A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is the ongoing, invisible battle between truth and deception, righteousness and sin, God and the forces of evil.

It is not fought with physical weapons.
It is not seen with natural eyes.
But it is very real.

The Bible says:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Spiritual warfare is not about fighting people—it is about standing against the enemy who opposes God’s truth and God’s people.

👉 Spiritual warfare is the believer’s battle against sin, deception, and the schemes of the devil.

What Is Spiritual Warfare in the Bible?

The Bible gives us a clear understanding of spiritual warfare and how we are to engage in it.

1. Spiritual Warfare Has a Real Enemy

“Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The enemy is:

• Real
• Active
• Deceptive

Satan’s strategies include:

• Lies
• Temptation
• Accusation
• Distraction

2. The Battle Is Fought in the Mind and Heart

“Casting down imaginations… and bringing into captivity every thought…” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Spiritual warfare often takes place through:

• Thoughts
• Beliefs
• Desires

The enemy attacks:

• What you think
• What you believe
• How you respond

3. Believers Are Given Spiritual Armor

“Put on the whole armour of God…” (Ephesians 6:11)

God has not left us defenseless. He has equipped us with:

• Truth → guards against deception
• Righteousness → protects the heart
• Gospel of peace → stabilizes your walk
• Faith → extinguishes doubt and fear
• Salvation → guards the mind
• The Word of God → the sword of the Spirit

4. Victory Comes Through Christ, Not Ourselves

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

We do not fight for victory—we fight from victory.

Jesus has already:

• Defeated sin
• Conquered death
• Overcome Satan

Spiritual Warfare and the Gospel

Spiritual warfare is ultimately about the Gospel.

Before salvation, we are:

• under sin
• blinded by deception
• separated from God

Through the Gospel, we are:

• forgiven
• set free
• transferred into God’s kingdom

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness…” (Colossians 1:13)

The enemy fights to:

• Keep people from the Gospel
• Distort the Gospel
• Weaken believers

But the Gospel declares:

👉 Jesus Christ has already won the war.

Conclusion

Spiritual warfare is real—but so is God’s power.

You are not called to live in fear.
You are called to stand in truth.

So how do you stand strong?

• Know the Word of God
• Walk in obedience
• Pray continually
• Put on the armor of God daily

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

👉 Spiritual warfare is not about panic—it is about standing firm in Christ.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

Discernment is the God-given ability to recognize truth from error, right from wrong, and what is of God from what is not.

In a world filled with confusion, deception, and competing voices, discernment is not optional—it is essential.

It is not suspicion, criticism, or human opinion.

It is spiritual understanding guided by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…” (1 John 4:1)

Discernment asks:

• Is this true according to Scripture?
• Does this align with the character of God?
• Is this leading me toward Christ or away from Him?

Simply put:

👉 Discernment is seeing things as God sees them.

What Is Discernment in the Bible?

The Bible presents discernment as both a command and a mark of spiritual maturity.

1. Discernment Distinguishes Truth from Error

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3)

It protects us from:

• False teaching
• Deception
• Spiritual compromise

Not everything labeled “Christian” is truly from Christ.

2. Discernment Is Rooted in God’s Word

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

We do not discern truth by feelings.
We discern truth by Scripture.

The more you know the Word, the easier it is to recognize error.

3. Discernment Is Developed Through Spiritual Maturity

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age… to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)

Discernment grows through:

• Consistent Bible study
• Prayer
• Obedience

It is not automatic—it is cultivated.

4. Discernment Requires the Holy Spirit

“He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit:

• Illuminates Scripture
• Warns against deception
• Leads into truth

Without Him, discernment becomes mere human reasoning.

Discernment and the Gospel

Discernment is crucial to understanding and preserving the Gospel.

The Gospel is simple:

• All have sinned (Romans 3:23)
• Sin brings judgment (Romans 6:23)
• Jesus Christ died and rose again to save sinners
• Salvation is by grace through faith—not works

Yet many distort the Gospel by adding:

• Human effort
• Religious rituals
• Personal merit

Discernment recognizes the difference between:

• The true Gospel → Christ alone saves
• A false gospel → Man contributes to salvation

Paul warned:

“Though we… preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

It keeps the message of salvation pure.

Conclusion

Discernment is not a luxury for a few—it is a necessity for every believer.

In a world full of deception, discernment:

• Guards your faith
• Guides your decisions
• Protects your soul

So how do you grow in discernment?

• Stay in the Word
• Walk in the Spirit
• Test everything by Scripture

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

👉  It is the difference between being led by truth—or being led astray.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Truth

What is truth in the Bible? We live in a world that questions truth.

Some say:

• “Your truth is not my truth”
• “Truth is relative”
• “Truth changes over time”

But the Bible presents truth very differently.

Truth is that which is real, absolute, and consistent with the nature and Word of God.

Truth does not change.
> Truth is not created by opinion.
> Truth is rooted in God Himself.

What Is Truth in the Bible?

The Bible gives us a clear and powerful understanding of truth:

1. God Is the Source of Truth

👉 Numbers 23:19 — God does not lie

👉 Titus 1:2 — God cannot lie

Truth originates in God because:

• He is perfect
• He is unchanging
• He is faithful

2. God’s Word Is Truth

👉 John 17:17 — “Thy word is truth”

The Bible is not one opinion among many—it is the standard of truth.

It reveals:

• What is right
• What is wrong
• What is real

3. Jesus Christ Is the Truth

👉 John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life”

Truth is not just a concept—it is a person.

Jesus embodies truth perfectly.

4. Truth Confronts Error

👉 Isaiah 5:20 — Calling evil good and good evil

Truth exposes:

• Lies
• Deception
• False beliefs

5. Truth Sets People Free

👉 John 8:32 — “The truth shall make you free”

Truth:

• Breaks deception
• Reveals reality
• Leads to freedom

6. Truth Must Be Received and Obeyed

👉 James 1:22 — Be doers of the word

It is not just to be known—it is to be lived.

Truth and the Gospel

Truth brings us face-to-face with reality:

👉 We are sinners
👉 God is holy
👉 Judgment is real

But the greatest truth is this:

👉 Romans 5:8 — Christ died for us

The gospel is not just good news—it is true news.

What Christ Reveals About Truth:

• The truth about God
• The truth about sin
• The truth about salvation

Because of Christ:

• We are no longer deceived
• We can know the truth
• We can walk in the truth

Conclusion

Truth is not subjective—it is anchored in God.

It is:

• Unchanging
• Reliable
• Life-giving

👉 Truth shows us reality
👉 The gospel shows us redemption

🔥 CALL TO ACTION (WIM STYLE)

• Do you believe truth is absolute—or does it change?
• What is one truth from Scripture that has changed your life?

👇 Share your thoughts below.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Authority

Authority is a word many people resist.

We value independence.
> We prefer autonomy.
> We want to decide what is right for ourselves.

But the Bible teaches a different reality:

Authority is the God-given right to rule, command, and determine what is true and right.

At its core, authority answers one question:

👉 Who has the final say?

What Is Authority in the Bible?

The Bible reveals several foundational truths about authority:

1. God Is the Ultimate Authority

👉 Psalm 103:19 — “His kingdom ruleth over all”

All authority begins with God because:

• He created all things
• He sustains all things
• He rules over all things

No authority exists above Him.

2. God Has Revealed His Authority Through Scripture

👉 2 Timothy 3:16 — Scripture is inspired by God

The Bible is not just helpful—it is authoritative.

It tells us:

• What is true
• What is right
• How to live

3. Jesus Christ Has All Authority

👉 Matthew 28:18 — “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”

Jesus is:

• Lord
• King
• Final authority over all creation

To reject Christ is to reject authority itself.

4. God Delegates Authority

👉 Romans 13:1 — Authorities are ordained by God

God establishes authority in:

• Government
• The church
• The home

All human authority is:

• Limited
• Accountable to God

5. Authority Requires Submission

👉 James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God”

Submission is not weakness—it is alignment with truth.

To resist God’s authority is to walk in rebellion.

6. Authority and Truth Are Connected

Authority determines truth—not opinion.

👉 John 17:17 — “Thy word is truth”

Without authority:

• Truth becomes subjective
• Everyone becomes their own authority

Authority and the Gospel

Authority brings us face-to-face with a reality:

👉 We are not in charge—God is.

And that creates a problem…

Because we have all resisted His authority.

👉 Romans 3:23 — All have sinned

Sin is ultimately:
👉 Rebellion against God’s authority

But the gospel provides the solution.

👉 Philippians 2:8 — Christ submitted to the Father

What Christ Did Regarding Authority:

• Lived in perfect submission
• Obeyed where we rebelled
• Took the judgment for our disobedience

Because of Christ:

• We are forgiven for rebellion
• We are restored under God’s rule
• We can joyfully submit to Him

Conclusion

Authority is not something to fear—it is something to trust.

Because God is:

• Good
• Just
• Perfect

👉 Authority answers who is right
👉 The gospel restores us under God’s authority

🔥 CALL TO ACTION

• Who or what has the most authority in your life right now?
• Do you see God’s authority as restrictive—or freeing?

👇 Share your thoughts below.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Scripture

What is scripture in the Bible, and why is it important? If prayer is how we speak to God, then Scripture is how God speaks to us. 

Many people see the Bible as:

• A religious book
• A collection of stories
• A moral guide

But the Bible presents itself as something far greater.

Scripture is the inspired Word of God, given to reveal His truth, His will, and His plan of salvation.

It is not merely human words—it is divine revelation.

What Is Scripture in the Bible?

The Bible teaches several essential truths about Scripture:

1. Scripture Is Inspired by God

👉 2 Timothy 3:16 — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God”

“Inspiration” means:

• God breathed it out
• God is the ultimate source

Human authors wrote it—but God authored it.

2. Scripture Is Truth

👉 John 17:17 — “Thy word is truth”

Scripture is:

• Reliable
• Authoritative
• Without error in what it teaches

It does not just contain truth—it is truth.

3. Scripture Reveals God

👉 Hebrews 1:1–2 — God has spoken

Through Scripture, we learn:

• Who God is
• What God is like
• What God requires

4. Scripture Shows Us Our Need

👉 Romans 3:20 — By the law is the knowledge of sin

The Word of God:

• Convicts
• Exposes
• Reveals our condition

5. Scripture Guides Our Lives

👉 Psalm 119:105 — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet”

It provides:

• Direction
• Wisdom
• Clarity

6. Scripture Is Living and Powerful

👉 Hebrews 4:12 — “The word of God is quick, and powerful…”

It is not static—it is active.

It:

• Penetrates the heart
• Discerns thoughts
• Transforms lives

Scripture and the Gospel

The ultimate purpose of Scripture is not just information—it is revelation.

👉 John 5:39 — “They are they which testify of me”

The Bible points to Jesus Christ.

👉 2 Timothy 3:15 — The Scriptures make us wise unto salvation

What Scripture Does in the Gospel:

• Reveals our sin
• Points us to Christ
• Explains salvation

Without Scripture:

• We would not know the gospel
• We would not understand salvation

Because of Scripture:

• We know the truth
• We hear God’s voice
• We understand the way of life

Conclusion

Scripture is not just a book—it is God’s Word.

It is:

• True
• Powerful
• Necessary

👉 Prayer is how you speak to God
👉 Scripture is how God speaks to you

🔥 CALL TO ACTION

• How often do you spend time in Scripture?
• What passage has impacted your life the most?

👇 Share below.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

Simple, Biblical Explanation of Prayer

Most people think of prayer as:

• Asking God for things
• Saying words in a quiet moment
• Following a religious routine

But there is much more to it than that.

Prayer is direct communication with God—speaking to Him, seeking Him, and relating to Him personally.

It is not merely a ritual. It is part of our relationship with God.

What Does the Bible Teach?

Scripture reveals several important truths about communicating with our heavenly Father.

1. We Can Talk Directly to God

Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call unto me, and I will answer thee.”

God invites His people to call upon Him. We do not need elaborate words or religious formulas. We simply come before Him honestly, bringing our worship, confession, thanksgiving, needs, and concerns.

This communication is not meant to be cold or mechanical. God desires His people to seek Him and trust Him.

2. We Approach God as Our Father

Matthew 6:9 — “Our Father…”

Jesus taught His disciples to approach God on the basis of relationship rather than performance.

Believers know Him as:

• Father
• Savior
• Lord

Christian prayer begins with knowing who God is and understanding our relationship with Him.

We are not trying to persuade a distant deity to notice us. Through Christ, believers belong to God’s family and may approach their heavenly Father with confidence.

3. Coming to God Requires Faith

Hebrews 11:6 — “He that cometh to God must believe…”

Talking with God involves more than speaking words. It requires trusting the One to whom we are speaking.

Faith recognizes that God exists, that He hears His people, and that He is able to respond according to His wisdom and will.

We may not always understand His answer, but we can trust His character.

4. We Depend Upon Him

Philippians 4:6 — “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing… let your requests be made known unto God.”

Bringing our needs before the Lord acknowledges an important truth: we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength.

We need:

• God’s wisdom
• God’s strength
• God’s provision
• God’s guidance
• God’s grace

Seeking Him is therefore an expression of dependence.

Instead of carrying every burden alone, believers are invited to bring their concerns before the Lord.

5. We Seek God’s Will

1 John 5:14 — “If we ask any thing according to his will…”

Sometimes people think the purpose of prayer is to convince God to give them what they want.

Biblical prayer has a different goal.

As we spend time with the Lord, our desires should increasingly conform to His desires. We learn to say, as Jesus did:

“Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

We bring our requests honestly before God while trusting His wisdom concerning the answer.

6. We Should Continue Seeking God

Luke 18:1 — “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Jesus taught His followers not to give up.

Sometimes God’s answer comes quickly. At other times, believers may seek Him for days, months, or even years.

Persistence does not mean that we force God to act. It means that we continue trusting Him even when the answer has not yet come.

Communication with God should become a regular part of the Christian life rather than something reserved for emergencies.

Our Access to God Comes Through Christ

The Gospel explains why believers can approach God at all.

Sin separates humanity from a holy God. We cannot overcome that separation through good works, religious ceremonies, or human effort.

Jesus Christ made the way.

Hebrews 4:16 declares:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.”

Jesus also said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Through His death and resurrection, Christ:

• Opened the way to the Father
• Dealt with the barrier of sin
• Became our mediator
• Reconciled believers to God

Because of Christ, Christians do not approach God as strangers trying to gain His attention. We come as His children.

We can:

• approach Him confidently.
• bring Him our burdens.
• confess our sins.
• thank Him for His blessings.
• ask for wisdom.
• worship Him.

And we can trust Him with the answer.

A Relationship, Not a Ritual

Prayer does not have to be complicated.

You do not need impressive words, a special vocabulary, or like someone else.

Simply talk to God.

Tell Him what is on your heart. Thank Him for what He has done. Confess your failures. Ask for His guidance. Pray for other people. Praise Him for who He is.

Most importantly, remember that the purpose is not merely to receive something from God.

The greatest privilege of prayer is knowing God Himself.

It is how we talk with God.

It is part of how we walk with God.

What About You?

What is the hardest part of prayer for you?

Do you sometimes find yourself treating it as a duty rather than enjoying it as part of your relationship with God?

Share your thoughts below.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

A Simple, Biblical Explanation of the Church

When many people hear the word “church,” they think of a building or a denomination. But what is the church in the Bible?

The Bible presents something far greater.

The church is not a building—it is a people.

The word “church” comes from a term meaning “called out assembly.”

The church is:

• A spiritual body
• A redeemed community
• A living organism, not just an organization

What Is the Church in the Bible?

The Bible describes the church in several powerful ways:

1. The Church Is the Body of Christ

👉 1 Corinthians 12:27 — “Ye are the body of Christ”

Christ is the head, and believers are the members.

This means:

• We are connected to Christ
• We are connected to one another
• Every member has a purpose

2. The Church Is a Spiritual Family

👉 Ephesians 2:19 — “Fellow citizens… of the household of God”

The church is not just attendance—it is belonging.

We are:

• Brothers and sisters in Christ
• United by the Spirit
• Part of one family

3. The Church Is a Holy Temple

👉 1 Corinthians 3:16 — “Ye are the temple of God”

God does not dwell in buildings—He dwells in His people.

The church is:

• A place of God’s presence
• A dwelling of the Spirit

4. The Church Is the Bride of Christ

👉 Ephesians 5:25 — Christ loved the church

The church is deeply loved and set apart for Christ.

This speaks of:

• Relationship
• Devotion
• Future glory

5. The Church Has a Mission

👉 Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission

The church exists to:

• Make disciples
• Teach the Word
• Proclaim the gospel

The church is not called to sit—it is called to go.

6. The Church Gathers and Grows

👉 Hebrews 10:25 — Not forsaking the assembling

The early church:

• Gathered regularly
• Worshiped together
• Grew in truth and unity

The Church and the Gospel

The church exists because of the gospel.

👉 Acts 2:47 — The Lord added to the church

People do not join the church to be saved—
They are added to the church because they are saved.

What Christ Did for the Church:

• Purchased it with His blood — Acts 20:28
• Builds it — Matthew 16:18
• Sustains it

Because of Christ:

• The church is alive
• The church is growing
• The church will endure

Conclusion

The church is not optional—it is essential.

It is God’s design for:

• Worship
• Growth
• Fellowship
• Mission

👉 The church is not a place you go
👉 It is a people you belong to

🔥 CALL TO ACTION

• What does “church” mean to you—a place or a people?
• How has being part of a church impacted your life?

👇 Share your thoughts below.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

Judgment, Grace, and the Hope We Find in Christ

Every Person Is Accountable to God

God’s Judgment Reveals His Holiness and Justice

• wrongdoing is not ignored forever.
• truth matters.
• darkness does not get the final word.

Judgment Exposes the Seriousness of Sin

Judgment Should Drive Us to Jesus

A Call to Live Ready

• hold eternity more closely.
• take repentance more seriously.
• value faithfulness more than appearance.
• remember that the Christian life is not casual; it is a daily response to the grace of God.

Final Reflection

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

• speaks when we do wrong.
• warns us before we act.
• can trouble us with guilt, or leave us with peace when we believe we’ve done what is right.

The Conscience Bears Witness

The Conscience Accuses or Excuses

The Conscience Can Be Weak

• struggle with discernment.
• be easily troubled.
• react strongly where biblical understanding is still growing.

The Conscience Can Be Defiled

The Conscience Can Be Seared

The Conscience Must Be Cleansed

What the Conscience Reveals—and What the Gospel Provides

• guilt can be forgiven
• the conscience can be cleansed
• peace with God can be known
• we can learn to walk with a clear conscience before Him

Conclusion

🔥 Share your thoughts in the Comments

• Has your conscience ever convicted you of something you ignored?
• Do you think people today are losing sensitivity to sin?

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.

A Simple, Biblical Explanation of the Law

When people hear the word “law,” they often think of rules, restrictions, or religious obligations.

But in the Bible, God’s commands are much more than a list of rules.

The Law is God’s perfect standard of righteousness, revealing His character and showing humanity our need for Him.

Psalm 19:7 — “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul…”

God’s standard reflects:

• His holiness
• His justice
• His moral will

What God commands teaches us not only how we should live but also something about who God is.

What Does the Bible Teach About God’s Law?

Scripture presents several important truths about God’s righteous standard.

1. It Reveals God’s Character

God’s commands are not arbitrary. They flow from His holy nature.

Leviticus 19:2 — “Be ye holy; for I the Lord your God am holy.”

God commands holiness because He is holy. He commands truth because He is true. He commands justice because He is just.

His instructions therefore reveal something about His character.

2. It Shows Us What Sin Is

Human beings naturally tend to judge themselves by comparing their behavior with that of other people. Scripture gives us a different standard.

Romans 3:20 — “By the law is the knowledge of sin.”

God’s commands act like a mirror. A mirror can reveal dirt on your face, but it cannot wash your face.

In the same way, God’s standard exposes our sin but cannot cleanse us from it.

It shows us where we have fallen short.

3. God Requires Perfect Obedience

We sometimes imagine that being reasonably good is enough.

Scripture teaches otherwise.

James 2:10 — “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”

God’s standard is perfect righteousness.

That presents every human being with a serious problem. None of us has perfectly obeyed God.

As Romans 3:23 declares:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

This is why understanding God’s standard helps us understand the seriousness of sin.

4. Good Works Cannot Save Us

Obeying commandments cannot erase the sins we have already committed.

Galatians 2:16 — “By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

This is one of the most important distinctions in Scripture.

God’s commands can tell us what righteousness looks like, but they cannot make a sinner righteous.

They can expose the problem, but they cannot provide the cure.

We need something more.

We need a Savior.

5. God’s Standard Points Us to Christ

This brings us directly to the Gospel.

Galatians 3:24 — “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ…”

Once we recognize God’s perfect standard and honestly examine ourselves, we discover that we cannot meet it.

That realization should drive us to Jesus Christ.

He did what we could never do.

He lived the perfectly righteous life that we have failed to live.

Why We Need the Gospel

Here is where the message comes together.

God’s righteous standard shows us:

• His holiness
• Our sin
• Our failure
• Our need for a Savior

The Gospel reveals:

• God’s grace
• Christ’s perfect obedience
• His sacrifice for sin
• Salvation through faith

Jesus said in Matthew 5:17:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

Christ perfectly obeyed the Father.

Then He went to the cross and bore the judgment that sinners deserve.

Romans 8:3–4 explains that what sinful humanity could not accomplish, God accomplished through His Son.

What Did Jesus Accomplish?

Jesus:

• Fulfilled God’s righteous requirements
• Lived without sin
• Bore the penalty for our sin
• Died in our place
• Rose from the dead

Because of Christ, those who trust Him are:

• No longer under condemnation
• Justified by faith
• Reconciled to God
• Called to live by grace

Salvation does not come from our ability to keep enough commandments.

It comes through Jesus Christ.

Does Grace Mean God’s Commands No Longer Matter?

No.

Christians do not obey God in order to earn salvation. We seek to obey Him because we have been saved by grace.

Jesus said:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

There is an enormous difference between trying to obey God to become His child and obeying God because you are His child.

One attempts to earn acceptance.

The other flows from love and gratitude.

Biblical obedience is therefore not an attempt to purchase salvation. It is a response to the grace we have already received through Christ.

From Condemnation to Grace

God’s law is not our enemy.

It serves an important purpose, reveals God’s holiness, exposes our sin, and demonstrates our inability to make ourselves righteous.

And ultimately, it points us toward Jesus Christ.

The Law shows us our need.

The Gospel provides the answer.

When we understand the seriousness of God’s standard, we begin to understand the wonder of His grace.

We stop asking, “How can I be good enough?”

Instead, we ask, “Who can save me?”

The Gospel answers:

Jesus Christ can.

What About You?

Have you ever tried to earn God’s acceptance by being good enough?

When did you realize that you could never perfectly meet God’s standard on your own?

The purpose of the Law is not to leave us without hope. It shows us why we desperately need the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.