From Dust to Dust
Open Your Bible
Genesis 3:17-19, Job 42:1-6, Romans 3:23, James 5:13-16
BY She Reads Truth
Text: Genesis 3:17-19, Job 42:1-6, Romans 3:23, James 5:13-16
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These are the words a priest utters as he smears a cross of ashes onto his congregant’s forehead during an Ash Wednesday service. It’s a somber declaration. In fact, some instead say, “Remember that you have to die.”
For more than a thousand years, Christians around the world have begun the Lenten season this way: with the sober acknowledgement that with humanity came sin, and with sin came death. We are free, but not required, to do the same.
So what is Ash Wednesday, and why do many Christians observe it?
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. During Lent, we focus on our need for the death and resurrection of Jesus; we focus on our need to be forgiven. Ash Wednesday is a day where we take a page from the book of Job and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). We remember that from the dust we were made and to the dust we shall return (Genesis 3:19). We remember that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, and yes, we all must die (Romans 3:23).
Ash Wednesday is a day of hope. Without Christ, the words “remember that you have to die” are hard ones. But with Christ, they are a reminder that, though our bodies will one day return to dust, we have already been given the hope of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to publicly profess our faith. The ashen cross the congregant wears is an outward sign of both repentance and hope. People see the mark of the cross at their work, in class, and at the grocery store. Wearing the ashes is a way to repent of our rebellion against God and “confess our sins one to another” (James 5:16).
On Ash Wednesday we admit our limits and acknowledge the brevity of this life. Whether in a formal Ash Wednesday service or privately in our homes, we can use tomorrow, the first day of the Lenten season, to remember that from the dust we were made and to the dust we shall return. Even so, in Christ, we live in the eternal hope of the resurrection.
161 thoughts on "From Dust to Dust"
-
Loved this! I wish they would put out another Lent study ✨
-
Yes!
-
I’m impressed, I must say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your concept is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I am very completely happy that I stumbled across this in my seek for something relating to this.
-
interesting read, but a couple of questions arises in my thoughts like:
1. Am I dust or Am I a spirit ?
2. Is there a diffrence between a Christian and a non-Christian when you practice this things [ A reminder of Sin] it makes us feel though as if the Messiah hadn’t come. I go to Church and most of the time you hear the Pastor or the preacher pray like “Lord forgive us our sins”. I think its okay if you are among unbelievers but if you are among Believers do you still need to ask forgiveness of sins? [NOTE: HEBREWS 10:1-4] is there an instance where Paul or the Apostles when they are among believers encourages or prayed forgiveness of sin?I think there is a saying that says ” you profess that you are a Christian then act like one”
live the reality of what Christ has done. Entering into Rest.
if there such a thing as a reminder i think it would be that I’m forgivin by the blood of the Lamb.
-
1. In our flesh we will return to dust, but in Christ we are alive in spirit.
2. There most certainly is a difference, I think. As a Christian with a professing faith, we do these things as a reminder of all that Christ has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. While as a non-Christian, these things might be done simply out of ritual or habit or, by the grace of God, the beginning and nurturing of further seeds of faith.As for your question about needing to be forgiven of our sins, we must daily seek repentance because – though our eternal sins are forgiven by the grace and sacrifice of God in Christ Jesus – we continue to sin daily. Therefore, we ask God to forgive us for sinning consciously or unconsciously against Him and against those around us. Does that make sense? Our sins that were worthy of eternal separation from God have been forgiven on the cross, yet because we continue to live in sin daily we must seek repentance and then go forth in faith that we are forgiven and live in the grace that God has given us.
Though there is that saying to “act like a Christian” I think our true aim should be to simply “act like Christ”. If we attempt to model ourselves after our fellow brothers and sisters we will be constantly disappointed in not only ourselves but in them as well. However, if we model ourselves after our Savior and King, Who laid down His life for us, we will reap greater fruit and truly “enter into rest”.
I hope this helps you as you continue to walk this journey with the Lord :)
-
-
Way late the this but I will catch up! So good to read the meaning of Ash Wednesday and lent because often I feel it’s chore and it’s amazing to have the reminder of why we do it! Just getting back into scripture, but happy to have this app to walk me back through and find my relationship with the lord!
-
Really love the explanation of Ash Wednesday! Thank you for showing the significance, and how it applies to all Christians. I feel a little more connected with my brothers and sisters who observe it now.
-
I need this study, I need this study and I know I’ll love digging deeper!
Through the power of the Holy Spirit all of our lives are touched!
Post Comments (161)