Saved by Faith -- In Bondage Through Feelings

Alcoholics Anonymous brings people in to bondage to their feelings.

We are saved by grace, which we receive by faith (Ephesians 2: 4-8)

What is faith?

"1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1)

Faith is not about what we see, but about taking God at His Word.

We have to accept His grace by faith, because Jesus cannot die for us again.

Jesus cannot come down to earth and be recrucified.

Why? Because He now lives in a perfect body, through the power of an endless life (1 Timothy 6: 16; Hebrews 7: 16)

We accept His grace, and keep accepting it by faith (Romans 5: 17).

Yet in AA, we get caught up all the time in our feelings. If we feel resentment or anger, frustration or fear, we have to do something about those feelings, or we "may drink again."

No wonder so many people struggle with shame and fear in AA. They are living their lives through feelings, assessing their peace based on what they sense, see, feel, hear, etc.

The Bible grants us a better standing for peace:

"1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5: 1-2)

Notice that first verse: justified by faith. We receive it based on the word of Christ (Romans 10: 17)

We have access by faith (again, in what Jesus has done for us at the Cross), and we can expect good things because of this grace.

I cannot admit this truth enough: I wanted to feel saved, not just believe.

AA was a big part of that. And for so long, I kept running to other people, so that they could make me feel better if I was scared, afraid, etc.

There is no peace in our flesh, there is no rest in seeking peace through our efforts.

We are justified by what Jesus did.

And justified can just as easily be written "Just as if it never happened."

Yes!