Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday July 30, 2007

Sometimes a scandal can bring about a statement, in this case meant for healing that should cause folks to stop and think, evaluate the power and truth of the statement and while doing this ask if this is the common practice. This is a long sentence, about an often neglected practice.

I am referring to Michael Cromartie's statement in Newsweek July 19, 2007 in response to a question from interviewer Susannah Meadows. The interview was concerning the negative impact caused by Senator David Vitter's use of the services of a prostitute. Mr. Cromartie had stated the classic biblical view of fallen man. Ms. Meadow remarked,

"That's a pretty dark view of humanity."

Cromartie's response is also correct from the orthodox perspective.

"Classical Christianity has always had a negative view of human nature. Generally, the belief has been that people are broken and fallen and frail. People plod along and make mistakes. But there is a message to all guilt-ridden humanity: there is saving grace and there can be release from that guilt, shame and sin."

This statement seems to me to be more in line with the teaching of the scripture than the one posited by so many of my friends who insist of the heretical concept of Eradication of our sinful nature in this life, all the while treating those who fail in some respect as though they are lepers for having failed. Makes no sense to me, especially when the one who fails happens to be a close friend or family member, then the procedure of Mr. Cromartie is applied. As I said, it makes no sense to me.

The biblical truth is that there is healing for our sin sick souls in Christ. In Mr. Vitter's case, he did not dwell in denial, but rather stood up, with his wife by his side and acknowledged his sin and asked for forgiveness. I agree that he did not deserve forgiveness. But, if I understand the scriptures on the subject, no one deserves forgiveness, but we can receive and enjoy the blessings of God's grace which John Newton called "amazing." And amazing it is, and we who hold the truth of the Lord Christ each week/day should be not only willing, but anxious to extend this grace to all who call upon the Lord and in more cases than we want to admit, appropriate this grace in our life as well.

During the course of my sojourn on this globe, since the age of twenty I have beaten a well worn path to the refreshing springs of God's mercy found at 1John 1:9. There is a little plaque at the well simply, yet boldly stating, "If you are in denial about your sin, if you are placing blame, walk on by. This healing water is for admitted sinners."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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