Feelings

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 4
 
"Faith" comes before "feelings" in the dictionary! So it does in the matter of spiritual blessing.
Many would like to reverse the order. They would seek to feel happy before in simple faith they have taken God at His word.
But God would not have assurance of salvation rest on such a flimsy foundation as feelings. He would have us rest on Christ and His atoning sacrifice alone.
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:1111For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Feelings ebb and flow. They come and go like the tides of the sea shore. Christ's work abides. God's way is unchanging.
Christ did it—God says it—I believe it—that settles it!
Christ did what? "After He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God." Hebrews 10:1212But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Hebrews 10:12).
God says what? "That... whosoever believeth in Him (in the Lord Jesus) shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43).
I, the sinner, believe what? "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
Why did the Lord Jesus do it? Because there was no other way in which we could be blessed.
Why does God say it? Because the Lord Jesus did a complete work there at Calvary. He did it all. He said: "It is finished." John 19:3030When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30).
Why do I believe it? Because God says it. Not because I feel anything this way or that. Simply and only because God says it.
Happy feelings depend upon simple faith in Christ's sacrifice, and in God's word about it.