In 1999 Charles Colson co-authored a
book entitled, “How Now Shall We Live?”
The questioning title reflects the matter of the book as it explores how
the Christian should live now that Jesus has won our salvation. To ask the question in language that reflects
the book of Hebrews: How should we live
now that (1) Jesus, God the Son, Who is also our high priest, (2) as God reveals
to us since He spoke to us and it is recorded for us in the Scriptures, (3) has
delivered His forgiveness and
reconciliation to us? Or, “How now shall
we live?”
Hebrews 13 is an answer. The author says to live in brotherly love (the
original word is philadelphia … but
not the city), show hospitality, care for prisoners, honor marriage, don’t be
greedy, respect your leaders, keep pure doctrine, pray, worship … etc. It sounds a lot like the Ten Commandments,
which sound a lot like the Psalms, “I love Your Law, O LORD.”
But here is the BIG question: Why?
Why should I live that way? It is
because of our salvation, we are part of a new kingdom which cannot be shaken
through Jesus’ blood shed for us.
This is not, “do these things and then
God will be pleased.” It is not, “If you
don’t do the right things you really aren’t saved.” It is this:
God has made you holy – He has cleansed you of your sins through the
blood of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice – and that changes us. The variable human opinions and worldly
values we used to live in have been overshadowed by what Jesus has done, and He
is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The writer poignantly reminds us that
Jesus suffered outside of the city gates in order to save us, and calls us to
join Jesus outside of the camp. He calls
us to be different because of the faith and hope we have in Christ. Doing good and caring for others comes as an
overflow or a fruit of what God does in us – creating faith, forgiving,
reconciling, revealing His Word, and making us righteous.
How now shall we live? The short answer is: In Christ.
Lord Jesus, let me live in You, and make me
different so my neighbor may know You by my words and actions. Amen.
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