October 31

Luke 18
One of my favorite parables is this one about the Pharisee and the tax collector.  I believe we could insert a number of people who are confident in their own righteousness.  It’s easy to imagine a self-righteous Christian standing before God and saying things, such as, “Lord, I believed in creation theory, the inerrancy of scripture, and the one true Jehovah God.  I thank you that I’m not like this liberal denominationalist who accepts evolution theory, the fallacy of Biblical writers, and three Gods in one.”  While the liberal stands off, simply saying, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  Insert any dogmatic doctrinal issue you wish.  It doesn’t really matter if the issue is sound or not.  The fact of the matter is the condition of the heart.  When we stand before His throne at that final judgment, we will not be judged according to our own righteousness.  At least, I hope not.  Because if I’m going to be judged in that manner, I’m already sunk.  In the words of the prophet, “All my righteousness is as filthy rags!”  No, on that day, I only want mercy.