January 4, 2022

Author/Preacher Tim Keller reflects on John Newton’s weekly Saturday evening routine.

“The first part was to make two lists — all the mercies, blessings and good things to be thankful for that had happened to him that week. And second, a list of sins — of omission and commission — he had committed against others and God The second part was to reflect on the discrepancy between God’s goodness to him and his behavior. This helped him get a refreshed joy in God’s free, undeserved grace. Of course, this depended on his grasp of the gospel that we are saved by Jesus’ works, not ours. Without that, this discrepancy would drive you into the ground.”

The cross bridges the gap between what you are and what you should be. St. Paul says, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14)

“Blessed Savior, you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your mercies’ sake. Amen.” (At Noon – BCP p. 138)