A View From The Lighthouse 01.11.2025
As we move into this new year (2025), what better time to renew our foundational understanding of God and who we are in Christ? Stated another way, to reflect upon the Biblical Foundation of Truth upon which our Salvation is founded, our Strength to endure is established, and our Courage to face our sinful nature is accepted.
If there is one human characteristic consistent in our world, it is that we make mistakes and fall short of perfection. That is simply what human beings do. Our behavior—how we interact with our environment and one another—will inevitably be self-serving and flawed at various points in our lives. This imperfection, which began with Adam and Eve, has remained unchanged.
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23, NIV).
You and I cannot lead a sinless life. We are bound to make mistakes, errors in judgment, and violate God’s commandments, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Our outward behavior may be exemplary in public and even in private, but our inward character will always be shaped by our human depravity. Even God’s chosen people followed their human nature.
The Prophet Hosea notes in Hosea 7:8-11 that the moral life of the people of Israel had deteriorated to a point where they were unaware of their own dangerous symptoms and oblivious to their separation from God. Signs of decline among the people and the nation went unrecognized, leaving the People of God consumed by Canaan for nearly 2,000 years.
So, what can you and I do about this generational ‘shortcoming’ we were born into? Should we donate more to our church? Should we pray three times a day or more? Should we perform great deeds?
“…All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins carry us away…” (Isaiah 64:6)
Our good works and great deeds are nothing but filthy rags; they cannot earn us salvation or win God’s compassion and forgiveness for our human depravity.
“…If we claim we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not within us…” (1 John 1:8, ESV)
God knew that there was only one way for His Creation to experience communion with Him—a communion that transforms humanity’s inner character by guiding individuals to act according to God’s direction. Hosea 14:2-4 tells Israel that God desires heartfelt confessions; such confessions of sin will lead to forgiveness and the complete restoration of His Favor and Grace.
“…Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me…” (John 14:6, NIV)”
“…To Him, (Christ) all the prophets testify that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name…” (Acts 10:43)
“…If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9, ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)
Consider starting 2025 with a renewed and refreshed relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Take a quiet moment for confession, seeking His forgiveness and guidance for the year ahead. Remember, God does not listen to your words; He listens to your heart. Let your heart speak to Him, and He will answer and forgive. His Word assures us of this, and His resurrected Son promised it.
With deepest respect, Soli Deo Gloria, LEO BT Chaplain B
