Global Methodist Church Catechism: Why Christ came
Each Wednesday we will be exploring a question and answer from the GMC summary of our faith called the Catechism.
For us and for our Salvation Jesus came down from heaven
Why did the Son of God become human?
For us and for our salvation (Romans 3:21-26, Titus 3:6-7.)1
No one likes being told how wrong they are. One of the first things I always heard in my career in education when explaining why it was wrong to do something in class was not “yes sir” but “why?” This was understandable, and questions were encouraged. However, as we explored last week, God gives life to sinners. The question is, why? Why do we need God in order to sustain life? Aren’t we good? The Bible gives a definite answer: we aren’t! Titus reminds us that Christ “made us right”, Romans points out that all have fallen short of the glory of God, why? How have we fallen? What needs to be made right in us? Our sinful hearts! With piercing insight, G.K Chesterton rebuked the notion that sin was an outdated doctrine, saying that “As for the general view that the Church was discredited by the War—they might as well say that the Ark was discredited by the Flood. When the world goes wrong, it proves rather that the Church is right. The Church is justified, not because her children do not sin, but because they do.”2
Scripture also reminds us that people profess faith in Christ not because they are ok, but because they aren’t ok. Thats the whole point of why Jesus came. Not so we can stay how we are, but so we can change who we are for him.
Questions to consider
Jesus came for you as well as all who are sick and need repentance. What do you need to change in your life right now?
Scripture says Jesus came “so we might have life and have it abundantly”3
What areas of your life are going well? Even if it’s getting up each day, is the “good stuff” more opportunities to praise God for what He’s done? Start each day thanking God for were you have “life” and see what that does to set the tone for your day. Set an alarm to do so each morning or evening for a week and just see what difference that might make on your outlook.
John 10:10