Thesis 80- We must always focus on the three great truths.
There are three great truths which, to the extent that they are believed, result not just in eternal life, but in a faithful life in the here and now. Three truths that can never be too familiar, never too impactful, that can never be silenced inside and outside the church. Three truths that have the power to reform the church.
The first is this- I am a sinner. I was conceived in sin. I was born in sin. I lived in sin in my death. When I was reborn by His Spirit and in accordance with His will, the power of sin was defeated in me, though its presence remains. I disobey God, defy Him. I harm His image bearers, disrespect His Spirit. I grumble against His goodness and seek joy, meaning and pleasure elsewhere. That I, as a believer, am forgiven, all my sins, past, present and future, doesn’t mean it is not right, fitting and potent for me to remember what I am. The same is true of all of us.
The second is this- Jesus is the savior. He, God the Son, took on flesh and dwelt among us. He obeyed all that God has commanded, living a perfect life. That life He lay down freely, receiving in His person the just wrath of God due to me for my sins. He suffered in my place, taking on my guilt. He died on the cross. Death, however, could not hold Him. For He, in Himself, was innocent. The resurrection vindicated Him, demonstrating that the curse He suffered was what was my due. And the resurrection vindicated me. He died because in me He was guilty. I was raised because in Him I am innocent.
This same Jesus continues to save me, as He washes me with the water of His Word, as He intercedes for me, as He brings all things under subjection. He ascended into heaven, taking His throne at the right hand of the Father. This same Jesus will save me, when He returns, judging the quick and the dead, and raising up my corruptible body incorruptible. His kingdom is forever.
Despite the first, and because of the second, the third is this. My heavenly Father loves me. That love is infinite, immutable, eternal, and personal. That is, He loves me by name. He has adopted me as His son. He is my forever family. His love does not diminish when I sin, nor grow when I do well. For when He looks at me He sees only Jesus. He invites me to come into His presence, not just as my Maker, but as my Father. He holds me in His loving arms and delights in me.
This is what we gather to remember, to celebrate, to feast over. This is the message we take out of our meetings, carrying it to the four corners of the world, and of our neighborhood. This is what defines us as a people- sinners, redeemed and adopted.