A Universal Need!
By Pastor Ed Fredrich, TLHA Chaplain
I tell you, no. But unless you repent, you will all perish too. Luke 13:5
When tragedy strikes, we often are tempted to judge the people adversely affected by suspecting that they had done something for which they were punished. Luke 13 mentions the fate of some Galileans that had come to the temple to sacrifice to the Lord and Pilate made them the sacrifice. Jesus also pointed to another tragedy where eighteen people were killed when a tower collapsed. He asked, “Do you think that they were worse sinners that all the people in Jerusalem?”
This is where Jesus expresses our universal need, “I tell you, no. But unless you repent, you will all perish too.” Repentance is a daily activity of a Christian. Why?
Romans 3 is a good application of Jesus’ words. God is perfect. He had created us perfect. That is the standard that he requires for us to come into his presence. The Bible is clear, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) In Romans 3:9-18 Paul has a list of Old Testament passages that point out that all are guilty of sin.
In Romans 3:20 Paul points out that “no one will be declared righteous in his [God’s] sight by works of the law, for through the law we become aware of sin.” Not one of us will be able to stand before the Lord on Judgement Day and justify ourselves relying on our merits. A correct use of the law makes us aware of the truth that we have to repent if we want eternal life with God.
What a blessed assurance Romans 3 also delivers. All “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
Lord Jesus, continue to make me aware of my sin and lead me to repentance. Refresh my soul with the assurance of your righteousness. Amen.