The Gospel’s Effect In Our Lives
The verb form (Greek) of the word Epiphany means to “show, make an appearance, reveal.”
We already have had an epiphany of sorts at the New Year. What did the change of the millennium reveal? Most likely it revealed that the millennium hype was just that–hype.
Above all it revealed many so-called prophets for what they are, namely, false prophets. Once again it has been proven that, as Christ says, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Mt. 24:36).
Christ may or may not be revealed in His Second Coming this year. That remains to be seen. One thing that the New Year is sure to reveal, however, is the coming of Christ into the hearts of sinners through His Word.
The Light of the world has shone into our once dark hearts through His shining Gospel which has revealed to us that Jesus Christ is our Savior from sin.
This Word continues to reveal the Savior to a world that sits in darkness so that, daily, many of those who sit in darkness are being brought to see the great Light of their Savior.
When we read His Word, what do we find that our Savior revealed to this world concerning Himself during His public ministry? Jesus of Nazareth looked outwardly like any other man. But Christ Jesus would let His divinity shine through in His words and His teaching, revealing that He was and is–in addition to being true Man–in fact, true God. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).
Faith Shines
What will we reveal to the world concerning ourselves this year? Outwardly believers in Christ resemble other people. But our faith shines through and reveals itself to others. This happens chiefly through good works. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).
Someone once wrote: “A good example is the best sermon.” But that good example that we as believers set is only fully realized if it is followed up by the Gospel.
Our works tell others that we worship God and desire to do His will. The Gospel tells others why we do this. “[Christ] gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).
It is by the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins that we have been brought to faith in Christ; the same Gospel motivates our good works; it is the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins that will bring others to see the Light of the world, the Light of their eternal salvation.
May our Epiphany season and our entire Christian lives be an Epiphany of the Savior for those we meet.
–Pastor Joel Fleischer