Merlot (Galatians 2:20-21)

“I know all about wines! Trust me!”

I was intrigued by this statement. I was a medical resident and recently acquired an interest in wine. A complete novice, I needed clarification on the many labels, varietals, and price points. I didn’t even know how to taste wine. This woman, a co-resident, spoke confidently and was a former model so I presumed she must have imbibed her fair share of wines. “So what is this wine?”

“The only wine you have to drink is Merlot!”

“That’s it? What winery?”

“Doesn’t matter! Just Merlot.”

I knew enough about wine to understand that Merlot is a grape varietal, popular in many wine-growing regions worldwide. However, it oversimplifies a complex subject. It was her taste preference and ignored the hundreds of other varietals, loved by many. She ignored the winemakers who transformed the Merlot grape into wine. I enjoy a good Merlot but the quality depends on the region, winemaker, and the harvest year.

Some people have a similar view about religion. We have all heard statements like, “All you have to do is love everyone as yourself.” or “Just follow the Ten Commandments.” or “I live by the Sermon on the Mount.” These are important Truths but, like merlot and wine, it is not the only Truth. 

The Truth is no one can live by these commonly quoted statements. Try as we may, we will always fail. Why? We are sinners, born into our condition, separated from God by our choices in life. God gave us the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount to show us that by our own efforts, it is impossible to live a perfect and godly life. We need more than our own will and good intentions. We need a supernatural intervention. We need a Savior. 

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Galatians 2:20-21 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul knew the futility of attempting to live a perfect life, obedient to the law and the commandments. When he accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior, he understood that it was only through the power of the Resurrected Jesus Christ in His life, would he be able to life the life he desired. Jesus died so that he could live.

Some people believe they can simplify religion as easily as it is to simplify wine. The Truth is simpler! All one needs to do is confess and repent of one’s sins and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. By placing one’s faith in Jesus, salvation and eternal life are yours. God, the Holy Spirit, will immediately indwell within you. He will guide and help you to understand the challenges of living the Christian life, learning that is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives in you.

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.