April Fools Day takes on a special meaning for me as 18 years ago, I became a fool for Christ, (1 Corinthians 4:10). It is hard to believe that much time has flown by since in the middle of the night in my dorm room coming to the realization (in the words of John Newton) while I was a great sinner, in Jesus I had a great Savior. I knew at that moment after months of seeking that religion wasn’t what I needed. There was nothing that I could “do” to fill the God-shaped void in my heart. I needed a relationship with my Creator, but my sin had separated me from my God.
The most crazy thing of all according to human wisdom anyway was how God remedied this “problem.” News that has been a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, (1 Corinthians 1:23), I realized was true. Jesus Christ was crucified and died, satisfying my debt (for the wages of my sin is death – Romans 6:23) – a debt that I could never possibly repay, and then rose again on the third day. By His death and resurrection I could have the forgiveness that I sought and be reconciled to my heavenly Father because of the cross, (Ephesians 2:16).
When God opened my eyes to this news the only way I could respond, in my mind, was to turn from my sin, with faith believe this good news, and receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
We are promised in the Gospel of John that “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12, ESV). I once was dead in my sin and a son of disobedience, (Ephesians 2:1-2), but now I was alive in Christ and God’s child.
I was blind and could now see.
I was lost but I was now found.
“Amazing Grace” a song with which I was incredibly familiar took on new meaning for me…
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
I was a guy who was living on his own terms and was seeing my life spiral downward as a result. But Jesus forgave me, cleansed me, and set me apart as His own.
Have you experienced His amazing grace? If you would like to learn more you can email me here.