of-salvation.html 

I will end here with both 1 Peter & 1 John as they both beautifully sum up this blog.

(1 Peter 1:2-3 & 13-19) God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

(1 John 1:5-9) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Praise God for His Mighty Acts

Praise God for His Mighty Acts

While praying this morning on what subject to write about next, the phrase, "Praise Him for His mighty acts," kept repeating in my mind. I praised God for His acts of goodness and kindness, but I got to thinking about His act of creation. That is where I am going to take the direction of this blog.

I am a person who loves facts. I love to gather statistics. So, bear with me, but I hope you will find my fact gathering today interesting. 

Estimates on the number of the Earth's current species range from 2 million to 1 trillion. There are approximately 6,700 types of mammals and 11,000 species of birds alone.

We really have no way of knowing the total number of all the species out there because it is impossible to see or study every living creature. For example, and I find this totally fascinating, less than 0.001% of the deep ocean seafloor has been physically explored, with the vast majority of the ocean remaining unseen by humans. While satellite data and sonar mapping have provided a broad overview, only 27.3% of the global seafloor has been mapped with modern high-resolution technology. Yet, even with so small of an amount seen, there are still over 33,000 recognized species of fish worldwide (this is just the number of fish, not all the sea life that are technically not categorized as fish).

Want more? There are between 14 million to 20 million insect species, although only about 1–1.2 million have been formally described. This is just insects, not arachnids or other creepy crawlies that are not technically considered insects. 

Although the Earth has been explored to remarkable depths relative to our technological capabilities, the vast majority of both the Earth’s interior and the deep ocean remains uncharted. Every source I read said we would all be shocked to realize just how little of our planet has been explored. Although mapping and satellite images are pretty advanced, the depths of the oceans, the depths underground, as well as other areas that are unreachable by human means, such as jungles or extreme heights, are still to be physically travelled. The scientists all agree than less than 20% of our planet has actually been explored!

I am not even going to waste my time on discussing the big bang nonsense or the evolution scam! God created it all!

(Genesis 1:21-25) And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Doesn't the Bible also tell us that God created not just this planet but others as well? While Genesis 1 mentions only the earth (Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. - Note: Some versions say "Heavens"), the book of Hebrews makes it clear God created multiple worlds:

(Hebrews 1:1-2) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

(Hebrews 11:3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

So let me keep on the thread of exploration. There is absolutely no way we could know how much of the galaxy is actually out there, but as far as the scientists have estimated, we have physically visited only a tiny fraction of the Milky Way (our Solar System). They say they have mapped 2 billion stars, but they believe there are at least 400 billion stars and 1,000s of exoplanets. In percentage terms, our physical reach is less than one‑thousandth of 1 % of the way to the nearest star. Although I love astronomy, a lot of what I read was over my head (Yes, pun intended, sorry!), but what it boils down to is that the vast majority of stars, planets, and interstellar regions remain unvisited and unmeasured.

I don't know how many of you may love science and are still reading this, but if you are, I am listing all these facts for a reason. We can never fully know how much our brilliant God has designed and created in our omniverse. It truly staggers the mind to even think about it. Makes me feel like a teeny tiny blip. But what's even more amazing? God loves each and every one of us as individuals! We are not teeny tiny blips to Him! Matthew 10:30 says, "the very hairs of your head are all numbered." 

I realize there is so much more I can write about the intricacies of God's creation.  The way the human body works so perfectly is no accident.  Even the way the sun, moon, and our planet are aligned are perfection.  But for today, I will just leave you a few facts just to help you begin to see the wonderment and majesty of God's creation!

When we truly stop and consider all the worlds His hands have made, and that He cares so much for each of us He sent His son to die for us so we could be with Him in all eternity (see John 3:16)? Wow! As Greater Vision sings, I could never praise Him enough!

(Psalm 150:1-6) Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Song below: "How Big is God" Medley (Gene McDonald also sings a beautiful version of "How Big is God?" but I wanted to share this medley sung by The Guardians) :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCHIIMN0xU0&list=RDvCHIIMN0xU0&start_radio=1

Modesty

 

Modesty

God has been laying it on my heart for several months to write on the topic of modesty, but I know it may not be well-received.  And while this may seem like a woman-only topic, it is not, I am just starting there.

(1 Timothy 2:9-10) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

When I was younger I often and sang (or played my trumpet) for the church. When attending a new church, the pastor's wife approached me the first time I was scheduled to sing a solo there and gave me a dress code. Although I was only 21 or 22 at the time, I appreciated and respected the church's rules of modesty. However, watching a Christian singer on YouTube a few years ago reminded me the modesty codes of churches 30 years ago have drastically changed, and I cannot keep silent on this issue. 

The female singer I am referring to was singing at a very well-known church founded by a man with strong holiness views (he has since passed away). The singer usually dresses modestly because she also claims to have holiness views. However, her backup singers were wearing very short skirts and high heels. Let's not pretend these women were ignorant that their outfits would get male attention. There is no other reason for a woman to wear skirts/dresses/pants above her calves other than to show off her legs, nor any other reason to wear high heels with a short skirt other than to make her legs look good (with a long dress or pants where you are not showing off skin, heels can simply be more about making one look taller). First, I do not know if the background singers were the main singer's personal choir or were chosen by the church. Either way, that leads me to ask why neither the church nor the "holiness" singer are encouraging its women to dress modestly. It is obviously not just the above-mentioned artist's backup singers, but many women singers wear their skirts/dresses awfully short or their blouses too low cut.  My husband and I have had to turn off Christian  concerts (watching on YouTube) because the women sitting in the front row were wearing skirts above or barely to their knees. Who are they trying to glorify? Not God!

And as mentioned above, lest you think this is a subject for women only, men very much are also guilty of showing off their bodies for attention. I have seen many men wearing skintight shirts and pants as well as unbuttoning their shirts way too low.  It's great to be in healthy physical shape, but when one has the need to show off muscles through shirts that are size too small (you know exactly what I mean), it is about vanity, not about being healthy.  Again, who are they trying to glorify? Not God!

And of course, this goes for all of us whenever we leave our homes.  Not just those in the entertainment industry. Whether it is to an audience of 1 or 10,000, if you are presenting yourself as a Christian, it is absolutely your responsibility to dress modestly, not to titillate! It is not anyone's goal to entice others to lust after you except your spouse.

(Psalm 4:2) How long will ye love vanity?

Neither 1 Timothy 2 (above) or 1 Peter 3 (below) say we should not have nice hairstyles, wear jewelry, or dress in nice clothes, they are simply reminding us that our looks should not be our primary focus. Instead, our focus should be on godliness.  We should desire to honor God even in every way, and this includes the way we dress.

(1 Peter 3:3-5) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves.

The way women dress themselves and their children becomes obscener every year. In today's society, the way women dress begs for attention. The short shorts, low cut and/or tight tops, see-through clothing, miniskirts, skintight pants/leggings, crop tops, and all bathing suits are designed to show off as much as possible for no other reason than to stir up lust in the opposite sex. Men are turned on by sight alone, and women are not naïve enough to let this fact pass over her head. Although not all, but most women like to tease and titillate. Why do you think pornography is a billion-dollar industry?

If you claim to be a Christian and are dressing provocatively, why? You are trying to titillate and show off your figure. Lust and vanity are both against what the Lord teaches.

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is NOT of the Father, but IS of the world.

It is bad enough when a single person is trying to purposefully stimulate the opposite gender, but when it is a married person, it is even worse. This revolves around vanity, or more specifically, being so vain you place your ego above your mate to the point you have become disloyal to your marriage.

When I see a woman with a man (whether he is the husband or not) dressed in a way that leaves little to the imagination, it really makes me sad (especially when they have kids with them). My husband, Mel, has put it perfectly; he says that women like that are never going to be loyal. If she wants all men's eyes on her, then she is not honoring the man she is with, be it boyfriend, fiancé, or husband. Logic says if she is willing to show off so much skin and does not care who she titillates, she is willing to cheat on her spouse. If you do not want the attention, then why dress that way? You can be perfectly comfortable in a modest sundress, capris, and not a hint of cleavage needs to be showing even in 100-degree temperatures. I have seen many women dressed modestly and still look beautiful and fashionable. Therefore, using the excuse that it is hot will not work; the truth is that it is all about vanity. God hates vanity and pride.

(Proverbs 6:16-17) These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look...

Matthew 5:28 makes it very clear lusting after someone is a sin, so why would you encourage someone to sin just to boost your own ego?

(Matthew 5:28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

When you get married, it is, as Genesis 2:23-24 states, becoming one flesh. You belong to each other. We may not be property in the literal sense, but in a way, we are each other’s property. We belong to God first, then our mate.

Do not dress provocatively. The only man I want looking at me with lust is my husband, Mel. I cannot control who looks at me, but I can control the way I dress outside our home. I am not talking turtlenecks and only ankle-length skirts (although I feel decent length for skirts should be at least mid-calf length and shorts should be at least to your knees), but I use common sense on what would be considered inappropriate. If in doubt, I ask Mel, "Is this too short?" "Is this too low cut?" "Can you see through this?" “Is this too tight?” And I fully trust his opinions. I want to honor both God and my husband with my body

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I am especially saddened by parents encouraging their innocent children to dress provocatively. It is a parent’s job to protect their children from all kinds of harm including pedophiles. Do you think these creeps full of perversion are failing to leer at your immodestly dressed child because they (or you) want your child to look "cute"? I will say it again, parents need to protect their children, which includes making better choices on how they dress and act around adults! It is not as if all pedophiles have a large "P" on their forehead. You do not know who is happily titillated that you dressed your child in skimpy clothing and are parading him/her all over town (or over social media)! Or have him/her dancing to secular music and post the very adult movements on social media. You know I am not talking about innocent kids' dances such as "I'm a Little Tea Pot." Kids as young as 2 years old are being offered up as entertainment all over social media dancing to proactive song lyrics and imitating the sexual movements while the adults laugh. God is not laughing! In fact, He weeps for this loss of innocence.

(Matthew 18:6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

I know that certain styles are in fashion, and most will think I am just being old-fashioned, but a lot of these styles represent secular lifestyles, which includes a sexually provocative culture full of loose morals. Being a stand-out Christian in a secular world has more to with how we present ourselves on the outside (which I will explore in part 2) but think twice about why you want to look a certain way. Is it because you are more concerned with being a man-pleaser than a God-pleaser? Who are you trying to imitate, the world or God?

Faith to Embrace That God is all His Word says He Is

 

 

Faith to Embrace That God is all His Word says He Is

I believe that the biggest reason people have such a difficult time accepting that God unconditionally loves them, trusting He forgives and forgets, and submitting to God is because they try too hard to place Him in a human box.

We have all been repeatedly hurt by those who love us, so it is hard to grasp the concept that God would be any different. It is hard to wrap our brains around the fact that when God says He will keep His promises, He actually will. In order to help us (me too) be able to better embrace that God truly is all His Word says He is, and He will do all His Word says He will do, we need to remove human attributes from a holy God.

(Isaiah 55:8-9) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," saith the Lord." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." 

Let me back up just a bit to make it clear I fully believe Jesus Christ came to this earth in human form (Philippians 2:8 - And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.), but after He ascended back into Heaven, all those human weaknesses disappeared. However, His compassion has never waned.

Now, back to Isaiah 55. We cannot ever truly comprehend the mind of God, and the sooner we accept that fact, the more we can just sit back and relax and surrender all to Him. I know that it so much easier said than done, again, because we have difficulty seeing Him in a different light than the humans around us.

When God says He will forgive us when we repent (Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, "Repent... for the remission of sins."), and then will actually forget those sins, then they are forever under the precious blood Jesus shed for us.

(Psalm 103:12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 

(Micah 7:19) He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

It is a difficult concept to grasp because not only do we find it hard to forget wrongs that have been done to us, but we also do not always forgive the people we claim to have forgiven. In our mind we may say we do, but it is easy to dredge up past hurts to the point it can be harmful to our spiritual health. On the flip side, others also tend not to forgive and forget when it comes to our offenses. But God truly does forget our past and washes us white as snow. Please note the first five words in the below verse.

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

It is also difficult to accept unconditional love. Precious few people in our lives love and accept us without rules. "If you will conform to my ways, then I will accept you." or "I love you, but I really do not want to be around you." But when God says He loves us and will never stop loving us, and He wants more time spent with us (not less), we can believe it is true. He will not reject us when we make mistakes, nor will He cast us aside when someone more interesting comes along. He will always love us and find us worth His time and affection.

(Romans 8:35, 38-39) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

However, a holy God cannot tolerate sin and even though we can never be separated from His love, we can be separated from His heavenly kingdom if we refuse His rules.

(Galatians 5:19-21) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall NOT inherit the kingdom of God.

Read also all of Romans, chapter 6. Here are verses 1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

This is why "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Because God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9). He compassionately wants all of us to join Him in the beautiful paradise He prepared for us (John 14:2-3). The rules are in place so we can have a blissful eternity with our savior, not to keep us in chains, but to set us free from those chains!

Even if we cannot fully understand how it is possible, when we have faith enough to accept God will not break His promises (also 2 Peter 3:9), He will not lie to us (Titus 1:2), He will forgive and forget our sins (Mark 2:10), His love is free (Romans 5), and He truly wants the best for us (Jeremiah 29:11), then we will be more willing to surrender our heart, soul, and strength to Him (Luke 10:27).

(1 John 4:8) God is love. 

Let's face it, most of us have had to deal with an abusive authority figure possibly in the form of a teacher, military instructor, boss and/or parent. When we have lived through someone with power over us not treating us with the love and respect Jesus expects us to treat all people, it makes it even harder to trust that God's authority is just, fair, gentle, and good (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:25, 2 Corinthians 10:1). 

 It can be near impossible to see God as a kind Heavenly Father if your earthly father and/or mother was cruel. Again, it is why it is so vital to not place God in a human box. If His thoughts and ways were like frail, cruel, unforgiving, cold, stubborn, rebellious humans, He would never have sent His only son to die for us so we could be cleansed from our sins by the blood of Jesus, and be healed by the stripes Jesus took on His back (Isaiah 53:5), nor prepared a place of peace and joy with Him forever (Revelation 21:4).

I pray this all sinks in. I know it is not easy to see God outside of our limited human eyes. I will leave you with my favorite scripture verse. This verse is saying the same as Isaiah 55 above, that we cannot fully understand the mind of God because we see this world through dark sunglasses, not through the bright light of the Throne of God. But when we get to heaven and see God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, then it will all make perfect sense. Until then, we can rely on faith to embrace that God truly is all His Word says He is, and He will do all His Word says He will do.

(1 Corinthians 13:12, AMP) For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

Wonderfully Made by the Master Potter

Wonderfully Made by the Master Potter

If you read any of my 6-part testimony that I posted earlier this month, you know that I suffer from an unknown neurological condition. If you did not read my testimony, let my quickly sum it up, or if interested, you can read about it in parts 4, 5, & 6 here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/09/my-testimony-part-4-2014-2020.html  & https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/09/my-testimony-part-5-2020-2022.html & https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/09/my-testimony-part-6-2022-present-new.html (I actually did not mention some of this in the series that I am mentioning now).  Around 2018 I started experiencing hand tremors, leg jerks, and general weakness.  By 2019 my symptoms had multiplied to include balance issues, difficulty forming words, extreme fatigue that would last for days or weeks, numbness and tingling in random places in my body day and night, and the list goes on.  

One night I was praying, "Dear God, what is wrong with me?"  Whether it was truly God answering or not, I cannot 100% say, but I very clearly heard one word, "Palsy." The response was unexpected.  I had been concerned about a brain or spinal tumor, but after at least 11 lesions were found in my brain, this one word was confirmed (I also had a dream shortly after this where a doctor told me they found 11 lesions in my brain).  No, I do not have cerebral palsy, but I do have some type of undiagnosed "palsy", which in very general terms means that one suffers from all-over weakness and/or an illness related to the brain.  

To quickly get on the point of this blog, I had to quit a job I loved and went through a long series of medical tests.  However, 3 neurologists later, and I still do not have a diagnosis. The best I can get is that (and this is an actual quote from the first doctor who gave up on me), "You have a lot of weird things going on in your body, but I don't know what is causing it." 

In 2025 I was given a partial diagnosis from my primary doctor of severe facet joint disease in my spine and lumbar scoliosis, but I was told neither of those things explained all of my symptoms. I was also told I would not ever improve, but would probably get worse (you can read more on that from the poem I wrote called "No cure?" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/08/no-cure-why-write-poem-things-i-will.html )

I am not writing about all this again to gain sympathy as I am typically the type of person who keeps the negative sides of her life hidden, but I am sharing this again to hopefully encourage at least one person. 

Around two years ago, I was going through a particularly weak and painful time.  I struggled to do the simplest of tasks, and, in spite of our financial strains, I knew I could not go back to work at any job that was physically demanding. I had been (and still am) applying for work as well as being granted an occasional interview for a desk job that I feel I can physically do.  However, the longer I am out of work, and the older I get (I turned 54 this month), the more impossible it becomes to get a job.  After yet another job rejection, I went through one of those "I feel like a pointless failure" phases.  I know we have ALL been there.  

I really, really dislike dwelling in self-pity, but at that time, I was having difficulty pulling myself out.  I was not allowing the Holy Spirit to comfort me.  Writing has always been therapeutic for me, and I felt like I should write about it. So, one afternoon, I sat down and wrote a short story about a teenager named Louisa who had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The story poured out of me in less than a week.  The short story is only thirty-two pages, but it was such a healing experience for me, that I am pretty sure God prompted me to write it. I won't bore you with the full plot, but very basically, Louisa initially struggles with feeling wonderfully made by God, but by the end of the book, she has learned that God can use anyone with any disability for His glory, and she is determined to use her disease to help inspire others to love and trust God.

(Psalm 139:14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: 

Therefore, that is what all this rambling blog has been about.  We all have limitations in this life, whether physically, mentally, financially, emotionally, or even spiritually.  But if we can allow our hearts to quit focusing so much on ourselves, God can use the weak things in our lives to bring Him glory and honor.  Even if He does not choose to heal physical or financial ailments, He will always heal our spiritual issues when we come to Him with a repentant heart that is willing to change. 

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And [God] said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.    

I am reading through Isaiah in one of my Bible studies right now and it is what prompted me to share all this with you.  I realize this chapter has to do with the stubbornness of Israel's coldness toward God (in general), but I could relate to that stubborn pot in Isaiah 29 from an entirely different angle.  

(Isaiah 29:16) Shall the work [the potter's clay] say of Him that made it, "He made me not?" or shall the thing framed say of Him that framed it, "He had no understanding?"

When I complain about a body that refuses to cooperate with me, I am actually saying to God, "Do you not have any understanding in what I am going through?  Why did you make me so weak?" 

Then I turn to Isaiah 64.    

(Isaiah 64:8) But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our Potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Just as Isaiah repented to God in this chapter, I too am filled with a repentant heart.  I submit my entire will to my Almighty Creator who has made me and formed me on His potter's wheel.  I return again to the above verse in 2 Corinthians 12.  Before verses 9-10 listed, Paul mentions that he had a thorn in his flesh that He had thrice asked God to remove.  While we do not know for certain what that thorn was, perhaps persecution or a physical ailment, we do know that God told Paul just to trust that God would help Paul through his struggles. Just knowing Jesus is holding me in His strong and capable hands makes life so much more bearable than trying to get through my struggles alone!

Yes, God absolutely can heal, and we should never quit asking and trusting for miracles.  But in the meantime, I pray I am like Paul and Isaiah (and many other heroes of the faith), and I will humbly be willing to be used for God no matter what I am going through. I know I will still have days when my spiritual struggles will almost match my physical ones, and on those days, I will refuse to give in to negativity.  I will say, "Praise God, I am wonderfully made by the Master Potter!" May He use this vessel for His glory!  

(For more on Isaiah 64, from, a different viewpoint, if you are interested you can read more on it here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/isaiah-648-clay-for-potters-hand.html

The Parallel Between the New Covenant and Being a New Creation in Christ

 

The Parallel Between the New Covenant and Being a New Creation in Christ

There will be a lot to read in this writing, so if you may need to read it in several sittings. 

This is one of those blogs where I can easily let scripture speak for itself.  Therefore, I will keep my comments brief.

When reading my daily Bible study, I am often inspired to see scripture from a new perspective.  While reading through Colossians a few days ago it was when I suddenly saw the parallel between the New Covenant Jesus Christ created and our responsibility for becoming a new creature when we choose to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I know it can be confusing when the Bible says we are not under the law but yet it also says we need to follow the law.  I recently even heard a woman on a "Christian" YouTube video say that we do not need to follow the ten commandments because we are no longer under the old laws.  She was so very wrong and obviously did not read her Bible but was probably just looking for an excuse to sin.  The facts are this: Jesus Christ abolished manmade laws when He died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins.  This does not mean we quit following the laws of God.  Jesus Christ said it Himself.

(Matthew 19:16-21) And, behold, one came and said unto Him, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" And [Jesus] said unto him, ".. if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments... Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself... give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

Now let me supply you with a lot of scripture (this is not even all the Bible says, but just a sample), first about the New Covenant and then about our role in honoring Jesus' sacrifice when we choose to call ourselves a Christian. 

New Covenant Scriptures

In this verse you see how it states we must follow Jesus and not the old laws, or we are in danger of falling from God's grace.  Paul even says it is as if Jesus' grace does not affect one who refuses to give up the Mosaic laws. The old ways are a yoke of bondage.  There is more below from Galatians 5 that ties in perfectly with the theme of this blog showing how the new covenant and new creation concepts are so perfectly linked.

I did not post Hebrews 7, 8, or 9 or Galatians 3 & 4 because there are too many verses to post, but please read all from those chapters as well.

(Hebrews 10:8-10) He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law," Then said He, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

(Galatians 5:1-5) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage... Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Now it is Peter who reminds fellow believers that the old law is a yoke and a burden, that they should not encourage new coverts to follow.  Our hearts are purified through faith in Jesus and following His ways alone.

(Acts 15:7-11) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Here Paul is making a comparison between physical circumcision and spiritual.  Paul does an excellent job of showing the parallel between the new covenant and being a new creation in Christ.  The old ordinances were nailed to the cross of Jesus, so let's honor His precious sacrifice by putting off our sins and living a pure life for Him!

(Colossians 2:11-15 & 20-23) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Paul reminds us that insisting on following the old ways frustrates the grace of God and is the equivalent of that Jesus dying in vain.  That is pretty serious! We are dead to the old manmade traditions because Jesus loved us enough to die for us and set us free.  Not free to sin (see Romans 6:1-2), but free to follow obtainable laws, not more than 600 rules that no one could ever live up to. 

(Galatians 2:14-21) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

This is a beautiful passage.  It shows Paul's compassion, his honesty, and integrity.  I cannot think of a thing to add here. 

(Romans 10:1-13) Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

New Creation Scriptures

This is probably the most well-known passage about becoming a new creature in Christ, but have you read or heard the verses above it where it reminds us that we will all be judged by Jesus?  What we say and do is so very vital not just before but also after we accept Christ.

(2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 15-17) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

These two passages remind us that we were once living in dark sinfulness, but when we became saved, we became as new creations, and then Paul goes on to explain what is now expected of us.

(Ephesians 4:17-32) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not... in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

(Colossians 3:1-14) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God... Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.., Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

This is the continuation of Galatians 5 from above.  Another list of reminders of what God expects from us.  These lists of rules are so vitally important to know and follow as they are so vitally important to where we will spend eternity.  They are not a bondage but, as you will read below, our reasonable service and quite easy to follow.  They are designed to give us joy, peace, and true freedom by not weighing us down with the regrets and consequences that sin brings.  

(Galatians 5:16-26) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

This is another list of examples of how we should act as Christians but also reminds us that once we step out of darkness we should no longer associate with those still living in the world.  Instead we need to walk in the Light of Jesus and step away from dark behaviors in others as well as not participating in the dark deeds.

(Ephesians 5:3-18) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them... See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise... And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

When we become followers of Jesus we need to learn to love what Jesus loves and hate what Jesus hates.  Even when it is difficult to let go of the past sins and past relationships, the Holy Spirit will always give you strength and victory to walk away and serve Him alone!

(Romans 12:1-2 & 9) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

This is another great reminder of how to please God and not live not in uncleanliness, but in holiness based on the commandments from Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 4:1-7) Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Let me leave you with just one more passage that reminds us again that we will all be judged according to how we choose to obey the rules of the New Covenant.

(Revelation 20:11-12 & 21:7-8) And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I know this is already a lot to read, but if you want even more information on the New Covenant, feel free to read these other blogs:

 Jesus Made a Surety of a Better Testament: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/06/leviticus-numbers-deuteronomy-jesus.html

Jesus Teaches us a Better Way: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/matthew-5-jesus-teaches-us-better-way.html

True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism, Written by my Husband, Mel: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/09/true-grace-false-grace-and-legalism.html

Understanding The New Covenant, Written by my Husband: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2015/12/understanding-new-covenant-written-by.html

Justification by Faith Alone, Written by my Husband: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2020/08/justification-by-faith-alone-written-by.html

Full Assurance of Salvation, Written by my Husband: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/full-assurance-of-salvation-written-by.html