Beginning of Lent in order to picture before Christians the example of Christ, that they may rightly observe Lent, which has become mere mockery:
First, because no one can follow this example and fast forty days and nights as Christ did without eating any food. Christ rather followed the example of Moses, who fasted also forty days and nights, when He received the law of God on Mount Sinai.
Thus Christ also wished to fast when He was about to bring to us, and give expression to, the new law.
In the second place, Lent has become mere mockery because our fasting is a perversion and an institution of man. For although Christ did fast forty days, yet there is no word of his that He requires us to do the same and fast as He did.
Indeed He did many other things, which He wishes us not to do; but whatever He calls us to do or leave undone, we should see to it that we have his Word to support our actions.
Holiness
Holiness is the attribute of God which Scripture emphasizes more than any other. It touches every other attribute. Thus God’s justice is a holy justice, His love is a holy love, His wrath a holy (Psalm 99:9; 111:9; Revelation 15:4).
Holiness implies two things: complete freedom from all moral evil, and absolute moral perfection.
This is our God. He is holy. Holiness is the very beauty of God.
John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Jesus announced this truth, recognizing that God was calling him to lay down his life so his followers could join him in glory. Sacrifice is never easy, but despite his disciples' lack of courage and faithfulness during his last hours, Jesus truly believed that his sacrifice would bring the best out in them, and then also lead them to share his grace and glory with many others. (It should do the same for us!) The very fact that we are thinking of Jesus today is proof that he was correct about his powerful impact on them and others that came after them.
First, because no one can follow this example and fast forty days and nights as Christ did without eating any food. Christ rather followed the example of Moses, who fasted also forty days and nights, when He received the law of God on Mount Sinai.
Thus Christ also wished to fast when He was about to bring to us, and give expression to, the new law.
In the second place, Lent has become mere mockery because our fasting is a perversion and an institution of man. For although Christ did fast forty days, yet there is no word of his that He requires us to do the same and fast as He did.
Indeed He did many other things, which He wishes us not to do; but whatever He calls us to do or leave undone, we should see to it that we have his Word to support our actions.
Holiness
Holiness is the attribute of God which Scripture emphasizes more than any other. It touches every other attribute. Thus God’s justice is a holy justice, His love is a holy love, His wrath a holy (Psalm 99:9; 111:9; Revelation 15:4).
Holiness implies two things: complete freedom from all moral evil, and absolute moral perfection.
This is our God. He is holy. Holiness is the very beauty of God.
John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Jesus announced this truth, recognizing that God was calling him to lay down his life so his followers could join him in glory. Sacrifice is never easy, but despite his disciples' lack of courage and faithfulness during his last hours, Jesus truly believed that his sacrifice would bring the best out in them, and then also lead them to share his grace and glory with many others. (It should do the same for us!) The very fact that we are thinking of Jesus today is proof that he was correct about his powerful impact on them and others that came after them.
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