In our discussion tonight I made reference to 2 Corinthians 12:9 but realized on my drive home that I didn’t fully quote it, and I should have because I missed the part that was most pertinent to our conversation, so here it is in its entirety:

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

It is in our weakness that the grace of Christ is sufficient. We are a fallen people, but thank God that we are extended grace and not saved according to our deeds but by faith in Christ.

I suspect that the majority of us will face our final breath, un-perfect, but we can at least face are final breath knowing that in the next moment of time we have salvation in the presence of our Lord, not because of our ability to obtain righteousness, but because of Christ’s righteousness.

I have a feeling that the theft on the cross died with a lot of hate on his heart for the Roman soldiers who put him there, and took him down to brake his legs, and I am guessing that he probably used a few expletives in his dying breath, but still the promise of Jesus – “you will be with me in paradise” – was the covering of His grace for the thief’s weakness.

When God the Father looks at us in the judgement He won’t see our weakness, He’ll see the covered blood of His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.