Week 2 - Part 1 - Christ our Savior - Preparation

In the comedy science fiction book series "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, a means of punishment is devised called "The Total Perspective Vortex". In summary: One of the characters, Trin Tragula, grows weary of his wife's perpetual nagging. He finds himself perpetually attempting to convince her of her need of perspective. His humorous and dark response is to develop a machine known as the Total Perspective Vortex. Within which the user of the TPV would find themselves presented with the utterly immeasurable vastness of all meticulous details concerning the universe at once (through the unfortunate use of a bundt cake). Simultaneously, they would be confronted with an infinitesimally small arrow stating: "You are here". The unfortunate consequence of the TVP was that when Trin's wife emerges, she is a babbling pile of jello, having been destroyed by her incredible insignificance relative to the universe.


Whenever I read this section of the books (no recommendation), I find myself thinking on the Law and how it has a very similar effect on us as fallen people. It is only the truly deluded, or the incredibly dishonest who can look at the Law of God and not see themselves as those who are rightly deserving of God's wrath. Just like the fictitious TPV, the law should render us speechless and in no position to do anything other then whimper in fear. That is, until our lives intersect with Jesus death on the cross! In this weeks study we are going to take a good look at what the cross accomplishes for the people of God, in justification.


In this weeks lesson, and building on or last studies reflection on the corruption of the curse that we have incurred in Adam we will explore the depth of our sin and condition in Adam. This in stark contrast with Jesus justifying work on the cross. We will see how a believer is made right with God. We will rediscover the word Justification and what it means for those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation.


Your assignment this week is to read Romans 1:18 - 32.


The second part of your assignment is to read Romans 3:9-20


In these verses, consider the wrath of God towards us as non believers.


Finally, and this is NOT FOR SHARING, consider the most shameful and sinful time of your life. If it is difficult to think of such a time, read the 10 commandments, Exodus 20 and ask the Lord to show you. If you have not sought the Lord's forgiveness, do so, in full confession. But most importantly: think on the question: "By what means can a righteous, holy, sin(ner) intolerant God make a relationship with me, a sinner?"


I truly hope that you have a blessed week and encourage you to read the follow up from week 1.