When we honestly look at our lives we cannot but feel deep sorrow at our shortcomings. Even our good deeds seem like plasticine models made by a child. Or sandcastles that are swept away by the next incoming tide.

How repugnant is our wilfulness, how dark is our perverseness and how desperate our need. Sin clings relentlessly to us and we cannot escape its clutches.

Who of us would dare to put faith in ourselves in such a condition?

Paul found a solution. There is One who delivers from darkness and despair, who rescues us from death, who scours away the stench and corruption of sin, who clothes us with fresh attire.

His name is Jesus.

Jesus died on a cross to bear our sins and rose again to give us new life (Romans 5:1-6; 6:1-4). Through faith in him we gain absolute forgiveness and we become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

With a new sense of dignity and mastery we now find a new confidence as well.

In Christ we are able to do all God wants us to do and to be all that he wants us to be.

To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.