Divine Imperatives October 19 Devotional
by David Joynt on October 19, 2023
Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
1 JOHN 1:8-10 | 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Luther described human beings who’ve committed their lives to Christ with a terse and realistic Latin phrase. He said we are “simul justus et peccator.” This means we are just or justified and at the same time, are simultaneously sinners. The penalty for all our sins have been set aside by Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been “born again” and have been gifted with the Holy Spirit. We experience, sometimes, the glorious peace and love of God living inside us. Yet we also remain broken. We have psychological wounds. We are reactive and defensive. We become anxious and afraid and these emotions contradict the faith we have in God and his promises and the experience we have of his goodness.
What do you think of Luther’s phrase?
Great and Merciful God,
In Jesus, we are new creatures but we still struggle with old tendencies. Grant us patience as we learn to trust and live as those who’ve been loved and claimed by you.
Amen.
