This last week has been a good opportunity to review the Gospel that we claim. It starts with the bad news. I suppose most of us aren't really aware of the bad news, even those of us who know the Gospel. We know, we know, sin ... yeah, yeah, but how bad can it be? It is an infinite transgression against an infinite God by a finite creation that wishes to be God. It is an attack on heaven. Each sin we commit is an act of treason against God, rightly deserving eternal torment.
You know we don't really understand that. You know it because there are so many who argue, "Oh, there's not really a Hell." You know it because there are so many that argue, "God loves everybody; He wouldn't do anything like that." We know it because when my mom says, "I really suffer from the sin of pride," I respond with, "Is that all you got?" "Is that all you got?" That's sufficient for damnation. Isn't that enough?
It is only when we get a clear glimpse of sin, its vileness, and the just response of a holy God that we can even begin to appreciate the good news. We aren't "misguided children", making errors as we go. We're armed sheep seeking to slay the shepherd. And the shepherd knows it. So what does he do? He makes gracious, merciful provision for us to be forgiven.
It is often argued that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. For the most part, it's a moot point. Christianity, by definition, is a religion. Fine. But what a religion! We have a Savior who so loved us that He laid down His life on our behalf, receiving on Himself our sin and the just punishment for that sin. Then, on the basis of faith, He applies His own perfect righteousness to us and we arise, sinless in the eyes of the Father!
Imagine with me, for a moment, a little child. She stands shivering and alone in the rain. There is nowhere to go, no relief, no hope. Suddenly, in a lightning strike, a dark figure is illuminated in the shadow of a nearby tree. Frightened and on guard, she peers through the darkness. There is another flash and the little girl's eyes are opened. The figure is her mother, wrapped in a long, warm coat, waiting for her. She runs joyously into her mother's arms, holding tightly. The collision unfurls the coat and it settles around the shivering little girl, wrapping her in warmth and comfort. That's us. We stand without hope in the downpour. A scary figure appears before us -- Christ. Suddenly we are illuminated; He is for us! We run into His waiting arms, happy to be found by Him, and He wraps us in salvation and righteousness and peace with God.
When we cease to be amazed by grace, we can really get lost pretty easily. Remind yourself today of how bad sin really is and how amazing God's grace really is. Grasp, once again, the Savior as He calls you to cling to Him. The benefits are marvelous, but the relationship is without parallel.
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