The words ‘universal? and ‘comprehensive? are ‘buzz words? once again as presidential hopefuls take turns describing their ‘health care? plan for American men, women and children.
Unfortunately, what we are often left with after the election is only a faint echo of promises made and the familiar ‘thud? of promises broken.
On this Ash Wednesday, the Christian church and Christians around the world celebrate a promise made ? a promise kept.
There is a distinctive and unmistakable ‘sign? visible around our community today ? in businesses, stores, schools, churches and homes. It is the ‘sign? of a promise made ? a promise kept ? a promise of ‘Universal, Comprehensive Salvation? from God.
The ‘sign? is a cross ? a cross of ashes placed upon the forehead of Christian men, women and children as these words are spoken in churches today, ‘For dust you are and to dust you will return? (Genesis 3:19).
These words from the Bible remind us that the consequence of our sinful nature is death, ‘but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord? (Romans 6:23b). The cross of Jesus is God’s promise and seal of ‘universal, comprehensive salvation.?
The cross of Jesus is universal.
Many of us know well the words of John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.?
This ‘gospel in a nutshell? clearly proclaims God’s universal plan of salvation ? a plan of salvation offered through the blood of Jesus to all who believe in Him as their only Lord and Savior from sin.
The cross of Jesus is ‘comprehensive.?
While worldly health care plans offer an endless list of options, the forgiveness and salvation offered by God and secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus does not diminish or discriminate based on age, gender, race, or health. ‘There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus? (Romans 3:22b-24)
We are used to ‘signing up? for health care coverage and choosing the plan and options that are best for us. Not so regarding our faith and salvation!
What joy and relief to know that the choice is not up to us, but it is God Himself who signs the names of believers into His ‘Book of Life? ? names signed and sealed with the blood of Jesus.
My friends, in this upcoming season of Lent rejoice that God continues to offer His plan of ‘universal, comprehensive salvation? to all who call upon the name of Jesus as their Lord and Savior from sin who said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?? (John 11:25)
The Rev. James F. Krueger is pastor of St. Trinity Lutheran Church in Clarkston.