The Irony of Ironies

The Christian Realm has a lot of ironies. How ironic it is that the common man can’t seem to understand.

The irony of our Salvation maybe one, as God requires nothing more of us to be saved, but to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. By God's grace and through one's faith, one is saved (Eph 2:8 & 9). Basically, this is one ironic belief if one compares it to other religions or beliefs, as most religion requires to do something, to earn salvation. Be a member of this, do this and that, and other things that entails one personal act to earn one's salvation. But God’s Word proclaims the other way. As Ephesians 2:8 & 9 explains that the gift of Salvation is a gift God gave, and it is by only receiving this gift through faith that we attain Salvation. Not by works. And, if by so we do expect works to save us, Christ laying down His life is worthless and of no use. God’s Word says that without shedding of blood, there is no remission (discharge or relinquish or release) of sin (Heb. 9:22). This is the gift God gave and it’s for man to receive it or not, accept Christ or reject Him.

One of the ironies, man may never accept is God lifting up the meek and the humble. The world declares that the strong shall survive and the weak to be left out. The one who has power, possession & fame shall attain greatness. But God declares that the one who is the greatest in His Kingdom shall be the servant of all (Mark 10:44). The first shall be the last and the last shall be the first, truly an ironic philosophy or principle of God, but only to man’s own knowledge and understanding, for the foolishness of God is the wisdom of men.

1 Corinthians 3:19 (New International Version)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";

But perhaps the saddest irony in the Christian realm is not because of God, but because of man who profess Christ as his Lord, Master and Savior. One who claims to have a Great and Magnificent God yet his life shows no sign of the Master’s hand. One who claims that his God will provide, yet worries too much for his everyday needs. One who declares God is his strength, yet in times of trials and temptations he falls and have no heart to get up.

But certainly the greatest irony of all these things perhaps, is that even from our failures, weakness and iniquities, God continues to give grace, fulfills His promises and is willing to forgive.

1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.