Theology Thursday
Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Have you ever received a fine for speeding? One where it says, if you can demonstrate someone else was driving the car at the time, the fine/demerits will be passed on to them? It’s a bit like our situation.
The difference is that we are caught red-handed. We deserve the fine. Oh I know we don’t think we do. Most criminals don’t. The reality is though that in the cosmic courtroom - there will be no legal loophole and no argument that can save us. But there is hope. Jesus offers to take the penalty in our place.
To access this hope we must admit our guilt and commit to living differently. And we can’t keep living recklessly as if we have a free pass. Instead, convicted (internally) of our sin we look to Jesus as our teacher and learn to drive/live like Him.
But to connect to last week. It’s worth seeing just how gracious Jesus has been. We didn’t have one penalty notice. Something we could have called a mistake or a ‘slip-up’. Our proverbial fridge is littered with pieces of paper that remind us of our guilt. But if we trust in Him, then Jesus takes each and every one, marking them as PAID IN FULL.
Thank you Jesus.
For Today:
Pray:
Passages: Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Colossians 3:16
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Have you ever received a fine for speeding? One where it says, if you can demonstrate someone else was driving the car at the time, the fine/demerits will be passed on to them? It’s a bit like our situation.
The difference is that we are caught red-handed. We deserve the fine. Oh I know we don’t think we do. Most criminals don’t. The reality is though that in the cosmic courtroom - there will be no legal loophole and no argument that can save us. But there is hope. Jesus offers to take the penalty in our place.
To access this hope we must admit our guilt and commit to living differently. And we can’t keep living recklessly as if we have a free pass. Instead, convicted (internally) of our sin we look to Jesus as our teacher and learn to drive/live like Him.
But to connect to last week. It’s worth seeing just how gracious Jesus has been. We didn’t have one penalty notice. Something we could have called a mistake or a ‘slip-up’. Our proverbial fridge is littered with pieces of paper that remind us of our guilt. But if we trust in Him, then Jesus takes each and every one, marking them as PAID IN FULL.
Thank you Jesus.
For Today:
- What sins have you committed recently?
- Do you trust in Jesus for your forgiveness?
- What does repentance look like for you today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His grace in sending His Son to take His justice.
- Give thanks for Christ who has paid for our sins in full.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others live more like Jesus today.
Passages: Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, Colossians 3:16
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