The children of Israel, in case after case, believed in God but did not trust in Him. They saw too many miracles to doubt His existence, but they did not trust in His power to deliver them. This is an obvious fact of the Old Testament writings. What a difference it would have made if they had trusted in Him. In every case God would have been their deliverer, but almost in every effort that failed, it was man who trusted in himself and wished to take the credit. The incident of Moses striking the rock has application here. What was so horrible about this simple sin? What was so horrible about it that Moses was so severely punished? The horrible thing about it was that Moses did not give God the credit for delivering them from thirst. He would have had them believe that it was by his power that water came from the rock. Pride is a weakness in men and a snare of the devil.

And so it is today. Men have not learned their lessons. They wish to take the credit and trust in themselves. Some credit their salvation to their compliance with laws. Others to belonging to the right church. And yet others lay claim to salvation because of their hard work. Paul spoke of a people who sought salvation through law keeping. He said that they made Christ of non-effect, that they had "fallen from grace". They trusted in the law instead of God's mercy. If we are to be saved, it will not be because we have complied with law. It will be because the perfect Lamb of God shed His blood for us. It is trusting in the power of that blood and believing in the name of Jesus that will save us. This is the righteousness that comes from God. Philippians 3:9. This is how we are made right with God. Galatians 5:5. Trusting in ourselves for salvation instead of trusting in God leads to destruction.

Men would have us believe that salvation can be achieved. It can be achieved by complying with a five-step procedure. When men impose a step by step formula for "gaining" salvation, trust in Jesus is undermined. Trust for salvation is placed in man's efforts instead of God's effort. Christ is made of non-effect. If any man complies with a five-step formula in order to gain (earn-merit) salvation, he is "fallen from grace". Response to these five principles, and to all of God's precepts, should be motivated by a contrite heart and not by a legalistic intention to earn salvation. Salvation is by the act of God, and not by the act of man. Salvation is not an item to be bargained for, nor is it a commodity that can be earned. The blood of Jesus is the ONLY thing that earns salvation. We must trust in it. We must trust in Him. Romans l0:l2-l3. We must let Jesus live in our hearts by faith. Ephesians 3:l7. We must sprinkle our hearts with the blood of Jesus. Hebrews l0:22. We must put on a new personality (Ephesians 4:24) and a renewed mind. Romans l2:2. This is the essence of the new birth that Jesus described to Nicodemus. It is like the wind, not a visible action. It is a Spiritual rebirth, unlike the wet birth of a baby which can be seen. When we are Spiritually born again we will approach all of God's precepts with a wonderful new attitude of heart. We will be trusting in Him from Whom all blessings flow. We must not trust in ourselves for salvation. We must give God the credit. He deserves it. He earned it.

Please think on these things. I believe them to be true to the Word.

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