Monday, August 21, 2006
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
MAIL MEANT FOR MANY
Does it seem like we are reading someone else's mail? Even though we have no addressed envelope, it's clear that this letter was first intended for the Christians in Corinth. Last time I checked we aren't in Achaia. I know that the USPS frowns on people who open and read other people's mail. Should we stop reading? Certainly not! While first addressed to the Corinthians, this letter has been preserved by the Spirit for all Christians.
But is what is said here also true of us? Yes! What was true Corinth is also true in your town. The Corinthian Christians aren't the only ones who can be described as 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' and 'called to be saints.' When you were baptized, your sins were washed away and you were granted faith in Jesus Christ. You have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, for you too have been separated from sin and dedicated to God. God isn't finished with you either -- he still seeks to strengthen and keep you in faith through His Word.
Yes, and as Believers in Christ you are also called to be saints (holy ones). I'm sure you don't think of yourselves as 'saints' -- in the sense being perfect in the eyes of men -- but you are holy in God's sight through faith. You are saints before God, but not because of your holy lives, but because Jesus perfect life is credited to your account.
Yes, and you are not alone. While you do not know who or where they are, Paul reminds us that we are not alone, but part of a great crowd of people, 'who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. This letter, this mail, is truly meant for many, for you and for me.
