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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

PAINT IT BLACK

September 13, 2011

The Rolling Stones decades ago had a hit song with a dark theme: "Paint It Black." Perhaps it's a song about depression, or simply a person who always and only sees the dark side of things.

 

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Both for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
                                                  --Romans 2:7,8 TNIV

The beginning of Paul's Letter to the Romans is dark; he paints it black, because he tells the story of human self-centeredness, rebellion and self-destructive sin. But the good news of Jesus Christ springs out of the darkness of which Paul writes. In the verses above he paints the situation of willful, independent defiance of God's rightful claim on every life. The choices we make lead to particular outcomes, unless we are touched by the grace and mercy of God.

Truth? Sin is black. There is no getting away from that. But grace and redemption are a shining light that defeats the darkness every time.

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson