SIN BOLDLY!

OK, now that I have your attention, ...

It's the title of a book by Cathleen Falsani who is an award winning religion columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Sub-titled A Field Guide for Grace, it is a collection of essays about God's amazing grace. I keep the book on my desk and read portions on occasion.

The expression Sin boldly comes from a letter written by Martin Luther to his best friend in 1521 shortly after he was brought to trial for heresy. Falsani says to put Luther's sexy quote in context what he actually said was this:

If you are a preacher of Grace, then preach a true, not a fictitious grace; if grace is true, you must bear a true and not a fictitious sin. God does not save fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly.

In other words, if you're going to mess up, at least do it with feeling? Not exactly. Religious historian Martin Marty says Luther's purpose was to highlight what comes after the messing up: Fervency of belief and enjoyment of God's grace.

Sin boldly. But believe in grace even more boldly. Then love more boldly. Then live life more boldly. The book is filled with stories about people who have done just that.

I'm likely to pick Falsani's book up again.

Blessings,

Pastor Kris

A suggestion to guide your prayer today: thanking God for the many times you've been forgiven and for the gift of God's grace.