Bible Readings for the Home

Chapter 21

Reconciled to God

What does Paul say of the carnal mind?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7.

Why is the carnal mind enmity?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7.

Can one please God while he is carnally minded?
"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."  Romans 8:8.

What will those receive who remain in that state?
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6.

In what way may this condition be changed?
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20.

How was this reconciliation brought about in the case of the wicked Ninevites, when Jonah prophesied their destruction?
"But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands."
"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." Jonah 3:8, 10. 

Are repentance and confession still essential to reconciliation?
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" Acts 3:19.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

Is this work effected independently of the sinner's action?
"For 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.
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Romans 5:10. 

How is the carnal mind destroyed?
"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6.

When the work on the part of the sinner has been thoroughly done, how complete will be the change in him?
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

How may we know whether or not one has experienced this change?
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20.

If one has a spiritual mind, what fruit will he bear?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.

What is the first result of justification?
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1.

How complete is the justification of that person who becomes reconciled to God?
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

When thus reconciled to God, how will the individual stand?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1.