While the attention of the graduation ceremony was on the students and their accomplishments, I couldn’t help but think that, if current trends continue, nearly half of those who marry will divorce, while many will break up with one or more common-law partners. Why do so many relationships go sour? The answer is found in the Bible: all of us have sinned and need a Saviour.
This week I have been reading a book entitled “The Common Made Holy” by Neil T. Anderson and Robert L. Saucy. This book was graciously donated to our ministry by Pastor Raymond Johnson, who worked closely with my late father-in-law, Clarence Shelly, in organizing a week of meetings with Dr. Barry Moore in Pierrefonds a number of years ago. At that time, Dr. Moore proclaimed the life-changing message of the gospel: that Jesus came from heaven to redeem mankind by dying on the cross for our sins.
As Dr. Martin has seen in his lifetime of public service, changes take time. However, the Word of God teaches that we can have a personal relationship with God by faith in Christ, which begins the instant that we repent of our sins and trust in what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Just as Jesus told the repentant thief that he would be with Him in paradise, so, too, we receive new life the moment that we are born spiritually.
Anderson and Saucy write: “But our slavery to sin and death and the various servitudes that were involved have come to an end through our death and resurrection in Christ. The goal of our crucifixion with Christ was ‘so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin’ (Romans 6:6).” All people are either slaves to selfish pursuits or servants of the Most High God. Which path will you choose?
By His grace,
Steve