Counsel #3 — Fault Vs. Need

Picture: Counsel #3 — Fault Vs. NeedCCW 64.1

A young family decides to spice up their desert canyon hike by veering off the map with their 2-year-old happily riding on dad's shoulders. They quickly get lost, and as daylight fades and their water runs low, they're in real danger of dehydration. It's not the toddler's fault for leaving the path, but she's just as much in need of rescue as her parents. This situation mirrors life itself. We don't get to choose a sinful nature at birth, but like this family, we are lost without a Savior. That's where Jesus comes in to rescue and save us from certain death.^{[86]https://thebonhoefferproject.com/weeklycolumn/needasavior}CCW 64.2

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NKJVCCW 64.3

“We are sinful by nature, and so are commanded to be zealous and repent. If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. We must do what we can on our part; but our own merit will never commend us to the favor of God. It is the worthiness of Jesus that will save us, his blood that will cleanse us.” Ellen White in The Signs of the Times, August 21, 1884, par. 4CCW 64.4

Reflect: When do we first need Jesus to save us, and why?CCW 64.5