John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on ME, the works that I do shall he do also: and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto MY FATHER."
Many today sincerely believe that because JESUS performed numerous miracles -- healing illnesses and raising the dead, which were certainly miracles in the truest designation -- GOD intends the followers of CHRIST to accomplish "greater works" (v.12) in the sense of more substantial miracles. Yet, we know that such is not the case because these supernatural wonders ceased with the passing of the Apostles in the first century. The so-called miracles carried out today are, in most cases, simply bogus manipulations. The devastating result is that they draw attention away from man's greatest need -- healing for his sin-sick soul. It is the height of hubris for one to believe that he could out-do our LORD when it comes to working miracles.
The "greater works" to which JESUS refers are not the "sign gifts" that Charismatics and Pentecostals insist are still taking place today. Obviously, their supposed speaking in tongues and giving of prophetic words are not as great as the miracles of CHRIST. Do not allow yourself to be conned by the charlatans and false deceivers of our day ! So, in what sense, then, are we to understand the "greater works" comment that JESUS made ? HIS miracles were undeniable (John 11:47 pictured above). They were spectacular (Luke 22:50-51). They were abundant and often public (Matthew 14:14 pictured above). What works could be "greater" that JESUS' miracles ? The answer simply is this -- none of those miracles had eternal ramifications. They all met an immediate physical need and did not fix man's ultimate necessity: forgiveness of sins. A "greater work," then, is the preaching of the Gospel for salvation by grace through faith in JESUS CHRIST alone, and seeing the lost sinner receive the gift of eternal life. How great a work HE left us to do ! GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
No comments:
Post a Comment