Police Devotion 3-25-2016
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” (Romans 1:16)
When you hear the term, “the power of God,” you may think of the Flood, the Ten Plagues, or some other miracle that God did. Yet our verse talks of another miracle that God does—one that only God can do—the miracle of salvation. The gospel of Christ is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” People may say, “I’m trying to get to heaven,” or “I’m working on it,” but people can’t get to heaven on their own power: “Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2:9), not of man.
Salvation is a work of God. How does He do it? He uses His Word, the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” God uses His Word to show people that they’ve sinned against Him and can’t get to heaven on their own: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23). It’s an uneasy feeling to see that you’ve sinned and can’t get to heaven on your own, but that’s how God shows you that you need His miracle of salvation.
God also uses His Word to show people that their sins have condemned them to death and hell: “For the wages of sin is death” and “…death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14). It is uncomfortable to realize that you’re lost without Christ and headed for hell, but that’s also God’s way of working on your heart to show you that you need His miracle of salvation.
God also deals with people’s hearts to show them the good news that Jesus died for their sins, and Jesus’ death paid their sin-penalty in full. That’s why Jesus said before He died, “It is finished:” (John 19:30) “…the LORD [God the Father] hath laid on him [God the Son, Jesus] the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) “…Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Jesus was buried but rose again the third day: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;” (Revelation 1:18). The most wonderful news you’ll ever hear is that the Lord Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again.
As a cop, you’ve probably agreed to plea deals in court. In many cases, you don’t mind cutting the defendant a break, but what do you want to see from him first? A change of heart, a repentance about what he’s done, right? That’s what God wants to see from sinners—a change of mind, repentance.
When a repentant sinner receives Jesus into his heart and life—trusting the Lord entirely to forgive him of his sins and save him and take him to heaven—Jesus performs the miracle of salvation in the sinner’s life! “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
Salvation is a miracle that God does in people’s lives, but He only does it by consent. The Lord Jesus doesn’t force Himself into people’s hearts and lives. He knocks: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,” (Revelation 3:20). The best decision you’ll ever make is to answer His knock and receive Jesus as Saviour, but the worst decision you’ll ever make is not to receive Him: “…To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts,” (Hebrews 3:15)
Once you’ve received Jesus as Saviour, the miracles don’t stop there. When you attend a church where salvation through Jesus Christ is preached and God’s Word is honored, God keeps working in your heart through Bible preaching. He helps you know and love Jesus better, serve Him with your life, and enjoy fellowship with Him. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). If you’ve never seen how to receive Jesus as Saviour but you want to, please click “Helpful Links” on the top menu and then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 3/25/2016
Cleveland Baptist Church | 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 | 216.671.2822