Time for Grace-May 17, 2024

Time for Grace-May 17, 2024

John 15:26-27

[Jesus said] “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also are going to testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your plan of salvation was to save our sorry selves. Jesus came to live the perfect life and to die an innocent death, making an eternal payment for our sins; yet Jesus’ life and death are meaningless without faith in Him. Since your desire was for us sinners to join you in heaven, the Spirit of truth was sent by Jesus and proceeds from you.

When the Holy Spirit works in our souls, the life-giving faith each person needs, we know, trust, and believe in your salvational plan. By faith, one needs to recognize their corruption and realize the severity of their sins. When we see what we deserve for our sins, the Holy Spirit works in us and testifies about Jesus. He declares the forgiveness of all our sins, and all the shame and guilt for everything we have ever done is also removed. We hear and believe Jesus’ words from the cross to you: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing!” And, “It is finished!” the entire debt of our sins was paid in full.

Forgiveness is ours for Jesus’ sake, and we believe it according to the faith the Holy Spirit began through the Word and sacraments. Jesus told us we, too, will testify about Him. Please instill courage in us to testify to others about your love and mercy for all people; that we share our hope of salvation with those who do not yet know or trust you. Send your Spirit to testify that they will also know that Jesus has forgiven them, removing their sin, guilt, and shame. Please let us testify about Jesus so that others will have salvation and eternal life through faith in Him. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

God’s salvational plan is meant for you; He wants you restored to Him. He sent His Son to redeem you, and the Holy Spirit proceeded from Him so you will believe. Salvation and eternal life are given to you and received by faith alone in Christ.