A Christmas Truth
31/12/14 13:37
Are we trying to earn God's love by keeping his laws? Then we are pushing uphill!
The fact is that “all who depend on the Law (who are seeking to be justified by obedience to the Law of rituals) are under a curse and doomed to disappointment.” Galatians 3.10 (The Amplified Bible).
Notice, first, because we can't rescue ourselves, the mighty truth is that God sent Jesus to rescue us - to be our saviour. We specially celebrate this event at Christmas time.
But, second, what prompts his amazing love for sinful humanity? There is only one explanation. God loves us because he wants to! It's certainly not because we deserve it.
Third, why hasn't our sinfulness attracted his anger rather than his love? Though he does get angry about sin, his mercy is greater than his anger!
“His anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime.” Psalm 30.5 (NIV).
Fourth, but why does God want to reconcile to himself a rebellious world? We don't know. Why do parents yearn for a rebellious child? Love is so powerful - more powerful than hatred or enmity.
Though it is hard to understand, I accept that this is how things are. Do you?
* * *
The fact is that “all who depend on the Law (who are seeking to be justified by obedience to the Law of rituals) are under a curse and doomed to disappointment.” Galatians 3.10 (The Amplified Bible).
Notice, first, because we can't rescue ourselves, the mighty truth is that God sent Jesus to rescue us - to be our saviour. We specially celebrate this event at Christmas time.
But, second, what prompts his amazing love for sinful humanity? There is only one explanation. God loves us because he wants to! It's certainly not because we deserve it.
Third, why hasn't our sinfulness attracted his anger rather than his love? Though he does get angry about sin, his mercy is greater than his anger!
“His anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime.” Psalm 30.5 (NIV).
Fourth, but why does God want to reconcile to himself a rebellious world? We don't know. Why do parents yearn for a rebellious child? Love is so powerful - more powerful than hatred or enmity.
Though it is hard to understand, I accept that this is how things are. Do you?
* * *
“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins
against them.” 2 Corinthians 5.19 (Bible for Today).