Acts 4:11-12 AMPC
This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. [12] And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
The great furore surrounding the MP Matt Hancock, has dominated the mainstream news this week.
The fallen political star, ex health secretary, has "downed his tools" to join "I'm a celebrity -get me out of here" for a six figure sum.
His fall from grace was both public and private: inflicting Draconian lockdown rules during COVID, whilst breaking those rules (and his wife's heart) by having an illicit affair with his assistant.
Asked why he had taken the challenge (and the money!), he said: "
“Do you know what it is actually, what I’m really looking for is a bit of forgiveness, that’s what I’m really looking for.”
This guy is looking for public approval and acceptance so that he can redeem his political career, and pick up where he left off, with a new partner in tow.
To me, it sounded very hollow.
Forgiveness and salvation cannot be found in eating animal entrails or performing dangerous public stunts (for a vast sum of money).
True salvation comes by reaching the end of ourselves.
It must be a cry of desperation from the heart towards God in Christ Jesus.
He alone can bestow true forgiveness through His death on the Cross.
Yes, we do need to seek forgiveness from those we have hurt and make necessary reparations where possible, but our salvation cannot be earned.
It is a gift, the greatest gift of all.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
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