The Gospel Everyday Keeps Self-Righteousness Away

          

Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

            Habits are hard to break. I have found this to be true in every area of life: physical, mental, and spiritual.  For example, I have been in the throws of P90X for almost 2 months. Even after all this times I still sometimes get the urge to swerve across three lanes of traffic and “accidently” go through the Taco Bell drive-thru. My flesh is weak! Or take mental habits for example. I have been revisiting my Greek studies for a while now. Though I enjoy studying it I still find myself wanting to throw Mounce’s book out the window and sit down and play a video game. My mind is weak! The truth is I am also weak spiritually. I have been so incredibly changed by the gospel but I still find myself being pulled back to the emptiness that is self-righteousness. In an instant I can go back to thinking that my salvation, sanctification, or glorification are up to me. It is madness, but I can still fall back into legalism in an instant.   

            As everyone who has read this blog knows, I started this blog to continually remind me (and you ) of the truth of the gospel. Last week was one of the busiest weeks I have had… well ever. Even though I was not able to write very much last week, I did reflect daily on the truth of the gospel so that I would not slip back into self-righteousness. However, the past couple days I have been truly exhausted. In my tiredness I have found my mind wandering back to my legalistic tendencies. It is at times such as these that I am perpetually grateful for several things. First, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit that dwells inside me. He helps to refocus my attention and affection back on the truth of the gospel. I am incredibly thankful that God did not leave us alone, but rather sent the Holy Spirit to guide us! Second, I am thankful for God’s Word. The gospel is literally all over the Scriptures. I don’t have to read long before I see the glorious gospel and as a result am reminded of who I am in Christ. Third, I rejoice that I have a gospel-centered wife. Whenever I begin to talk about the old country (legalism) she gently reminds me of the glorious riches that we have found in the gospel. Everyone needs a Jennie! In light of all of this I want to simply reflect on some of the beautiful riches that we have found in the gospel.

1). In Christ we have found true acceptance and love from God. Before Jesus Christ we were literally enemies of God. From the womb we were cursed (Ps. 51:5). We were dead men walking. However, Christ’s atonement changed everything! In Christ, God perpetually loves us. Nothing can separate us the love of God that we have in Jesus (Rom. 8).  In Christ, God accepts us. Jesus gave us His righteousness and He took our sin to the cross. It is unfathomable, but it is true! Now we can boldly approach the God of the universe. He loves us and He accepts and it is all because of what Jesus Christ did for us!

2). In Christ we can have a genuine relationship with God. Before the gospel we wandered around aimlessly looking for meaning to this life. We constantly worried about whether God was angry with us, but in Christ we found forgiveness and acceptance. This has allowed us to truly have a relationship with God. It is a relationship built on the finished work of Christ, not on our own power! We are now free to enjoy God! Since we are no longer condemned (Rom 8:1), now we can walk with God. We can go before Him without fear of rejection and we can shamelessly adore Him! To sum it up we have found true joy in knowing God! Legalism never offered us that.

3).  In Christ we have been freed from anxiety. We used to have to constantly worry about life. When we thought we were in control there was perpetual stress and heavy anxiety. However, Christ freed us from ourselves. Christ showed us the truth of who God is. This allows us to rest in the knowledge that He is control. The God who sent His Son to save our souls is the God we can trust. This doesn’t mean that this life will be easy, but it does mean that we now have a God who “will never leave you or forsake you.” That is a promise to cling to!

4). In Christ we have been freed to love people. Before the gospel many of us were self-righteous. Our legalism gave us empowerment and entitlement. However, Jesus freed us from the need to judge each other. The gospel shows us that our worth is found in Christ finished work not in our own abilities. This leads our hearts to experience true joy. This joy oozes out of us to others. Since Christ has forgiven us, now we can forgive. Since Christ was wronged for our sakes, now we can be wronged for others. Since Christ has loved us, now we can love each other!

            We could literally write forever about the treasures we have found in the gospel! Christ has changed everything. In light of this, let’s unashamedly cling to Him today. Self-righteousness sings a familiar song, but the gospel shouts God’s love for us. We have found the greatest treasure imaginable in the gospel of Jesus Christ; let’s cling to Him today!