On this day nineteen years ago, 2,977 people were killed in the 9-11 terror attacks. Another 6,000 were injured. Who begins to know the toll in mental anguish?

Just about the time it appears we might make some progress on this planet of ours, we shoot ourselves in the foot. We just can’t escape the reality that we live in a dark, fallen world. As Romans indicates, we are given over, given to ourselves in lieu of betrothed to God.

But “while we were yet sinners,” or as Willard puts it, even though irretrievably useless to God, “Christ died for us.” Everything in me wants to scream, “Why? Why would you do that—die for the ungodly?”

I know He did, but why He did is encapsulated in mercy and remains mysterious. Redemption is true. The rationale for redemption remains in the reason of God.

If I look askance at September 2020, the basement of my soul floods with anxious thoughts, anger at the duplicity, and indignancy at our arrogance. What are we thinking? Are we losing our collective minds?

In candor, our minds are darkening. According to Romans, we are deluded.

But these citations of Romans occur within the first five chapters. In the last half of chapter five, there is justification through Jesus Christ. For those justified, there is life, sanctification, forgiveness, and copious grace.

On this day, may I suggest a comparison: Consider the darkness of September 11th. Contemplate the duplicity of September 2020. Then compare the light and life which are in Christ Jesus. Contrast darkened minds against super-abounding grace. Compare the man dead in trespasses and sins against the new man, transformed, raised, and seated in Christ at the right hand of God.

Justification. Salvation. Redemption. Sanctification.

Light and life.

One day, all that is wrong will be made right. One day, we whose victory is a daily slog will triumph in mercy and grace through Christ. In initiating this transaction, Christ told His disciples one thing: “Remember.”