The Plea

Not all religions are created equal. Even using the wisdom for the wise only goes so far in exposing truth. You can preach the gospel to a stone all day and get no where. While you could preach it faithfully too in passing and God would raise up a son. God still is mysteriously incomprehensible in this. His ways are higher than ours. Yet, this 'incomprehensible' never implies that he is anything but rational and consistent.

I fall with Anselm on this one about truth. "For I do not seek to understand so I may believe; but I believe so that I may understand. For I also believe that 'unless I believe, I shall not understand'."

I go as far as the tradition of the Protestant reformers when I say, truth of the Gospel is nothing if it is apart from the depths of the heart. This is the gospel without power. I believe such truth is brought to conviction (as truth) by God, The Holy Spirit, alone during conversion. Thus faith could never be from anyone but God himself. It is miraculous. It is a conversion. It is even a work new creation from God's power to faith, granting us a spiritual nature. It is not at enmity with God. We are thus reconcilled to the Glory of God from first to last. It is by this that God takes the foolish things of this world and confounds the wise. In this, God takes the things that have no substance and brings to nothing that which does.

I say in response: God bless the soul of the wayward sinner! Sinner, repent, return for the word is near! the kingdom is at hand! God is not some rock formed by human hands. He is living and interceding before the throne. Turn and you shall see God's favor toward you made evident; God will be your ever present help! Sinner, You will be in no wise cast out! You are now, condemned by weight of the law and the horrid sin that you bear so heavily. There stands a Savior nearby who substitutes in your place and steed so that you may be accounted righteous in the Day of Judgment. You will be arrayed in the garment of His righteousness. Cover your nakedness, rid yourself of the burdens of sin, and take up the cross.

I won't lie and God often asks the impossible, even perfection itself. Who shall be left standing if God was not gracious. God has not forgotten of what stuff mankind is made of. We are but clay. God himself bore such a form on earth, yet without sin. Humble yourself and call out for grace, For God gives grace to the humble. Return you prodigical son, so that you may feast with the Father. Return to the father, poor sinner. Repent for the burden of Christ is light. It is far lighter than any salvation by works or the sin in which, you sinner are so uncontent in carrying out. Trust in Christ. You do not have to bear your sinfulness alone. Let the burden be lifted off by Christ. It is not your constant failures the keep you away, it has a root much deeper; in yourself and your iniquity. It is your rebellion against God. God will reconcile this with faith. Simply to the old wooden cross, cling. Simply come with your dreaded sin to bring. Come wayward Sinner! Have your evening turned to light. For God, himself, shall be your light.