Is forgiveness sufficient to enter the new heavens and earth, to spend eternity in peace and fellowship with the triune God and the future he has prepared for his people? What, exactly, is the connection between forgiveness and new creation? It is not like a damaged part, which once it is repaired, may properly perform its function. Forgiveness is for more than function and sin more costly than the time and energy of repair. Forgiveness is required because Someone has been offended. Forgiveness reminds us that salvation is not merely a theo-logical process where by the ordo salutis is executed. Instead, it is intensely personal. Read more…

Here is an interesting discussion we started a while back, that deserves more attention.  Check out the conversation on “What is the Gospel?” at From Eden to Heaven.

Austin City Life is now an official organization with the state of Texas! See the rather banal Articles of Incorporation.

God’s inestimable wisdom, power, justice and goodness shine forth in the fashioning of the universe, no splendor, no ornament of speech, would be equal to an act of such great magnitude…It is to recognize that God has destined all things for our good and salvation but at the same time to feel his power and grace in ourselves and in the great benefits he has conferred upon us, and so bestir ourselves to trust, invoke, praise, and love him. (emphasis added)