| | “A great salvation” – Hebrews 2:3 Well, today is October 31st, which most likely means that many Americans will be celebrating Halloween. For those of you who know church history this is when the Great Reformation ignited and how Christians now rejoice in justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works alone! For me, however, I’m humbled and amazed that this is true: exactly 4 years ago, God saved me. Here’s my story: When I was 12 I began with what would soon become a terrible drug addiction, and worst of all, I had no idea who God was or who Jesus was or what the gospel was. And through several low points in high school (i.e. family deaths, contemplating suicide freshman year) I looked to my drug addiction as my god and sought comfort and satisfaction from it instead of the only true God. Throughout my high school days this addiction grew worse and I tried to do all that I could to break free from it, but all to no avail as I would experience withdraw symptoms. I think out of all the times I acted wickedly, none other was clearly demonstrated then me blaspheming him on a night when there was a marching band competition (yes, I was in marching band; any comments/critiques welcome!), and because I was looking forward to competing, I cursed God due to the fact that we had to compete in the school’s gym instead of on the football field. In the mystery of God’s sovereign love, he allowed me to live. Upon the end of my senior year I was truly looking forward to leaving NJ and heading down to a college where I would never have to see any folks from high school, ready to “reinvent” my life. Little did I know that the reinvention would be God’s doing and not my own. Upon coming down to Shenandoah University I met some Christian friends and started going to campus ministry meetings, thinking I was a Christian. It didn’t take too long to realize that I was tragically not, and nothing I could do could bring genuine confirmation; I still brought my sin, and drug addiction, from NJ to VA. I do remember the faithfulness of Brad, who was and is one of my buddies; he simply invited me to join a men’s Bible study that night and God sovereignly allowed me to accept that invitation. Little did I know that’s when God would aggressively pursue my heart. I can’t remember what we studied that night, but I do remember another close brother of mine, David, simply encouraged all of us by presenting the gospel: that God is holy, we are sinful and hostile against God, and apart from him and left to ourselves we are destined to receive his righteous, furious, eternal wrath; in his sovereign, merciful love, God sent his Son (Jesus), who took on flesh, dwelt among us, lived a perfect life by actively obeying God in all areas at all times in our place, and died on the cross in our place for our sins, receiving the punishment that we all deserve. Jesus died on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, he was buried, and rose on the third day to show that he has power over sin and death, ascended in heaven, and lives, reigns, and intercedes for all of those who but turn from their sins and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And he calls us now to turn from our sins and trust in him; when we do God not only forgives all of our sins, but he also freely credits Jesus’ perfect righteousness as ours, and accepts us on the basis of his righteousness. One thing I do remember, though, is David ended the time together with this quote: “You are a little speck compared to God.” My thoughts: “That’s nice… hey it’s 11 and I need to get ready for Calculus tomorrow morning.” God used those words to help me see how enslaved to sin I was and how he alone can save me; I was literally tossing and turning all night with that quote circulating my mind. And of course, I gave myself to try and dismiss that quote, but God allowed to use that to set the stage for the greatest miracle of all: God regenerating my heart and him enabling me to respond to the gospel message! So, after coming to another fairly low point freshman year here at SU, I found myself at homecoming weekend, which was tons of fun, especially going to the dance with campus ministry friends! The following morning, October 31st, I found myself watching, out of all films, Bruce Almighty… God has a humorous way of redeeming depraved, wicked sinners, doesn’t he? J Yes, the movie was a complete distortion of the nature and character of God; and yes, God used that movie to convict me strongly of my pride, and bring me to the foot of the cross at the end of the movie. So after the movie, it was there that I turned from my sins, and placed my trust in Jesus as my Lord and Savior; and in God’s incredible grace he not only forgave me of all my sins but he freely credited Jesus’ righteousness as mine, accepted me, called me his son (and he does that for all who respond!), and is molding me into the image of his Son! Praise God! I am so amazed at how far God has brought me. For starters, that drug addiction has lost power over me; shortly after God saved me I gave up my drug addiction and began to believe that God can bring real and true satisfaction, and by God’s grace I still affirm that he is better! This past Wednesday we were sharing evidences of grace; my care group leader pointed out how I pursue holiness and am passionate for God’s word, and continue to be one who encourages and spurs others on. In light of today, this thought immediately crossed my mind: THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I DIDN’T! There was a time that I hated holiness and wanting to excel still more! I hated reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s word; I hated praying and sharing the gospel; I hated giving myself to the local church and serving my brothers and sisters in Christ (and I probably would’ve hated them too!); I hated the idea and practice of killing indwelling sin; in short, I hated God! And I was glad to be there! Now look at what God has saved me from and is doing in my life! Now I get to love him, I get to serve him and praise him, I get to enjoy his relationship with me, I can gladly serve and lay my life down for the good of others, I can encourage others to pursue God diligently, I get the opportunity to read, study, memorize, meditate, and speak God’s word to others, I get to rejoice in the fact that this is a great salvation! And the best part about it is that it’s only because of what he has done, and therefore I have no claim of my own! ‘Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”’ – Romans 11:33-35 If you are a Christian, please don’t neglect such a great salvation (Hebrews 2:3)! Please consider John Piper’s definition of this “great salvation” and may it only spur you on! “Only what is it really—this great salvation? What he's really saying is: Don't neglect being loved by God. Don't neglect being forgiven and accepted and protected and strengthened and guided by Almighty God. Don't neglect the sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross. Don't neglect the free gift of righteousness imputed by faith. Don't neglect the removal of God's wrath and the reconciled smile of God. Don't neglect the indwelling Holy Spirit and the fellowship and friendship of the living Christ. Don't neglect the radiance of God's glory in the face of Jesus. Don't neglect the free access to the throne of grace. Don't neglect the inexhaustible treasure of God's promises. This is a great salvation. Neglecting it is very evil. Don't neglect so great a salvation.” And for the non-Christians, feel free to think however you want, but please consider my words and most importantly the claims of Christ. I appeal to you, as an ambassador of Christ, be reconciled to God. Please turn from your sin, trust in the Savior, and receive forgiveness of sins, freely imputed righteousness, and God’s infinite acceptance because of what he has done for you in Christ! “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36 |
