Scripture

I tell you…there will be rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner–more rejoicing than over ninety-nine blameless persons have no need for repentance.

~Luke 15:7, Weymouth

Quote

Those who do not think about their own sins make up for it by thinking incessantly of the sins of others.

~C.S. Lewis

I ceased to be amazed at Luke fifteen. Every time I prepare to read it in a new translation, I think to myself, “What new thing can I possibly see in this chapter?” Each time I read it, there is something new and fresh. My first question is for the five point calvinist. Why is their rejoicing in heaven over a repentant sinner? I have one other question: where are the ninety-nine blameless or sinless people? In my opinion and I have ample scripture to back it up: there are no blameless people; just those who think they are blameless. Luke fifteen begins with Jesus teaching tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and Scribes are complaining about Jesus…“He gives welcome to sinners and joins them in their meals.” Now, let me ask you a question: were the Pharisees and Scribes sinners? The answer is ‘yes’ but they didn’t think so: they saw themselves as blameless. When they talked about sinners, it was always in reference to someone else.

Jesus uses the numbers one and ninety-nine. If we convert that to percentages, ninety-nine percent of the people think they are blameless. I not sure Jesus intended for us to interpret it this way but it is something to ponder. As of 2022, 1.9% of Jews in Israel professed to be Christians. Messianic Missionaries on the ground in Israel say it is closer to 1%. They say it is higher in the US, but I would think not significantly higher. It is appalling to me that so many have rejected Christ. There are over 8 billion people on planet earth and they tell us that 2.38 billion adhere to the Christian religion, but how many of those are true believers. I don’t think it is a third. Many of these that are called Christian are pagans who believe in a wooden Jesus on a crucifix. They don’t know the real Jesus; the resurrected Christ.

My point is this: have you come into contact with any sinners lately? If you have been in contact with me, that is one for sure. I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I cannot deny the truth. How can profess to be blameless when I know for certain that I am not? How many professed Christians do you know who will confess sin? If we can’t even get preachers to confess sin; how are we going to get church members to confess? Would it not be refreshing to meet someone like the repentant thief on the cross who would say, “I deserve death and hell for I have sinned: do you think Jesus would forgive me?” The problem to day is too many blameless people and not enough sinners.

Extra

If I understood correctly, Joyce is coming home tomorrow. Lincoln was scheduled to come home today or tomorrow but I have not talked with Andrea today. With the pain that he has had, that could be delayed. Keith Turney’s dad Billy is not good. Continue to pray for those in treatment.

None of ever know what a day will bring. We make our plans and then something comes up but LORD willing, I am going to try to get a project completed today. Actually I have two things I want to get done. I am old and slow; my goal is to stay on the go.

Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog. I am posting late because I forgot. I wrote the blog yesterday but forgot to post when I got to the office.