Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus.
ME, A SAINT, REALLY?
But if you should ask: "How can it be? I know that I fail to measure up to the requirements of God's holy Law every single day. How can it be said that I'm a saint?" Answer: It is true, we all stumble in many things. But this is the comfort of Christ's Gospel: All who come to Him in penitent faith, humbly confessing their sins, resting their hopes in Him, are regarded by God as holy ones for Jesus' sake. This explains how Paul could address the people to whom he wrote his New Testament letters in the way that he did: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the SAINTS in Ephesus" (Eph.1:1). "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the SAINTS in Christ Jesus at Philippi" (Phil.1:1). "To the HOLY and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse" (Col.1:2).
Weren't the recipients of these letters imperfect people? Of course. Hadn't they transgressed the commandments times without number each day? No question. Yet God viewed them as saints because the Holy Spirit had used the Gospel to work faith in their hearts in their Savior. Trusting as they did in Him, their scarlet sins had become as white as snow and their crimson transgressions as wool. The same is true of all who who look in faith to the Lamb of Calvary, including you. God has removed the spotted garment of your own righteousness from you and He has adorned you with the robe of righteousness Christ purchased for all with His blood.
We deserve but grief and shame,
Yet His words, rich grace revealing,
Pardon, peace, and life proclaim;
Here their ills have perfect healing
Who with humble hearts believe --
Jesus sinners does receive.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 324:2)
