Chris,
I think all true Christians are overwhelmed with gratitude when they consider that God could forgive all their horrible sins and make them the Sons of God. What can compare to that glory? To look back and try to glorify our unchristian past, simply shows pride and a lack of gratitude.
Paul did not labor under such delusions when he said:
Phil.
7: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
8: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9: And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Remember, right before he made that statement he had just said:
2: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision(the Jews).
3: For we(the Christians) are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4: Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6: Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7: But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
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Oh, if only the Messianic Jews and all of us could fully appropriate that sentiment and truth. |
