A Recipe Book on the Wedding Day
On my wedding day, I give my wife an apple cake recipe book and say, “If you can follow this recipe perfectly for the next 40 years, only then will I accept you, love you, and give you a place in my home.”
Of course she would throw the book in my face! That would be an insult.
Living in Fear
Ironically, this is how millions of people view God. They think, “If I faithfully attend worship and obey every rule, perhaps—just perhaps—God will accept me at the end.” Their lives are filled with fear because they never know whether the “cake” they are baking is perfect enough for God.
Acceptance at the Beginning
A true relationship does not work that way. My marriage did not begin with a test, but with a commitment of trust and acceptance at the beginning. My wife cooks not to earn my acceptance, but because I have already accepted her.
The Heart of the Christian Message
This is the heart of the unique Christian message: Jesus does not say, “Perform all of this, and then I will accept you.” He offers instant forgiveness and acceptance to anyone who believes in Him. Our good works are not the condition for winning His heart, but a grateful response to a relationship that has already been made secure from the beginning.
Happy Sunday, Family of Christ. 😇🙏