Musings From My Front Porch About Justification

            While sitting on my front porch on this beautiful spring morning, I finished reading a book written by John R. W. Stott entitled, The Cross of Christ.  I purchased the book in 1988 and had read portions of it through the years, but had never read it in its entirety.  Recently, I determined to read it through and finished it today.  It’s a wonderful book that focuses on the most tragic and, yet, the most wonderful event in all of history – the crucifixion of Christ.

            I’ve often wondered how holy God could justify unholy man.  Perhaps you have too.  I believed that He did and have rejoiced in that thought.  In reflecting on the shortcomings of my life with its many transgressions, I have been amazed at the promises of God to not hold these sins against me provided I “walk in the light” (1 John 1:9).  How can God be just in hating sin and, yet, justify me, the sinner?  Stott reminds me of Paul’s answer to that question, “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).  That’s it in a nutshell!  The perfect, sinless, innocent Son of God died on the cross in my stead that I might live for God on earth and with him throughout eternity.

            That realization encourages me and gives me a “living hope” and I trust it will you as well.  These are just some musings from my front porch.

Musings From My Front Porch About Alabama's Abortion Law

         On May 15, 2019 Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey, signed a bill into law that would ban most abortions in the state. This bill seeks to prohibit abortions at every stage of pregnancy.  The only exception is in the case of a “serious” risk to the woman’s health.  Lawmakers rejected a proposal to add exceptions for cases of rape or incest.  My understanding is that the legislation did not immediately outlaw the procedure and that, in fact, it is unclear whether the measure will ultimately take effect.  It is not scheduled to take effect until November.

            Whether or not it will take effect, it seems to me that this is a step in the right direction and the lawmakers who overwhelmingly supported the bill should be commended.  In signing the bill into law, Ms. Ivey said, “To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.”  Amen and hooray for Governor Ivey!

            Untold millions of babies have been murdered since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.  Prayerfully, this bill will be upheld by the courts and made into law in the state of Alabama.  Maybe other states will follow suit.  By inspiration of God, Solomon declared, “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything” (Eccl. 11:5, ESV).  These are just some of my musings about abortion as I sit on my front porch.