Monday, October 1, 2012
Introduction: Very recently, I attended a Church of the Lutheran Confession pastoral conference. I was curious what favorite Bible verses these pastors cling to in their lives and why. So I asked. Twelve pastors responded.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES (1)
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
"This passage is all about our justification and sanctification in Christ Jesus. It has real power."
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
"I need that!"
In both of Paul's letters above, I see a painful truth about myself. I am a sinner. There's no question about it. I hear of specific examples of sins I know too well I am guilty of! How easy it is to be bitter towards a spouse, a family member, or coworker who has "wronged" me! How easy it is to lose my patience, get angry, and raise my voice! How easy it is to talk poorly about others behind their backs! This is NOT the righteousness of Christ.
But the tender kindness and forgiveness of my Savior Jesus Christ shines much more brightly than sin! Because of Jesus' perfect blood payment on the cross God justified the world, declaring it not guilty. "I need that!" I'm forgiven! In the "Great Exchange" God demonstrates His love for me in exchanging His own perfect Son for my redemption from sin. He freely exchanged His righteousness and holiness for my unrighteousness. This freely given love of my God moves my heart to live a sanctified (holy) life for no other reason than my thankfulness for His amazing love!
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 651:1)
