I’ve sat and listened to some preachers drone on, “We are wicked. We are sinners. We are unworthy.” The news never gets any better. It’s usually at that point I stop listening. Why? I already know that. God pulls no punches: “the human heart is deceitfully wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), and “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23; emphasis mine)
But, that’s only half the story. (There’s a reason the gospel is called the “Good News.”)
Our sin is why we desperately needed a Savior.
It’s why “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” and the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, “I bring you Good News of great joy!” (John 1:14; Luke 2:10; emphasis mine)
It’s why Christ, on the cross, took upon himself our sin, absorbing ever last one of them, making it possible for sinful mankind to enjoy peace with a terrifyingly Holy & Righteous God. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:13; Romans 5:1)
And, by putting our faith in that saving work of Christ on the Cross, we become “children of God.” (John 1:12)
Or – another way Paul describes us – “saints” (cf. Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1) – a word Paul uses to reference everyone who, by placing their faith in Christ, has been set apart from the eternal death sentence of sin. (1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23)
You are loved, valued, of infinite worth – worthy to the point of God willingly giving his only begotten Son. (John 3:16)
Someone once said, “If God had a refrigerator he would have your picture on it.”
You are one of his beloved saints.
Much love, Saint Nick