A Clean Slate

On this last day of 2008.... have you had time to reflect on the past year?

The fantastic, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A new year represents a new beginning.

Who doesn't need that?!

When I look at my life as a follower of Christ I see so much imperfection.

I always feel somewhat comforted by the words of the great Apostle Paul in Romans 7:

Romans 7:21-24 (NIV) 21 "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am!"

Even this "Super Christ Follower" had his struggles!

I can so identify with him.

But there's great hope!

Once we realize where we stand, we recognize we need a Savior.

To go to heaven I need to be sinless.

I can't be.

But Jesus lived that perfect life.

Took the punishment for my sins on the cross.

Stood in my place.

God is both loving and just.

I deserve wrath for my sins.

Jesus said... "I'll endure the wrath for him."

"Father, give him my righteousness in your eyes."

Do we still sin?

Yes.

But we hate it.

We fight it.. daily.

Just like Paul.

But there's joy in the midst of the battle.

Here's what Paul says next:

Romans 7:24-25 (NIV) ...... Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!....

Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) 1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."

The blood that paid for my sins yesterday pays for them today.

And tomorrow.

Last year and this coming year.

Jesus rose from the grave as proof that God accepted His sacrifice for me... and for you too.

Accept Christ as your Savior.

Fight sin in the power of the Holy Spirit.

But when the failures come, take heart.

Desire to be obedient to God with everything you've got.

It's what you want to be even if it's not what you are today.

That's the true test.

And remember Jesus is all about new beginnings.

Moment by moment.

Day by day.

He offers a clean slate.

For now.

Forever.