There are a lot of things we inherit from our families--eye color, the shape of our noses, height and even habits. One thing that's not inherited from our parents? Salvation.
In today's passage, it was interesting to read the clear instruction that God doesn't judge me based on the goodness (or mess-ups) of my parents. And God won't judge my children based on my mistakes or successes. Each one of us is accountable for how we live our lives before God.
I like how God expressed His heart here--His heart is to forgive those who ask Him. Take a look:
"But a wicked person
who turns his back on that life of sin
and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life,
he'll live, really live.
He won't die.
I won't keep a list of all the things he did wrong.
He will live.
Do you think I take any pleasure
in the death of wicked men and women?
Isn't it my pleasure that they turn around,
no longer living wrong but living right—
really living?
As much as I like this excerpt, it's important to note that it's pretty impossible for any human being to keep all of God's statutes (e.g. obey Him at all times). No one is perfect. But here's the Good News--Jesus, God in flesh, was perfect--and through His sacrifice, you and I can be forgiven (see Romans 3:21-27). This means that when God sees those who have accepted Christ's gift of salvation, He doesn't see our sin--He sees the perfect, righteous record of Jesus instead.
Even beyond that? Through faith in Jesus, God actually adopts us as part of His family (review Ephesians 1:4-6). Can you believe that? Like really believe it? No matter what your family tree looks like and even with all of your past mistakes--you can now be one of God's kids. Through faith, you're not only forgiven--you've found a family.
No comments:
Post a Comment