Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)

Is Christ’s Forgiveness for Me?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever read C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters?

Johann Gerhard wrote a similar book in the seventeenth century titled “Handbook of Consolations—for the Fears and Trials That Oppress Us in the Struggle with Death.” The book is set as a conversation between the Tempted and the Comforter, a preacher of sorts.

In one of these brief devotions, the Tempted said to the Comforter, “Yes, of course, it is stated plainly that the merit of Christ is universal, but, at the same time, I do not see that the benefit of Christ has been offered and applied to me in particular or individually.” (Gerhard, p. 26-27)

Like the Tempted, we don’t necessarily struggle with the universal merit of Christ or what we would call objective justification. We have read the Scriptures and know the story of Good Friday; we believe that “[Jesus] is the ‘Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’” (John 1:29)

We often struggle with the question: is this forgiveness for me?

If we are honest, we have all been asked this question at one time or another. This is a question of subjective justification or the forgiveness of sins for you.

In reality, objective and subjective justification are two sides of the same coin. Objective justification had to occur first in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus for this merit of Christ to be then applied to you through faith (subjective justification).

When you experience or struggle with doubts over the merit and forgiveness of Christ for you, pray this prayer – “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Then, come to the Lord’s Supper and hear the words while the pastor places the body and blood of Christ into your hand and mouth – “Take and eat, the true body of Christ given into death for the remission of all your sins.” Or ask the pastor for private confession and absolution, confess the sins that are troubling you while hearing the pastor speak the absolution directly into your ears:
“In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the ☩ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

And after hearing these words, rejoice as you depart because the forgiveness Jesus won in His death and resurrection is for you and has been applied to you!

Permit this good news to comfort you both now and all the days of this life!

Pastor Rogness