Already Saved

As we consider the second commandment and the requirement not only to worship the true God but to worship in the right way, it is important to point out that “doing things the right way” is not a code word for “trying harder” or “if you just get this right, God will like you.” Remember the context of the law: the law begins with the declaration of God’s grace. He is the God who brought his people out of Egypt, and the same is true for. It is the God who has already saved us, who has already received us, accepted us, the God who has already declared his love for us and promises to never leave us or forsake us, it is that God who invites us here and graciously gives us his life in word and sacrament that we might walk in it. Doing the right things in the right way is not code word for “try harder”; it’s actually just short hand for ‘trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’ Believe that God has forgiven you and is at work blessing you and your children through the work of the Spirit. Believe that. Come to this table believing. Eat this bread and drink this wine believing that you are already accepted, you are already pleasing in God’s sight because of Jesus. This is the grace of God. And he promises this same kindness to your children. Believe this now, and come, eat, drink, and rejoice.