God’s Love + Grace=Redemption
We live in a world where there is a lot of condemnation and finger-pointing. The “blame game” is played in families, in the business world and among nations. It seems that most of the time, many people spend a lot of time and energy looking for a scapegoat; someone to blame, someone to condemn.
I find it very refreshing, dare I say freeing, to read in the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, that God is not in the business of condemning, but He is in the business of redeeming and saving. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17, RSV)
John is clear that God’s plan concerning His wayward creation is one of salvation, not condemnation. It was, and is, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross that stands between the sinfulness of humanity and the judgment of God. It could be said that God grades on a curve; a curve made up of love and grace. Or to use even more graphic imagery, one could say that God graded the sin of mankind on the cross more than 2,000 years ago.
Paul highlights this truth in Romans 8:1 as he proclaims the following good news: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who believe in Christ Jesus.” (RSV)
And my dear friends, since we have now celebrated the joy of Easter, how about an AMEN and ALLELUIA??!!! And, do not forget as you head out to face the world today the familiar charge/job description that you so often hear at the end of our liturgies: “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
May you be blessed today and always.
