Perhaps you have been asked this question, “Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?” Does that question intimidate you? How do you answer? May I offer a few suggestions? First, I would hasten to say that I firmly believe I have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my saviour, master and friend. But I didn’t choose Jesus. Jesus chose me. In fact, I would be so bold as to state that Jesus has accepted me as his personal sinner, not I who have accepted Jesus. Who chose whom? Jesus chose me and Jesus chooses you.
Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed states it so wonderfully: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.”
Having chosen and called us, Jesus appoints us to go forth joyfully, bearing fruits of love in his name.
Guide us in the path of discipleship, dear Lord, so that as you have called and blessed us, we may be a blessing for others. Amen. — JRG