Assumptions can be dangerous. Even though you don’t specifically remember, you assume that your homework is done, only to realize in class Monday morning that you have nothing to hand in. You assume that the car insurance must have been paid, until the police officer asks to see proof of insurance and you discover the policy has lapsed.
What about our Christianity? Are you a child of God? For proof would you point out that you’ve read the entire Bible this year, that you attend church every Sunday, and that you are honest and hard-working? What about those times when we’ve been lazy in our attention to God’s Word and when we have lied or held a grudge toward someone?
Jesus warns about taking salvation for granted and assuming that we are God’s children on the basis of what we might do. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matt. 7:21-23).
However, it is also a dangerous assumption to think that therefore we can never be sure of our place in God’s kingdom. We can be absolutely sure of our salvation by looking to what Jesus has done, not to what we do. He did everything for us. Our lives today will fall far short of God’s holy standards, but Jesus has already fulfilled the law for us. Nothing we do can make up for a single unkind word or a work of love left undone. But Jesus has already suffered the wrath of God for us. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Are you a Christian? Martin Luther offers a simple test in a few questions: “Do you believe that you are a sinner?”… “Are you sorry for your sins?”… “Do you also hope to be saved?”…”What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him?” Luther’s answer: “He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.”
Are you a Christian? By Spirit-created faith in Jesus alone, you can answer with a resounding, “Yes!” There’s no better way to begin another day of grace.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Service times tomorrow are 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The Sunday school children will sing in first service. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The Bible class will continue its discussion of church fellowship; in particular, what brought about the separation from the ELS/WELS and where do matters stand now.
Messiah members:
Survey: The Elders would like your input on the possibility of using e-giving as another way to offer the Lord cheerful and generous firstfruits for the work of spreading the gospel. Click on this link to fill out the very brief survey: https://tinyurl.com/rktbjyz6
Teachers conference help: We are hosting the CLC teachers conference in October. Help with lodging, meals, and other details is needed. Check the link for the signup sheet: https://tinyurl.com/ymmmpmxp
