The Dutch youth mentioned yesterday had sought for God through Indian philosophy and its assertion of our oneness, amounting to identity, with Brahma and through meditation on nature. They both came out at zero, however, but he looked into the face of Jesus, and it came out yes!
Back of the huge figure of Buddha at Nara, Japan, stand two figures, the recording secretaries of the universe. One records what he sees and the other records what he hears. Nothing escapes them, and it is all written down against us. There is no forgiveness; everything has to be paid for to the last jot and tittle. No such voice can or does come, as, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Buddha.” In Jesus and only in Jesus does that voice come. It comes, not by doing penance nor by priestly absolution, which have no power to lift the condemnation. A convert from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism heard of “Mary’s” going about and witnessing to her conversion, and she said in surprise, “Why I have been converted and nothing happened.” No, for she went from a system to a system, but didn’t get to the Savior.
This story is beautiful. A little boy stole five dollars from his father, and his conscience troubled him so he made up his mind to tell him, but he was afraid. When he finally did tell him, the father was furious at first. Then he softened and took the boy up in his lap and told of his stealing thirteen dozen eggs from his mother and selling them. The little boy put his arms around his father’s neck and said, “Dad, we are partners together, aren’t we? We are both thieves.” A beautiful story, but this side of the necessities. They were partners in condemnation. They needed to be partners in forgiveness—forgiveness from each other and from God.
This forgiveness is not achieved; it is received. It is the gift of God.
THE PRAYER
O Divine Redeemer, only Thy divine voice can reach to the depths of my need and lift the burden of guilt and condemnation. “Who but God can forgive sins?” asked the bystanders. Yes, who? But Thou art God—God intimate, approachable, lovable. I come to Thee. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY
Formerly a partner with all men in condemnation, I am now a partner with Him in reconciliation.
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2 Responses
Amen!
That’s why Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life.
All other ways are systems and philosophies.
All of their leaders died.
Jesus is alive.
Humanity has mistakenly mixed Jesus with other religions.
He is not a religion.
He is life.
Colossians 1:15-17
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Staying 💪’n Christ
No religious system can connect your heart directly to God. Only the risen Savior can do that!