I was recently cleaning my patio deck which was covered in stucco and noticed that cracks had appeared, potentially leading to water damage in the underlying deck. After researching the topic, I decided to place a waterproof sealant on it. The first attempt was a disaster. The sealant clumped and did not spread evenly to cover the entire surface. Undaunted, I decided to try again but this time, a few days later, as I was about to begin the sealing, I re-read the instructions on the container, and, much to my chagrin, discovered the following, “Before applying the sealant, please ensure the surface is clean by using our special cleaner. The cleaned surface must be bone dry before using the sealer.”
Cleaning before sealing.
It is the same for our souls.
….he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:5-7 (ESV)
We cannot come to Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life until we first confess and repent of our sins. We need to cleanse ourselves, but not by good deeds, acts of kindness, or sacrifices of money or gifts. All of these have the appearance of cleansing but they do not get to the source of the problem. Our souls are stained with the rebellion of sin and we are powerless to rid ourselves of this stain. We need a supernatural intervention. Only God is powerful enough to intervene on our behalf. Only God is merciful enough to save us. Only God is graceful enough to allow this to happen by sending His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and be resurrected, forever securing our salvation.
Cleaning before sealing.
Praise God that through faith in God’ Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will wash and cleanse us and seal us in the eternal security of salvation and eternal life.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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