The Completely Good Life

Processes follow a pattern: preparation plus follow-through, both done and done well. A farmer does not just harvest wheat; he has to till, plant, water, and weed. And he does not just till, plant, water, and weed; he has to bring in the crop or there is nothing to sell or feed his animals. Athletes do not just run a race; they train strenuously beforehand. Training for years brings no glory if they do not finish the race. Students do not just pass required courses along the way; they have to finish the last semester to receive a diploma.

Messiah’s atonement follows that same pattern. His final obedience on Calvary did not by itself establish the basis for our salvation; his lifelong righteousness (Hebrews 4:15) needed to precede the cross to qualify him for that culminating self-sacrifice.

This bread and wine testify to a life well lived and a death well done. They affirm as well our intention to follow the pattern.