“Justified by Grace – Not by Works of the Law”

Funeral service of Gudrun Redecker

The funeral service of Aunty Gudrun (as she was affectionately known) took place at Kwasizabantu Mission on 14 April 2012. She was born on 17/09/1921 and went home to the Lord on 08/04/2012.

The service was one of praise to God for her dedicated and faithful service for so many years. She began full-time missionary work in the ’50s. Many of the Indian people in Pietermaritzburg have fond memories of Aunty Gudrun and her colleague, Aunty Kate Vick, who passed away over 10 years ago. Pastor David Peters and Aunty Dolly both testified to the profound influence of Aunty Gudrun and Aunty Kate and how many children (who are grown up today) came to the Lord through their ministry among the children.

Mr Heino Stegen preached from Galations 2:16: “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” He said that so many good things had been spoken about Aunty Gudrun that some may think she will enter into heaven because of her good works. No, a person is not saved by doing good things but only through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A week ago we were remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is only through what Jesus did for us on the Cross that a person can be justified. His work is perfect and no good works are necessary to add to Christ’s work for us.
Mr Stegen related the story of a 6 year old boy who had attended a meeting at Umhlali. He was born with Aids, both his parents were dead from Aids, and his grandparents neglected and abused him. When the children were taken home in a pick-up this little boy collapsed and had to be carried – so weak was he through his disease and neglect. But a weak later he was looking remarkably better. Mr Stegen asked him what happened. He testified that “it just happened” (“kwazenzekele nje”). He had begun to pray and experienced God’s grace. Others testified of how he had been truly converted because his new behaviour was proof that something had happened in his life. Good works are a proof of a person having been justified by faith. This was 5 years ago and the boy is still going strong. He had experienced the grace of God which makes things happen. You too can come to Jesus just as you are. No good works are necessary to persuade Him. Christ’s death is fully sufficient so that, by trusting in Him alone, you too can say, “it happened.”