It’s spiritually dangerous to be a practicing church member. You go through religious routines so many times that you’re tempted to forget that you’re staking your life on the Christian faith. This Sunday many churches will read from 1 Timothy chapter one. Verse 15 says, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.” You’ll hear that. Some people may nod in assent. Oh, by the way, how did last night’s ball game turn out? Say what? “Of whom I am foremost?” Now you’re getting personal. Are you comparing me to malefactors, to criminals, to scum?
How does God see us apart from faith in Jesus Christ? “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) “The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4) “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10) I am the sinner for whom Christ died. You are the sinner for whom Christ died. Come Sunday, may your religion get up close and personal. You’re staking your life on it!
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