"To appreciate the radical and scandalous nature of what Jesus said [Matt.21:31], think of a modern day counterpart. Go first to the wealthy, prestigious church in your city where the pillars of the community sit every Sunday hearing message after message about moralism deliberately designed to make them feel good about their own outward morality. As a result, they are taught nothing about the nature of their sin and the repentance required of them by God. ...When they think of the word sinner they think only of others.
Now go to the maximum security unit of the state prison system and attend a chapel service where the clear message of the Gospel is preached. On the front row sit a murderer, a rapist, a child-abuser, and a man convicted of armed robbery. These men sit with tears in their eyes as they hear the message of the Cross and realize their heinous sins have been forgiven. ....
The contrast between these two groups couldn't be greater. ... The second group enter into the kingdom of God while the first group, if they continue in their way, ultimately plunge into everlasting darkness. That is the radical message of the Gospel.
Which group are we in? Most of us would probably answer "neither." We don't want to be identified with the self-righteous rulers, but we're not comfortable seeing ourselves in the company of extortionists and prostitutes--even if they are repentant. But Jesus did not give us that choice. Either we are like the self-righteous Jewish rulers who feel no need of repentance, or else we see ourselves as sinners--along with the murderers and rapists--in need of a Savior. ..."the ground is level at the foot of the Cross." ...we never get away from our desperate need for the Cross because the truth is, we are still practicing sinners every day in thought, word, and deed. ... So the awareness that we stand in need of continual repentance throughout life likewise never ends in this life." -Jerry Bridges (From TableTalk, September issue)
The Gospel of grace is the power that saves a sinner, and also the power that works in our daily lives, so that we should walk in love and honor Christ.
I like to remind myself by that great quote: "But for grace of God, there go I".
2 comments:
Wow Brother!
That message is not very popular in today's Churches.
Good post and in desperate need for all of us to be reminded.
It's all about His grace as our foundation, and then we can encourage one another to walk in His love and righteousness.
Take away the grace, or even mix it with works, and we end up biting and devouring one another.
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