In response to some of the questions on the last post, I’d like to try and answer a few as well as clarify. This post will define a little more the difference between Gospel and Religion in the way that I am using it. Because far more intelligent and well-spoken men have tackled this, I will quote heavily from 2 of them. The following is from Tim Keller’s “Centrality of the Gospel,” and adapted for use in a seminar by Darrin Patrick of The Journey Church in St. Louis. Bolded text are my comments.
The gospel is received by faith in the finished work of Christ, not by good works or our merit. If we think of the gospelas only pardon or forgiveness of sins, we will trust in God for our past salvation, but will trust in our own present strivings and attainments for our present relationship with God. The gospel offers not just forgiveness for our bad record, but also complete acceptance through Christ’s perfect record. Christ did not only die in our place but lived a perfect life in our place. Therefore we do not simply get forgiveness for sins from Christ, but also complete acceptance. His perfect past and record now (in God’s sight) becomes ours. This is what I meant by “I’m accepted, therefore I obey” and not “I obey, therefore I’m accepted.” He further illustrates this here…
Whenever we lose our grip on the gospel of salvation-by-faith0not-works we will encessarily fall back into some form of works-righteousness. Thus, we return to fear and bondage. Disbelief in the gospel of grace is therefore not only the main thing that keeps the unconverted from God. It is also the main cause of spiritual deadness, fear, and pride in Christians because our hearts continue to act on th basis of “I obey, therefore I’m accepted.” If we could sum up the reason why non-believers do not go to or trust the church, it would most likely be those 3 sentences. Amazing. We, as human beings, always look to things to “save” us (such as our family, our moral record, our work, and so on._ They become more central to our hope and identity than God, which returns us to fear and bondage… Only profound knowledge of our acceptance in Christ makes the law of God a good thing of beauty instead of a burden. Then we can use it to delight, resemble and know the one who saved us – rather than to get his attention or procure his favor. Then we can run the race “for the joy set before us” rather than “for the fear coming behind us.” Wow. How contradictory is that to the threats of hell and immorality preached down the throats of people by well-intentioned Christians? Why have we not trusted in the GOODNESS of God to transform us, rather than rely on fear of Him to motivate others.
Summary: The gospel is that you are more wicked and flawed than you ever dared believe, and more loved and accepted than you ever dared hope at the same time. Unconditionally loved and radically humbled. “Simul justus et peccator.”
The summary, in particular, hit home for me. How beautiful is that? How awesome and amazing are these statements?
And it is so well illustrated in scripture. The parable of the prodigal son (Like 15: 11-32) may be one of the best illustrations. Also, though, II Corinthians 5: 21,
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Better yet, one of the things that blows my mind is: I Peter 1: 12
“It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”
The gospel is so good, and so powerful, that even the angles (who are right there with God in heaven) LONG TO LOOK into it’s message. The angels are confounded by God’s unconditional love and acceptance of us! Can you imagine?
And it is this, more than anything else, that should give us the “humble confidence” that we are loved by God, yet truly deserve none of it. This humble confidence defeats self righteous pride as well as spiritual despair. We are neither blown up, nor beat up by the law.
brad
great post…i think keller has some really great articles. it is so important for us as Christians to recognize that Christ saved us, not ourselves. unfortunately, we forget that. its funny, because even knowing it is God’s grace, we can fall into self-rigteousness, rather than God’s righteousness.
recently, my wife and i had a great heart to heart, and i realized that i have so often been legalistic in my attitudes about obedience. i believe that God really showed me how much of a salvation-thru-works guy, i had become. although i didnt believe in my head that works save, i acted as if they did. obviously, this doesnt take anything away from true obedience, but i have gone too far to the works side in my actions and God needed to teach me his true gospel in our lives.
ps what’s your track at covenant? mdiv? what yr?
peter
Peter,
Thanks bro! I appreciate it greatly. I definitely relate to having a legalistic perspective when it comes to both faith and marriage. I had my own epiphany a few months ago, and it was both devastating and invigorating. Knowledge of it truly is half the battle, but it is a very long and bloody one at that. It amazes me how ingrained it is in our lives, and I didn’t even grow up in the church!
Remember always:
“I am accepted, therefore I obey,” not “I obey, therefore I’m accepted.” That is the difference between the gospel and religion.
Peace.
i agree about the distinction. perfect way to look at grace and works.
pb
Hello
Great book. I just want to say what a fantastic thing you are doing! Good luck!
G’night
Thanks!