Context:
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Acts 2-1-21
- Psalm 3
- Genesis 5 to 8
These passages points me to the essence of the Gospel.
First, I am more sinful than I ever dare admit, just like Paul said about the double willed self in Romans7, that I cannot help myself into salvation. I have the wicked intention of rejecting Jesus no matter how many signs, wonders, or prophecies presented to me. Just like Herod and his knowledgeable scribes – who knew perfectly well Christ was to be born in Bethlehem yet spared no means to kill him. Or the people who mocked the wondrous signs on the day of Pentecost.
Yet God will never curse the ground, nor strike down every living creatures as He said in his heart in response to Noah’s sacrifice. Genesis 8:21 is such a contradiction, God! After all, that was exactly what you did BECAUSE OF men’s corruption. Well, then it might have been thanks to Noah and his obedience to God. But ultimately it is Christ and his selfless sacrifice that proves the second leg of the Gospel – that I am more loved and accepted than I ever can hope for.
All I need to do is to ‘call upon the name of the Lord’ and He – to whom salvation belongs – will pour His blessings upon His people and I shall be saved. Amen.
Keane Nguyen 