"What has 'theology' said that is the smallest use to anybody?"
Richard Dawkins, the eminent evolutionary biologist, posed the question. I found his answer on a license plate.
Shannan and I were at an Alabama intersection when the vanity plate caught my eye. It read “GODS 4US.” Now that's good theology and a great reply to Dawkins.
As I ponder that plate, these words from Romans come to mind:
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:29-32, 35,37-39 ESV
Some days I need to be reminded of what I already know—that God is for me! I need that reminder, not because God withholds his love, but because I walk away from it. I need that reminder because sometimes God is silent. There are days when I don't sense His presence, I don't see answers to my prayers, and He doesn't seem to "come through." I need that reminder because the twin bullies, Trouble and Hardship, try to convince me that God doesn't really care.
But Jesus does care. Jesus died for me and rose from the grave so God could forgive my sins and declare me justified -- in a right standing with Himself. [1]
Think about that! If Jesus did that for you then there is no tough time, no bad thought, no difficult day, no broken marriage, no empty bank account, no big mountain, and no little worry that can ever separate you from Him. And even on a license plate, that is good theology!
Yes, “GODS 4US.” Revel in that as you begin your day.
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[1] 1 Peter 3:18: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. Romans 4:24-25: It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.