A reminder that we are saved only by God's grace (charity) through faith in Jesus Christ.
So, no more worry over whether you're good enough.
You're not.
Neither am I.
But Jesus' sinless life voluntarily offered for sinners like us is more than good enough. Trust in Him and what He has already done for you, then get on with living your life free of self-absorbed speculations as to whether you're good enough.
All human hope boils down to three simple statements of truth:
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
Christ then, has everything in hand. Trust in Him rather than your own "miserable works and doings" and He will set you free to be all that you could try to be through the works and doings. Christ will live in you and, like the sheep in Jesus' parable of the final judgment, when Jesus extols you for the good accomplished in your life of faith, you will wonder, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" (Matthew 25:37-39)
Where the living Christ is received in faith, Christ saves. And Christ works in and through people who daily welcome Him.
[I'm the pastor of Living Water Lutheran Church in Centerville, Ohio.]
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