It’s midnight, and I’m working on a paper about John Wesley’s views on salvation. For my breaks, I’m listening to parts of Tim Hughes’ new album. The first song, Happy Day, is about the resurrection.
Greatest day in history
Death was beaten, you have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive
The tradition I come from sometimes focuses so much on the cross and the need to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our life, that we forget that Jesus did a lot more during his time on earth. But even so, the cross is central.
Wesley says that “those who once trusted in themselves that they were righteous, that they were rich, and increased in goods, and had need of nothing, are, by the Spirit of God applying his word, convinced that they are poor and naked. … In their trouble they cry unto the Lord, and he shows them that he has taken away their sins, and opens the kingdom of heaven in their hearts, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Sorrow and pain are fled away, and sin has no more dominion over them.”
Sin is washed away. Forever I am changed.
Our belief, and faith, in God’s gift sets us on the path to become Christ imitators. By his grace, we become more like him. This means our lives look different. We start doing things for others – not to earn merit in God’s eyes, but because of what God has done for us.
The cross matters. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in our lives we miss the point. What will I … what will you … do about the cross? Does it make a difference in how we live? Will it?
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