In these three verses of scripture spoken by the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord uses the pronoun “I” six times. He does this to confirm what He will do and accomplish. The lost sinner is passive in this work of regeneration or new birth. It is the full and complete work of Almighty God. I became the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus for good works (that is morally excellent and virtuous actions, deeds, and lifestyle). My character and my conduct have changed, even though in this life I am still a mortal man. These words mean more than an outward reformation. I formerly saw no beauty in the Lord Jesus Christ now I love him above all things.
Here is what Charles Spurgeon[23] said about good works: “Good works come from a real conversion, brought about by the Spirit of God. Until our conversion, there is not the shadow of goodness about us. In the eye of the world, we may be reputable and respectable, but in the eye of God, we are nothing of the sort. Could we look into our hearts, as we sometimes look into other people’s faces, we should see very much there, which would drive out of our souls the very imagination of good works before our heart, is changed. How many things there are in the world, which we have upon our tables and which we even eat, that if we were to put beneath our microscope we should be afraid to touch, for we should see all kinds of loathsome creatures creeping and crawling about in them-such things as we never conceived! Therefore, it is with human nature. When once the human heart is put under the microscope of Scripture, and we see it with a spiritual eye, we see it to be so vile and filthy, that we are quite sure that until we have a new heart and a right spirit, it would be just as impossible to expect to find good works in an unrighteous, unconverted man, as to hope to see fire burning in the midst of the ocean. The two things would be incongruous or incompatible. Our good works, if we have any, spring from a real conversion. Good works from the creature. Impossible! Good works are the gifts of God, his choice pearls, which he sendeth down with his grace. Some people say, ‘Then, sir, you mean to say that Christians may live as they like.’ I wish they could, sir. If I could live as I liked, I would, always live holy. If a Christian could live, as he liked, he would always live, as he ought. It is slavery to him to sin; righteousness is his delight. Oh! If I could but live as I list, I would list to live, as I ought. If I could but live as I would I would live as God commands me. The greatest happiness of a Christian is to be holy. It is no slavery to him. Put him where you will, he will not sin, Expose him to any temptation, if it were not for that evil heart remaining, you would never find him sinning. Holiness is his pleasure; sin is his slavery.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you
Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus
Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and
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