A good reminder

"Luther taught that every time you insist that I am a sinner, just so often do you call me to remember the benefits of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose shoulders, and not upon mine, lies all my sins. So, when you say that I am a sinner, you do not terrify, but comfort me immeasurably."

--Thomas Olden, The Justification Reader (Grand Rapids: Eeerdmans, 2002), 5

It is much easier to pity ourselves to death and hold unnecessary guilt over ourselves when we are faced with the depth of our depravity. Is Christ glorified when we remain in such a state? Of course not.  There is need to feel the weight of our sin but then we should rejoice that the story finishes with Christ and our shoulders remain burden-free. Hallelujah!!!