Gold Tried in the Fire - Robert J. Wieland
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his heart for eternity.<br />
No one can possibly truly obey, except through<br />
this way. And when anyone has this faith, he<br />
cannot possibly live <strong>in</strong> disobedience, for his faith is<br />
an energiz<strong>in</strong>g force that "works." Formerly he was<br />
alienated from God, for we "were God's enemies,<br />
but he made us his friends through <strong>the</strong> death of his<br />
Son." Romans 5:10, TEV. We have been "justified<br />
by his blood." Romans 3:9. The death of His Son<br />
makes us His friends. John 15:15. If justification<br />
by faith changes God's enemies <strong>in</strong>to His friends, it<br />
must be extremely powerful!<br />
John <strong>the</strong> Baptist saw this truth when he said,<br />
"No one can have anyth<strong>in</strong>g unless God gives it to<br />
him." John 3:27, TEV. This is <strong>the</strong> basis for true<br />
human love. It is <strong>the</strong> solution to <strong>the</strong> vex<strong>in</strong>g social<br />
problems that poison our modern lives. Love, <strong>the</strong><br />
"sweet mystery of life" soon turns bitter, unless<br />
such love is gratefully accepted <strong>in</strong> faith as <strong>the</strong> gift<br />
of Heaven. To take what God has not given is <strong>the</strong><br />
s<strong>in</strong> of fornication or adultery, <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> of despis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
what God has given. Marriage is not ours; it is part<br />
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