Penitent

Oops!  We had that firm resolution to eat better this year.  We really meant it, but then we saw the cherry cheesecake in the fridge left over from the New Year’s Eve party.  We just couldn’t let it go to waste, so we let it go to our waist.  Only two days into the new year and already our firm resolution is shot.  Now how penitent do we need to be?

None at all is the simplest answer.  It is the theological one anyway.  God has set laws in His word, the Bible.  Some of those laws were purely ceremonial and were fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Christ.  The first church synod in Acts 15 made that declaration by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and that truth is reinforced at length in the book of Hebrews.  Some of God’s laws, moral ones, like “Thou shalt not steal” are in effect for all society for all time.  When we break these absolute laws of God we should be penitent, sorry for our sin.  We should go to God who gave the law and tell Him we are sorry and accept His forgiveness.  That is the wonderful gift He gives us through Jesus Christ.

Now about that cheesecake, let us consider a paraphrased quote from Luther who probably was paraphrasing someone else’s comment.  “Neither the believer nor the Church has the liberty to create moral laws where God gave none nor to abolish the laws that He gave.”  I assure you dear friend that there is no law in the Word against finishing the cheesecake.   God does not want us to be burdened with manmade laws that cripple our joy in Christ. (Col. 2:20-23) In fact we are told that if we eat it with thankfulness we are free to eat anything.  (I Timothy 4:3)

Too often we take ourselves and our resolutions to self denial too seriously.  I am not saying be a glutton for God does condemn gluttony.  I am not saying live an undisciplined life for God’s word is full of directions to the contrary.   What God is saying in Colossians 2 is that we are not a better person for not eating the cheesecake.  We are better people for knowing and loving Him.  Please enjoy Christ this year. 

Great Christ of God the wedding feast at Cana you did enjoy

And for the blessings of the host Your power You did employ

So let us find the joy in life with all You did create

And give You praise and righteous thanks in all we celebrate

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