"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." James 5:19-20
These two verses are a wonderful conclusion for the very practical Epistle of James. "Converteth the sinner from the error of his way." Some believe that this refers to a child of God who has gone astray, and some believe it refers to an unsaved person who has not yet come to the truth. However one looks at this verse it ends in the same way ~ restoration of one's heart!
"Shall hide a multitude of sins." When people come to a saving knowledge of Christ, their sins ~ though they be multitudinous ~ will be covered by the blood of Christ. The wonder of justification by faith is that once God has pardoned our sins, they are gone forever ~ removed from us as far as the east is from the west.
When a person who has wandered from the truth, who is a believer, he/she is not consistent with his/her beliefs. Many Christians debate on whether or not it is possible to lose their salvation, but all must agree that those who do fall away from their faith are in serious trouble and need to repent. Stronger Christians need to help their back-slidden brothers and sisters as well as the lost souls out there. The body of believers need to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God and each other. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's Word is not merely something we read or think about on occasion, but something we do! Belief, faith, and trust must have hands and feet ~ OURS!
"Stretch Forth Thine Hand" says the Master! All it takes is a simple act of faith. There's a miracle waiting. Stretch forth Thine Hand! (words to a song which I think are very impressive and pertinent for God's people)
May your day be wonderfully blessed in the Lord.
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
