“There is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior; there is no one except me” (Isaiah 45.21).

I know there is no other God but the God of the Bible with great certainty.  I know it because everything He reveals in His Word has come, is coming, and will come to pass. He is wholly righteous as a consuming fire. He is also all merciful as a compassionate Savior. He is both just and merciful. He is determined to save fallen people like me, but He must punish sin to save the sinner. How would He do that?

God saves the sinner by sending His only begotten Son (the only one of His kind; Jesus is both God and man). As a man, Jesus became the substitute for sinful men and women like you and me. Jesus lived a sinless, righteous life. He paid the penalty for my sin and in His death and subsequent resurrection gave me His righteousness. All of this so that God might be just and the justifier of all who believe on His Son. How do I respond to such revelation?

I respond with fear. I know that God is a merciful Savior, but I also know that He is holy and just. He cannot look upon iniquity. Sin has no place in my life. I fight it each day by God’s grace. Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10.28). I have a reverential fear of my Father in Heaven.

I respond with trust. I believe that God will not forget mercy when dealing with me. I don’t live life quivering in fear and uncertain of the eternal life He gave me. He is loving and patient with me. He has many promises that are precious to me. He gave His Son for me. He made me a son. So, I cast my anxieties and cares upon Him. I bring my sins to Him. I have come to Christ. He will by no means cast me out (John 6.37). 

I respond with obedience. He is the Creator (Potter), and I am the created (clay). Obedience is my best life now. It is not obligatory as much as it is safe. I present myself daily to God as a living sacrifice. This is reasonable, joyful obedience. I am compelled to obedience by the love of my Savior (His love for me).