Finding the Yes in Jesus

Scripture: But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us - by me and Silas and Timothy - was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

Application: In speaking to the church at Corinth, Paul is addressing a misunderstanding from his prior letter. He says in verse 13 and 14 that he wrote previously in a way they could understand, but they may have only partially understood so by the Spirit maybe they can understand more. Then he discusses this concept of 'yes' vs. 'no'.

In explicitly the context of Jesus Christ - that in Christ the message is always 'yes' - it would seem this relates to salvation. Through faith in Jesus, salvation is always 'yes' ... someone with faith in Jesus does in fact receive salvation. In that case, the misunderstanding may have to do with Paul's condemnation of certain actions, and the interpretation that perhaps those who have engaged in those actions were outside of salvation, and thus receiving an answer of 'no' to salvation despite their faith.

Paul wants the church at Corinth to mature in faith, and thus become a stronger community of faith through their right behaviors. He has criticized their sexual misconduct, their misunderstanding of moral law, and their misapplication of ritual practices. However, he wants to start this letter with clarity ... none of that costs anyone their salvation. Salvation is by faith in Christ, and in that faith the answer to the question "am I saved?" is always 'yes'.

Observation: The culture in the city of Corinth may be the best analogy we have to modern culture in the U.S. Corinth was morally bankrupt, with most of its issues involving sexual immorality and ruthless pursuit of wealth. Members of the church there still had to live in that culture. Paul has corrected them, but he now also needs to correct their understanding of the correction.

We have a hard time in our society, where individuals believe the Church sits in judgment of them personally for their behavior. We try to live within that social context, struggling to find the 'in-the-world vs. of-the-world' balance. In general, most of us probably fail. I fail on a regular basis.

Thank goodness my salvation is settled by Jesus! In Jesus, I find 'yes' every day. If it was up to my thoughts and actions I would find 'no' every day ... every hour probably.

The blessing of Jesus is certainly this: That salvation indeed comes from faith alone, and not by my actions, for I could never, ever, ever boast of myself for even one moment.

Prayer: Lord, today I seek your forgiveness for my sins. I am not worthy of your love, by either my thoughts or actions. Please wipe my failures from your ledger, by my total belief in your son Jesus who sacrificed himself for my sins. I thank you for that amazing love. I will try to do better today, but I will fail to do perfect, and I will need your forgiveness again. I am sorry for my weakness, but may I renew my strength by faith in Jesus. Amen.