"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10
It is very clear that works are not a means by which we receive salvation, but are works to be ignored when it comes to the gospel? Earlier this week I had the privilege of sitting in on a lecture that Dr. Darrell Bock, a research professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, presented on the new perspective. He introduced me to the idea that the point of the gospel is not merely that Jesus died for our sin, the key part is the idea of the provision of the Spirit which gives us a capability of walking in a way that honors God. At first we think, he's wrong because Jesus' death and resurrection is entirely what the gospel is about. However, I ask you to continue to read this post a hear me out. The gospel is in not just about justification, but what justification enables us to do. Yes, the death and resurrection is important and I do not want to remove any focus from that, as it is the heart of the gospel. However, I believe there is more to it then that.
If you have ever had the privilege of leading someone to Christ you have probably followed something similar to the Roman's Road. If you've ever done this and simply rhymed off verses to someone and walked them through a prayer then you have probably thought to yourself afterwards, "I hope they get it." I mean so many Christians today believe in Jesus and that He died and they confessed some sins, prayed and they think they are saved. This is where I think we are missing the point. The gospel does not stop with the acceptance and confession of Jesus, it must continue to the person being born again. This is what Jesus was saying to Nicodemus in John 3. When we decide to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, confess our sins and receive Him we must be born again. Not physically, but spiritually, start a new life in Christ separate from our old life. We are no longer sinners, but through Christ's blood we are saints, forgiven by God Almighty. This is when we receive the Holy Spirit who enables us to do good works, for this is the reason in which we have been created. We are God's workmanship, created to do good works for His glory. The gospel is not just the death and resurrection of Christ, but it is also the ennoblement by the Holy Spirit and becoming a new creation with a new life in Christ. This is the gospel we are to share, this is the gospel that is the Good News! Yes, the gospel is about justification, but also about what justification enables us to do!
What do you think? Do you understand what I am saying? Please let me know if you don't because this is something that we all need to hear and understand!
In Christ's love,
Jon
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I think of Salvation as a starting point. You're given the materials needed to grow stronger and develop as a new Christian. Its important to follow up and disciple new Christians so they know how to live a Christian life.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. So many people go to events/camps, listen to an evangelist and make a salvation decision based on emotions. Don't get me wrong, I think that's fine, but too often this happens and then they get back to the real world and nothing changes in their life. Like you guys said, salvation is the starting point for further growth. Discipleship is so important so that we can continue to grow.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I really feel that we as Christians kind of understand this point but it gets missed too often when people lead someone to Christ. Discipleship does more for a person then a simple track! I mean track aren't wrong, but there needs to be follow up. Newly converted Christians need someone to hold them accountable and help them grow as they begin this new life.
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