Per Ray Ortlund:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
Now. Not five years from now when you are a better Christian. Right now. At this instant.
No. None at all. Not even a little. Zero. Gone.
For those in Christ Jesus. And only because we are in him. We provide everything that deserves condemnation. He provides everything that deserves acceptance and even glory.
This is the clear message of the Bible, because God not only does not condemn us in Christ, he doesn’t want us feeling condemned in Christ. He wants us feeling freed.
James Montgomery Boice, Romans (Grand Rapids, 1992), page 789: “Verse 1 is not only the theme of Romans 8. It is the theme of the entire Word of God, which is only another way of saying that it is the gospel. Indeed, it is the gospel’s very heart.”
Showing posts with label The Gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Gospel. Show all posts
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Father's Bargain
One of my students (Corey Terry) in an assignment turned into me included this dialogue from a work by John Flavel called “The Father’s Bargain.” I found it to be a provocative way to communicate the necessity of the cross.
Father: My son, there is a company of poor miserable souls, that have utterly undone themselves, and now lie open to my justice! Justice demands satisfaction for them, or will satisfy itself in the eternal ruin of them. What shall be done for these souls?
Son: O my Father, such is my love to, and pity for them, that rather than they perish eternally, I will be responsible for them as their Surety; bring in all they bills, that I may see what they owe thee; Lord bring them all in, that there may be no after-reckoning with them; at my hand shall thou require it. I will rather choose to suffer their wrath than they should suffer it: upon me, my Father, upon me be all their debt.
Father: But, my Son, if thou undertake for them, thou must reckon to pay the last mite, expect no abatements; if I spare them, I will not spare thee.
Son: Content, Father, let it be so; charge it all upon me, I am able to discharge it: and though it prove a kind of undoing to me, though it impoverish all my riches, empty all my treasures, yet I am content to undertake it!
Father: My son, there is a company of poor miserable souls, that have utterly undone themselves, and now lie open to my justice! Justice demands satisfaction for them, or will satisfy itself in the eternal ruin of them. What shall be done for these souls?
Son: O my Father, such is my love to, and pity for them, that rather than they perish eternally, I will be responsible for them as their Surety; bring in all they bills, that I may see what they owe thee; Lord bring them all in, that there may be no after-reckoning with them; at my hand shall thou require it. I will rather choose to suffer their wrath than they should suffer it: upon me, my Father, upon me be all their debt.
Father: But, my Son, if thou undertake for them, thou must reckon to pay the last mite, expect no abatements; if I spare them, I will not spare thee.
Son: Content, Father, let it be so; charge it all upon me, I am able to discharge it: and though it prove a kind of undoing to me, though it impoverish all my riches, empty all my treasures, yet I am content to undertake it!
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "Z" for "Zeal"
“Z”—Zeal
May God stir both our own hearts and the hearts of those who are called to serve with an authentic zeal for the Gospel, and for the Christ of the Gospel.
Indeed, Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).
May God stir both our own hearts and the hearts of those who are called to serve with an authentic zeal for the Gospel, and for the Christ of the Gospel.
Indeed, Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).
The Gospel Alphabet: "Y" for "Yielding"
“Y”—Yielding
The Gospel must be continually set forth before church members because it is view of God’s mercy that we are provoked to yield our lives fully to God as living sacrifices (Rom 6:13; 12:1).
It is the kindness of God displayed in the Gospel that leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4) so that we no longer live for ourselves but for him who died for us and was raised again (2 Cor 5:15).
The Gospel must be continually set forth before church members because it is view of God’s mercy that we are provoked to yield our lives fully to God as living sacrifices (Rom 6:13; 12:1).
It is the kindness of God displayed in the Gospel that leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4) so that we no longer live for ourselves but for him who died for us and was raised again (2 Cor 5:15).
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "X" for "Xenophilia"
“X”—Xenophilia
The actual Greek word is philoxenia, which literally means love of strangers, foreigners, aliens.
Xenophilia is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd ed. as attraction to that which is foreign, especially to foreign peoples, manners, and customs.
It thus stands in deep contrast with xenophobia (a fear or hatred towards foreigners, strangers, or those different than us), a sin that has too often characterized many churches.
In our English translations of the Bible, philoxenia is translated as hospitality (Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9) and to show hospitality to strangers (Heb 13:2). Such love to strangers is a required attribute of church leaders (1 Tim 3:2).
In the final judgment Jesus will either commend or condemn based upon whether or not people have welcomed the least of these (and thus welcomed Christ himself; Matt 25:35, 43). Jesus is the great model for hospitality, as is indicated in the Gospel narratives as well in the whole wonder of his incarnation and passion.
Indeed, we were not merely strangers to him; we were God’s enemies when he died for us (Rom 5:8). In declaring such love, the Gospel also calls us to imitate him (1 John 4:10-11).
The actual Greek word is philoxenia, which literally means love of strangers, foreigners, aliens.
Xenophilia is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd ed. as attraction to that which is foreign, especially to foreign peoples, manners, and customs.
It thus stands in deep contrast with xenophobia (a fear or hatred towards foreigners, strangers, or those different than us), a sin that has too often characterized many churches.
In our English translations of the Bible, philoxenia is translated as hospitality (Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9) and to show hospitality to strangers (Heb 13:2). Such love to strangers is a required attribute of church leaders (1 Tim 3:2).
In the final judgment Jesus will either commend or condemn based upon whether or not people have welcomed the least of these (and thus welcomed Christ himself; Matt 25:35, 43). Jesus is the great model for hospitality, as is indicated in the Gospel narratives as well in the whole wonder of his incarnation and passion.
Indeed, we were not merely strangers to him; we were God’s enemies when he died for us (Rom 5:8). In declaring such love, the Gospel also calls us to imitate him (1 John 4:10-11).
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "W" for "Worship"
“W”—Worship
We must continually teach and learn the Gospel because there is simply nothing else that evokes worship and adoration as the Gospel does. A survey of the hymnody of the church through the past twenty centuries makes this evident. The best hymns which have shown themselves to have staying power have always been Gospel—saturated.
God is glorified, Christ is exalted, and the cross and Christ’s atoning work are central. The same is true of the other key elements of Christian worship—our preaching, our confessions, our prayers, our ordinances. Take away the Gospel and Christian worship ceases.
We must continually teach and learn the Gospel because there is simply nothing else that evokes worship and adoration as the Gospel does. A survey of the hymnody of the church through the past twenty centuries makes this evident. The best hymns which have shown themselves to have staying power have always been Gospel—saturated.
God is glorified, Christ is exalted, and the cross and Christ’s atoning work are central. The same is true of the other key elements of Christian worship—our preaching, our confessions, our prayers, our ordinances. Take away the Gospel and Christian worship ceases.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "V" for "Vision"
“V”—Vision
Keeping our minds focused on the Gospel can help us align our hearts to God’s own heart. We so easily fall into pettiness and needless division when we are not prizing the things God prizes.
Jesus endured the cross and its shame because of the joy set before him (Heb 12:2); a joy which refers to the fact that through suffering and death he would bring many children to glory (Heb 2:10-18).
Paul also endured all manner of things for the sake of the Gospel and in the furtherance of its saving ministry (1 Cor 9:23; Phil 1:12-13; 2 Tim 1:11-12).
A clear vision of the goal imparts fortitude in struggling toward it and great forbearance in the face of distractions from it.
Keeping our minds focused on the Gospel can help us align our hearts to God’s own heart. We so easily fall into pettiness and needless division when we are not prizing the things God prizes.
Jesus endured the cross and its shame because of the joy set before him (Heb 12:2); a joy which refers to the fact that through suffering and death he would bring many children to glory (Heb 2:10-18).
Paul also endured all manner of things for the sake of the Gospel and in the furtherance of its saving ministry (1 Cor 9:23; Phil 1:12-13; 2 Tim 1:11-12).
A clear vision of the goal imparts fortitude in struggling toward it and great forbearance in the face of distractions from it.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "U" for "Unity"
“U”—Unity
A clear Gospel focus contributes to the unity of the church. To be sure, we never achieve perfect consensus here because we need to constantly wrestle with variant details of conviction. But magnifying the Gospel as our central point of reference can help us keep a variety of lesser concerns in proper perspective (Phil 1:18).
A clear Gospel focus contributes to the unity of the church. To be sure, we never achieve perfect consensus here because we need to constantly wrestle with variant details of conviction. But magnifying the Gospel as our central point of reference can help us keep a variety of lesser concerns in proper perspective (Phil 1:18).
The Gospel Alphabet: "T" for "Theology"
“T”—Theology
While errant theological thinking on a variety of issues can lead us to a twisted Gospel; it is also true that an errant Gospel can unleash a host of heresies. It is worth pointing out that Satan is a competent theologian with great ability in confusing and misleading with regard to God’s truth.
While errant theological thinking on a variety of issues can lead us to a twisted Gospel; it is also true that an errant Gospel can unleash a host of heresies. It is worth pointing out that Satan is a competent theologian with great ability in confusing and misleading with regard to God’s truth.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "S" for "Salvation"
“S”—Salvation
Scripture is very clear that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). This isn’t a truth pertaining only to evangelism. The Gospel saves those who believe, from first to last, through and through.
It includes all the wondrous doctrines of our great salvation, including, regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification, and much more.
For this reason alone, the Gospel must remain central in all the ministries of the church.
Scripture is very clear that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). This isn’t a truth pertaining only to evangelism. The Gospel saves those who believe, from first to last, through and through.
It includes all the wondrous doctrines of our great salvation, including, regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification, and much more.
For this reason alone, the Gospel must remain central in all the ministries of the church.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "R" for "Righteousness"
“R”—Righteousness.
In the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last (Rom 1:17).
The Gospel reveals God’s righteousness in at least two ways. First, it is a declaration that God himself is just and righteous, for the Gospel teaches that in Christ our sins have been fully propitiated as a basis for his forgiving of us (Rom 3:24-26; 1 John 1:9; 2:2).
Then, second, through the Gospel, God declares us righteous as we put our faith in Christ Jesus. Thus in the Gospel God demonstrates his own justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Rom 3:26).
It is absolutely vital beyond words that we faithfully preach and teach this Gospel.
In the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last (Rom 1:17).
The Gospel reveals God’s righteousness in at least two ways. First, it is a declaration that God himself is just and righteous, for the Gospel teaches that in Christ our sins have been fully propitiated as a basis for his forgiving of us (Rom 3:24-26; 1 John 1:9; 2:2).
Then, second, through the Gospel, God declares us righteous as we put our faith in Christ Jesus. Thus in the Gospel God demonstrates his own justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Rom 3:26).
It is absolutely vital beyond words that we faithfully preach and teach this Gospel.
The Gospel Alphabet: "Q" for "Quickening"
“Q”—Quickening
Though by nature we were dead in our trespasses and sins and were objects of God’s wrath, God quickened us—made us alive with Christ—through his love and grace (Eph 2:1-5).
This God did, and still does, as we believe the Gospel, putting our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Though by nature we were dead in our trespasses and sins and were objects of God’s wrath, God quickened us—made us alive with Christ—through his love and grace (Eph 2:1-5).
This God did, and still does, as we believe the Gospel, putting our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "P" for "Passion"
“P”—Passion
Passion comes from the Latin passio, meaning “suffering.” We celebrate each year the passion of our Lord in our remembrance of Holy Week. Likewise, whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper we proclaim the Lord’s death til he comes.
It is required of us not only to believe in Christ, the Suffering Servant, but also to suffer for him ourselves (Phil 1:29).
Paul saw his own suffering for the Gospel and for the building up of the church as an active participation in the afflictions of Christ (Col 1:24; Phil 3:10-11).
Passion comes from the Latin passio, meaning “suffering.” We celebrate each year the passion of our Lord in our remembrance of Holy Week. Likewise, whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper we proclaim the Lord’s death til he comes.
It is required of us not only to believe in Christ, the Suffering Servant, but also to suffer for him ourselves (Phil 1:29).
Paul saw his own suffering for the Gospel and for the building up of the church as an active participation in the afflictions of Christ (Col 1:24; Phil 3:10-11).
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "O" for "Obedience"
“O”—Obedience
The Gospel calls forth obedience (Rom 1:5) in at least 3 ways:
(1) we must obey the Gospel by believing and receiving this Good News (Jn 6:29).
(2) the faith that saves works itself out in obedient living by God’s empowering grace (Phil 2:12-13).
(3) we are to obey Jesus’ command to bring this Gospel to the nations (Matt 28:18-20).
In our ministries of teaching and formation these calls to obey the Gospel must be clear and unmistakable.
The Gospel calls forth obedience (Rom 1:5) in at least 3 ways:
(1) we must obey the Gospel by believing and receiving this Good News (Jn 6:29).
(2) the faith that saves works itself out in obedient living by God’s empowering grace (Phil 2:12-13).
(3) we are to obey Jesus’ command to bring this Gospel to the nations (Matt 28:18-20).
In our ministries of teaching and formation these calls to obey the Gospel must be clear and unmistakable.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "N" for "Narrative"
“N”—Narrative
We must ever study the Gospel because it is the summit and summary of the great narrative of God’s redemptive activity in the world. It is into this Story that we have been called.
In an age when many deny the existence of a single metanarrative that applies to all persons it is more important than ever that we know the biblical narrative and tell it faithfully to others, asking God to convince hearers as we do so that this is their Story as well.
Indeed, this is our story, this is our song, praising our Savior (the main point of the Story), all the day long.
We must ever study the Gospel because it is the summit and summary of the great narrative of God’s redemptive activity in the world. It is into this Story that we have been called.
In an age when many deny the existence of a single metanarrative that applies to all persons it is more important than ever that we know the biblical narrative and tell it faithfully to others, asking God to convince hearers as we do so that this is their Story as well.
Indeed, this is our story, this is our song, praising our Savior (the main point of the Story), all the day long.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "M" for "Mission"
“M”—Mission
We must continually learn and teach the Gospel so that we may not lose sight of the great work that God is doing in our world. God is actively engaged in the wondrous work of reconciling all things to himself. It was for this that the Son of God came: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor 5:19).
And this work continues in and through us, the body of Christ, gathered and dispersed throughout the world. The very work for which the Father sent the Son, the Son has now sent his church to continue (Matt 28:18-20; Jn 20:21).
And he promises to be with us always. Being in his presence must be taken as seriously as doing the work of mission, for mission can only have power when Christ is indwelling us and we him.
We must continually learn and teach the Gospel so that we may not lose sight of the great work that God is doing in our world. God is actively engaged in the wondrous work of reconciling all things to himself. It was for this that the Son of God came: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor 5:19).
And this work continues in and through us, the body of Christ, gathered and dispersed throughout the world. The very work for which the Father sent the Son, the Son has now sent his church to continue (Matt 28:18-20; Jn 20:21).
And he promises to be with us always. Being in his presence must be taken as seriously as doing the work of mission, for mission can only have power when Christ is indwelling us and we him.
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "L" for "Love"
“L”—Love
The Gospel is the revelation of God’s abounding love: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). We need to immerse ourselves and the saints we serve in that Good News.
The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, for example, is an ongoing reminder of Christ crucified (1 Cor 11:26). God’s Gospel love also calls forth love as response. The Lord’s Supper both declares God’s love and demands that we love one another in turn (1 Cor 11:27).
The Apostle John makes this clear. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 Jn 4:10-11).
And again he writes, We love because he first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). To see love grow in the hearts of God’s people and reach to their neighbors, we must school them continuously in the Gospel of love.
The Gospel is the revelation of God’s abounding love: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). We need to immerse ourselves and the saints we serve in that Good News.
The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, for example, is an ongoing reminder of Christ crucified (1 Cor 11:26). God’s Gospel love also calls forth love as response. The Lord’s Supper both declares God’s love and demands that we love one another in turn (1 Cor 11:27).
The Apostle John makes this clear. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 Jn 4:10-11).
And again he writes, We love because he first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). To see love grow in the hearts of God’s people and reach to their neighbors, we must school them continuously in the Gospel of love.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "K" for "Knowledge"
“K”—Knowledge
We continually learn the Gospel, even as believers, because the Gospel is the revelation of the knowledge and wisdom of God. Though the message of Christ crucified seems foolish to many in this age, to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:23-24).
The Gospel is a message of wisdom among the mature (1 Cor 2:6), a message that is God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden for ages (1 Cor 2:7). But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit (1 Cor 2:10). Who has known the mind of the Lord that he would instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). To grow in the knowledge of God’s wisdom, grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, then, let us remain steadfast in the Gospel.
We continually learn the Gospel, even as believers, because the Gospel is the revelation of the knowledge and wisdom of God. Though the message of Christ crucified seems foolish to many in this age, to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:23-24).
The Gospel is a message of wisdom among the mature (1 Cor 2:6), a message that is God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden for ages (1 Cor 2:7). But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit (1 Cor 2:10). Who has known the mind of the Lord that he would instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). To grow in the knowledge of God’s wisdom, grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, then, let us remain steadfast in the Gospel.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "J" for "Jealousy"
J”—Jealousy:
We learn and teach the Gospel because we are called to be jealous for those we serve. The apostle Paul declared to the Corinthians, I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ (2 Cor 11:2).
Indeed, God himself is a jealous God (Exod 20:5). True love that is covenant based is properly jealous concerning the parties in that covenant. We must keep the true Gospel before the eyes of those whom we teach and serve so that they will avoid what Paul feared for the Corinthians—that is, that they should be deceived by the serpent’s cunning and somehow be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3).
Deeper acquaintance with the true Gospel will help believers recognize and reject the preaching of another Jesus and a different Gospel (2 Cor 11:4).
We learn and teach the Gospel because we are called to be jealous for those we serve. The apostle Paul declared to the Corinthians, I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ (2 Cor 11:2).
Indeed, God himself is a jealous God (Exod 20:5). True love that is covenant based is properly jealous concerning the parties in that covenant. We must keep the true Gospel before the eyes of those whom we teach and serve so that they will avoid what Paul feared for the Corinthians—that is, that they should be deceived by the serpent’s cunning and somehow be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3).
Deeper acquaintance with the true Gospel will help believers recognize and reject the preaching of another Jesus and a different Gospel (2 Cor 11:4).
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Gospel Alphabet: "I" for "Intimacy"
“I”—Intimacy:
Through the Gospel we’re invited into a living relationship with the living God. In the love proclaimed at the heart of the Gospel, God has adopted us into his family.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God, and that is what we are” (1 Jn 3:1). The Holy Spirit empowers us to believe the Good News and is sent into our hearts, enabling us to cry, “Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6).
Rehearsing the Gospel in our worship, teaching, preaching, fellowship, and service helps us to nurture and celebrate this unfathomably intimate relationship.
Through the Gospel we’re invited into a living relationship with the living God. In the love proclaimed at the heart of the Gospel, God has adopted us into his family.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God, and that is what we are” (1 Jn 3:1). The Holy Spirit empowers us to believe the Good News and is sent into our hearts, enabling us to cry, “Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6).
Rehearsing the Gospel in our worship, teaching, preaching, fellowship, and service helps us to nurture and celebrate this unfathomably intimate relationship.
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