What about sin?

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In chapter 2, Bridges discusses sin. Specifically, how the idea of sin seems to be disappearing from our culture. And not just our culture, but our churches as well. If and when we do address sin, it is the "big" sins, such as murder or abortion, etc. (basically the sins of others) He makes this statement in the chapter, "But on the whole, we appear to be more concerned about the sins of society than we are the sins of the saints." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (pp. 9-10). NavPress. Kindle Edition.)

 Think about it. When is the last time you heard someone condemn one of the big sins? Now think about when is that last time you heard someone condemn gossip, anger, white lies, etc.? 

Which of these sins make us guilty of being sinners? Answer: all of them. 

He brings the point home to me when he says, "that means a 99 on a final exam is a failing grade." 
(Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 12). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) It means that anything less that perfection is imperfection. 

But it is this fact that makes the gospel so beautiful. Remember, ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24) So here is my conclusion: As we fail to see our sin (and ourselves as sinners), we fail to see the beauty of the gospel. As we fail to see the beauty of the gospel, we rob ourselves of our ability to appropriately respond to it. This is not the self-help gospel of many today, it is the God-help-me gospel of the Bible. 

Yet as we do the opposite, that is focus on the sins of others, it makes the gospel into something it was never meant to be, it makes it into legalism. It makes it into something that is ugly, challenging to do, hard work. But Jesus said that his burden is easy. 

God, be merciful to me, a sinner! (Luke 18:13b) Which man went away justified?

Wedding Day - The City Harmonic

Holy (Wedding Day)

The City Harmonic

This is the story of the Son of God
Hangin' on a cross for me
But it ends with a bride and groom
And a weddin' by a glassy sea
Oh, death, where is your sting?
'Cause I'll be there singin'
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
This is the story of a bride in white
Waitin' on her weddin' day
Anticipation wellin' up inside
While her groom is crowned a King
Oh, death, where is your sting?
'Cause we'll be there singin'
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
(Who was, and is, and is to come)
Is the Lord almighty
Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
(Who was, and is, and is to come)
Is the Lord almighty
This is the story of the son of God
Hangin'…

Source: Musixmatch

This is the gospel message, and it melts my heart. What more can be said?

10 out of 10 again!

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

I want to recap yesterday with this illustration. Bridges was talking about the word "saint" and its usage in the New Testament. The word saint is not about what we do (as might be the modern interpretation), but it is who we are. And we are the redeemed. So our actions are determined by who we are.

If you say the word saint in New Orleans, many people would think you are talking about a football player, as New Orleans is the home of the NFL team by that name. Their quarterback currently is Drew Brees. So by New Orleans standards, Drew Brees is a saint. And this is not based on his actions. If he throws a touchdown pass, he is a saint. If he throws an interception, he is a saint. The town does not disown him if he fails. If he retires, he will continue to be regarded as a saint.

So when Paul addresses fellow believers, he refers to them as saints. This is based on their status and not their behavior. In addressing the believers in Corinth, there were some issues, but these issues did not keep Paul from referring to them as saints. The idea being set forth is we too, need to think of ourselves as saints. But many who profess Christianity don't. Nor do many think of themselves as sinners.

A recent example of this can be seen on the TV reality show, the Bachelorette. Apparently, there is a woman on the show who professes to be a Christian. Yet this woman admits to having sex with contestants on the show. When confronted by another contestant, also a professing Christian, about this behavior, she sent him packing. According to this article, she stated,  “I have had sex and, like, Jesus still loves me.” The article also quotes her as saying, “Guess what? Sex might be a sin out of marriage, pride is a sin, too, and I feel like this is like a pride thing,” Brown said. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten clarity on you and I do not want you to be my husband.”

Is she a saint? That is up to God. Does she see herself as a saint? Does she herself as a sinner? It appears that the answer to both of those questions is no.

How do you see yourself? How do I see myself?

Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave

Song number 4. I know that this one creates a very special feeling in me when I hear it. Can it stand the test of listening to the lyric critically?

My comments are in blue.

Overwhelmed

Big Daddy Weave

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God
And all that You’ve done is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

And God I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God,…

Source: LyricFind

At some points, the song lyrics sound like something that David might have written in the Psalms. To be honest, this song touches on a theme that God has strongly laid upon my heart lately, and that is just how beautiful God is. And as I see Him in this light, it truly does make anything I do a light burden.

10 out of 10!

Putting on the other shoe

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

In yesterday's post, I hit on the idea that the gospel is not a message about "if you just ask Jesus into your heart, you can go to heaven."  But the other shoe in that pair must also be addressed. The gospel is also more than "do better, try harder, and maybe when God weighs your deeds at the eternal roll-call, you fill have enough goodness to make it through.

Bridges begins chapter 1 by talking about the word, "saints." I think when most of us hear this word, we think of someone who, by virtue of multiple noble actions, has achieved a status beyond the normal person, sometimes referred to as a godly person. The Catholic church gives the title to those who have done just that. But in 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the Corinthians as saints. Now if you get to reading the text, you can clearly see that these people were not more noble than most. In fact, they had quite a few flaws within their character. Bridges states, The answer lies in the meaning of the word as it is used in the Bible. The Greek word for saint is hagios, and it refers not to one’s character but to a state of being. Its literal meaning is “one who is separated unto God.” (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 2). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) So in Biblical usage, a saint is not defined by a person's character or behavior, but rather by their status as someone whom Christ has brought into a saved relationship.

This has huge implications for us, especially within the current American theology of what makes a Christian. Biblically, a saint is defined by belonging to Christ, and not exemplary behavior. It's not that our behavior is unimportant, and Paul' admonitions throughout the New Testament confirm this, but it is that our ability to conform to those behaviors does not determine our status when it comes to being in Christ. That is why messages that only deal with our behavior will never truly represent the gospel. Messages that only promote positive thinking, messages that do not take into consideration our sinful state, messages that tell us how to have our best life now, these types of messages take away from the gospel by drawing people into believing they have heard the gospel.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)

When it comes to gospel living, we must recognize who we are before we decide how we will act. Do you give generously? So do others who do not believe. Do you honor your wife, tell the truth (most of the time), have not murdered, don't get drunk, don't worship idols, etc.? So have others who do not believe. So what makes the difference? It is who we are. We are saints, we are sinners saved by grace, we are believers who look at God and see Him as beautiful because of His mercy and grace. And we respond accordingly. Not perfectly, but accordingly. Bridges uses the military analogy of officers in the army. As officers, a certain level of behavior is expected. Perhaps you have heard the expression, "Conduct unbecoming an officer." So their rank defines them, and the behavior follows. Soldiers who also act in manner similar to that of an officer do not become officers by their behavior. Rank defines them. And us. We are saints first, and should act accordingly.

The Gospel is for Sinners

I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.

One of the beliefs of Calvinism, to the best of my understanding, is that of Limited Atonement. This is the belief that Christ died only for the elect, or those God predestined for salvation. Others would argue that Christ died for all. Without getting into a lot of theological debate, I say it does not matter as the end result is the same. Christ's death is only effective for those who are saved.

In the preface to the book, Bridges states, "The gospel, though, is only for sinners, for those who recognize their need of it." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.) Again, we could argue that the gospel is for all, but the end result is that the gospel only saves those who accept it. So in that regard, I agree with Mr. Bridges. 

So what does this mean? To me, a lot. My understanding of the gospel is it is the good news that Jesus died on the cross to take my place. For that to really have to impact me, I need to understand that not only do I deserve death for my sins, perhaps even a death as gruesome and painful as that of Christ on the cross, but I also deserve the other punishment he took, and that is God turning his back on me, eternal damnation. If you haven't thought about that lately, let that sink in.

I think much of what is preached and responded to today is not the gospel, but the idea that if we accept Jesus we get to go to heaven. The problem with this line of thinking is that it avoids the cross, it avoids our sin, it does not lead to a full appreciation of what Christ did for us on the cross, and therefore does not lead to true repentance. It is a false gospel, or not really the gospel at all. 

Do I see myself as a sinner? As one who needs salvation? Am I relying on Christ and what He has done, or am I trying to fix myself? (See this post) Is my life a response to the mercy of God (Romans 12:1), or is my life a continual striving to get things right. Or even worse, do I not strive at all anymore because God has granted me salvation because I accepted a false gospel?

Bridges describes what I believe is a logical consequence of seeing ourselves as wanting to get into heaven, but NOT seeing ourselves as sinners. "Once we trust in Christ, so the thinking goes, we no longer need the gospel." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.) If I believe that once I have accepted Christ I am safe, then the gospel can be put on the shelf. But if, as Bridges also states, "the gospel is a vital gift from God not only for our salvation but also to enable us to deal with the ongoing activity of sin in our lives." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins . NavPress. Kindle Edition.), then the gospel is something that I must deal with on a continual basis. It is my reason to say, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:21) It is also the reason Paul says a few verses later, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ," (Phil 1:27) notice that he says worthy of the gospel of Christ. Not the news that you have a one time get out of hell free pass, but the reality that when Jesus died on the cross he took your place both in dying and in satisfying God's wrath. 

Looking forward to reading more.

Third Day - God of Wonders

This is my third song as I begin taking a more critical look at the lyrics I listen to. I chose this song randomly from my play list.

My comments are in blue.

God of Wonders

Third Day

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble in the darkness
I will call Your name by night

Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth
Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth
Hallelujah, to the Lord of Heaven and Earth

God of…

Source: Musixmatch

At one time I listened to a lot of Third Day music. I do like that they do a lot of worship music. I like this song, and think that it is solid lyrically. It is a great praise chorus. 

I especially like the chorus that starts "Early in the morning..." To me it just echoes my journey. Starting out a day, seeing the light, rested, I am full of hope and energy, it just creates an atmosphere of praise. As the day goes on, what has changed? The sun is setting, I am weary, my eyes are not seeing the beauty anymore. I have changed, my circumstances have changed, God has not changed. He is still worthy of praise and celebration. He is still Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Good music. I give this one a 8 out of 10, it is a great song, great lyrics, perhaps is it just my familiarity with it that only gets it an 8.