Gospel in Dent
As a dentist, the usual patients we have at the clinic have dental insurance coverage. Normally, they have coverage for cleaning and tooth fillings. After cleaning and brushing their teeth, I ask if they would consent to having a tooth restoration or filling. Most patients are shocked to learn they have a tooth/teeth that need filling; I’m shocked that they’re shocked!
In my mind: It's clear that they have visible areas of decay, so I’m surprised they’re shocked that they need to undergo a filling procedure. They would then ask, “Where is the filling going to be?” and I would point it out to them.
Some patients, especially first-timers, would opt out. I would explain how the decay will just get deeper and larger, eventually weakening and damaging the entire tooth. Plus, it could also infect the teeth adjacent to it. This will lead to more problems and intense pain. Some would then give their consent but others will not.
I thought of it in a similar way spiritually, where tooth decay is like the sin in our lives. We don’t really know and realize we have sinned against God until God enlightens us through His gospel with His convicting power.
Even though the decay should have been clear in bold relief to us, yet, we are still blind to it. And when we refuse God’s "treatment," sin remains in our lives, damaging and ultimately destroying us, causing unnecessary pain and sorrow.
But Christ is the great dentist that can restore our lives and extract the sins and sin in us! If we will humble ourselves to see and recognize what a depraved sinner we are and put our trust only in Christ as our Savior then we will be saved.
Written by a Christian dentist
