My friend understood the theology of justification by faith. He was
a follower of Christ. Through years of experience in the judicial system, he
understood the principals of advocacy and unexpected pardon. Still,
he struggled (as we all do) with unanswered questions and doubt that he was
miraculously loved and redeemed. My friend thought he might lose his salvation
if he failed to “keep the faith” at all times. He was troubled -
Peter had faith in Jesus’ mission to bring hope and life to a lost
world. When he heard Jesus call, he left
all and followed him. When Jesus asked him “who do you say that I am,”
Peter replied, “www.biblegateway.comyou are the Messiah.” Mark 8:29
Sitting by a fire of
coals in the temple courtyard with Jesus on mock trial, Peter was
taunted and accused of being a follower of Jesus. Three times he denied any
affiliation with Jesus. When he heard a rooster crow a third time, he
remembered Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth Peter, this night before the
cock crows, you will have disowned me three times.” Matthew 26:34 - and Peter went
out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:75 Surely Peter had not “kept the faith.” Surely
he grieved, thinking he had lost his place with the Lord forever.
Now, Peter sitting again by a
fire of coals, meets the resurrected Lord at the Sea of Galilee and a
repetition of three begins. “Peter do you love me?” Three times his grievous
denials were redeemed. “Yes Lord, you know that I love you. Yes Lord, you know
that I love you. Yes, Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.” John 21:15-17
Peter now free of shame and brave of heart went out from there to become a
staunch defender of the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9
It was finished at Calvary
- Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith! Hebrews 12:2 (for you CMW)
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