FBC Men at the Shepherds Conference
Coming soon……Reflections on the Shepherds Conference 2009
I Concur with Dr. John Piper
Any thoughts?
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Love of God Found Only in the Justification of God
Sin removed and righteousness gained: this is the only standard by which a holy, eternal, omniscient God can accept us into His presence. Stepping into the courtroom of eternity and being declared “not guilty” this is justification. “Works” or “faith” these are the options. If one works, the standard is perfection. If one believes, the standard is perfection-but whose perfection? For the one who believes, the love of God is in the justifying work of God, but for the one who works God’s love is unknown.
The law of God demands fixed obedience. The law is God’s standard that he holds every human being to. It is primarily found in the “the ten commandments.” This is the standard that humanity is expected to live by, and will be judged by. If the law is not carried out to the letter, death is required for the transgressor. God’s standard is not based upon a percentage, but rather a total obedience. If a person breaks one law they are guilty of breaking them all. In other words, “You shall not murder” and “You shall not steal,” they are equal assaults on God’s character. Furthermore, the mind is called to have a persistent “God-ward” orientation. We cannot even live out the first commandment “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Therefore, to undertake the task of keeping the law of God, or to earn merit and acceptance with God, is totally contrary to sound judgment. It is incongruent with the text of scripture to position one’s heart and life to attempt to earn salvation. Even our efforts to do “good” are tainted with the interest of self. It is a person’s pride that is at the center of earning their way to heaven based on works. Individuals who are striving to earn their salvation cannot have a true grasp of the love of God because God has done nothing for them. They are completely focused on themselves and their performance, never on Christ and His immeasurable grace. They do not want God on His terms; which is the free offer of grace and mercy. They would rather attempt to do it themselves.
On the other hand, Grace is being given what we do not deserve; namely, the ability to believe and rest in the finished work of Christ; that is, His perfect life, death, and resurrection. Thus, fulfilling every requirement and consequence the law has brought to bear on humanity. Christ’s finished work on the cross has defeated sin, Satan, and death once and for all to all who believe and place their trust in Him. The accomplishment of this grace is that it has joined us to the Father. Grace is being granted the ability to turn from sin (breaking God’s law), and turn to Christ for righteousness that one may be accepted in God’s sight. It is being released from the punishment we deserve, and having the position of complete righteousness. It is being declared “Not Guilty!” when there is nothing innocent in us. It is being confirmed as “Righteous!” when there is nothing but continual pride and evil in our hearts. The love of God is most vividly seen when His justifying grace is bestowed upon an individual who is damned for eternity.
Jesus Christ is the author and manifestation of grace. He is the means of this grace. He is the only one who has propitiated the wrath of God. He is the only one who has absorbed God’s holy and righteous wrath. Christ is the only one who has taken on Himself all the punishment we deserve. For this reason a person is declared guiltless if they have come to an active saving faith and knowledge of Jesus. God’s love in justification is what delights my soul, arrested my heart, and set me on a road to live a holy life for the glory of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” -Romans 5:1-2
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
