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THE CLAIM
He claims He can redeem us,
Yet some state that He cannot,
Saying, ‘No one has the sinful
Tendencies and thoughts I’ve got.
No one’s ever made such missteps
In precisely the same way.
His grace will be beyond my reach
When comes the judgment day.’
These self-abasing sentiments
May grant some consolation,
Till the moment scrutiny
Reveals their true fixation.
For at their center lies disguised
That age-old enemy pride.
In saying Christ can’t save our souls,
We’ve all but said He lied.
In setting ourselves up
As an exception to His claim,
We suggest that we know better,
Thus, disparaging His name.
The Son of God has given all
To claim all those who believe,
For none will ever merit
Any grace they might receive.
When we seek to do good,
For mistakes make reparation,
It’s not to purchase Heaven
But to practice emulation.
This is true discipleship;
The wellspring of charity.
A pathway not just one and done
But trod continually.
This is faith untainted
A humility that is pure.
Its fruit is confidence which grows
With each day that we endure.
Our efforts won’t be perfect
But as we move on with resolve
Our attitudes and habits
Will assuredly evolve.
Then, when before the bar we kneel
Invoking our Savior’s name,
He will say unto the Father,
‘On these I lay my claim.’
© Summer Owens
