Category: What Is the Gospel?

God’s Coming Judgment upon the Wicked Is Part of the Good News

 

 

 

 

Isaiah wrote that the Holy Spirit was upon him to…

...proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God... Isaiah 61:2 (NASB)

Jesus quoted this passage when he launched his public ministry. (Luke 4:18) His first coming was to provide the means for God to extend forgiveness and favor to all who will accept him. Jesus also acknowledged that his second coming will be a day of vengeance against God’s enemies.

Both the extended time of favor and the cataclysmic day of judgment are part of the gospel message.

God’s nature requires the imposition of his justice upon the affairs of this world. Whereas mankind may be content to “let things go” and never require offenders to “pay the piper,” God is not that way. God will not be mocked. All of us will reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7) The Bible clearly states that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

If there were no accounting to God for injustice, there would be no good news at all.

The Bible teaches us that since the wages of sin must be paid and each of us must die, because all of us have sinned. The Good News is that Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, was willing to pay that debt for us. If we put our faith and allegiance in him, our debt to God is cancelled and we are made right with him. But what about those who refuse God’s generous offer? The certainty of God’s wrath awaits them.

Many of us Christians are so attuned to God’s great mercy that we are uncomfortable with scriptures that declare that God will judge his enemies.

Psalm 2, a messianic psalm, warns the people of earth to beware the day of God’s wrath.

Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.9  You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’” Psalm 2:8-9 (NLT)

Revelation also speaks of this day.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:11-16 (NASB)

Those clothed in fine linen are understood to be his redeemed people. (Revelation 19:8)

Isaiah also gives more detail about the coming day of vengeance.

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. 5  I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. 6  I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” Isaiah 63:4-6 (ESV)

This passage prophetically conflates the first and second comings of our Lord. The first coming, which includes the time following leading up to the second coming, is the year of redemption or favor. This will be followed by the day of vengeance at the second coming. God will judge the wicked.

The wicked do everything in their power to deny this coming judgment.

First of all, they deny God’s existence, thinking that they can effectively remove him and his justice by wishing it away. Secondly, they do everything they can to keep his justice from falling on the wicked here on earth in this life. Murderers are punished for a while then released upon the populace again, thus violating God’s clear command to put them to death. (Genesis 9:6) Paul wrote about these days, when he said that…

Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:32 (ESV)

Thirdly, they pass laws that seek to subvert God’s justice by making sin legal in man’s eyes. A clear example of this is legalized abortion, the killing of an innocent life in the womb or even after birth.

If God does not punish those who do evil, then there is no justice. If there is no justice, God is not just. If God is not just, all hope is lost, and we live in an evil capricious world ruled by whomever achieves power. But there is an omnipotent God who is just and who will execute judgment. He will reward those who declare allegiance to him and punish evil doers.

He will render to each one according to his works: 7  to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8  but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9  There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10  but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11  For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6-11 (ESV)

Therefore, the gospel is not only the announcement that God offers pardon to all of us who rebel against his authority and who repent and turn to Christ: it is also the promise that those who will not turn to him will encounter his wrath.

The goodness of God leads us to repentance and the threat of his wrath warns us to turn from evil. God is both kind (merciful) and severe (just). (Romans 11:22) We are in the time of his mercy, the year of his favor, but that time is quickly coming to an end. We do well to try to persuade as many as possible to turn to God before it is too late.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive me for rebelling against your rule. I acknowledge my sin and ask for forgiveness. Thank you that you give me eternal life and a right standing with Father God. Holy Spirit, come into my life. Change me from the inside out to be more like Jesus. Empower me to share this good news with others. Help me to faithfully follow you for the rest of my days. Amen.

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How to Present a Concise Gospel Message

 

 

 

 

The gospel is the true story of Jesus Christ, who he is as a person, what he did, and what he will do when he returns, which demands a response of repentance and faith from the hearer.

The gospel is found in the four New Testament books that carry that name, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Since most of the time we cannot relate the entire Gospel to a person, being able to summarize the Gospel is very important. It is always good to have the core truths of the gospel in mind whenever we share. It will help us stay “on track” and will provide a framework for our presentation.

The following passage from Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost in Acts Chapter Two is a fabulous example of a brief, concentrated Gospel. Just add the “water” of God’s Spirit and the effect will be life changing!

"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23  But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24  But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip... "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33  "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' 36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:22-24, 32-36 (NASB)

Now, let us break apart what Peter said.

  1. Jesus died as the Lamb of God for the forgiveness of our sins and was buried. This ministry was prophesied by John the Baptist (John 1:29).
  2. Jesus rose from the dead in power (Romans 1:4), which was witnessed by many people, and was exalted to the right hand of God’s throne as the Lord. He now has all authority (Matthew 28:18) and currently reigns in heaven. He sits at God’s right hand, and his church is spiritually seated with him (Ephesians 2:6 & Colossians 3:1), waiting for his enemies to be brought into submission. Jesus is both Lord and Messiah. He is the Son of God, the messianic King of Israel, who was also prophesied by John the Baptist (John 1:34).
  3. Jesus ascended into heaven and “poured out” the baptism in the Holy Spirit upon the church to equip his followers to be his witnesses and fulfill the Great Commission. This makes him the Baptizer in the Spirit and Lord of the Harvest, just as John the Baptist prophesied (John 1:33).
  4. A fourth point, which is implied in John 1:35, is that Jesus is the Son of Man (Matthew 25:31-32), who will return to earth in glory and triumph over his enemies to judge the living and the dead and rule over a new heaven and earth.

The power of these gospel statements on anyone who understands and believes them will elicit a response of repentance and surrender to Jesus.

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38  Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40  Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41 (NLT)

This response produces allegiance to Christ, whereby we make the decision to cease living as rebellious independent creatures and come under God’s sovereign and benevolent rule through Christ. When we do this, our sins are forgiven and Jesus will send his Spirit to equip and empower us to be his disciples and witnesses.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NLT)

Let me recap the four main points of the gospel.

  1. Jesus is the Lamb of God.
  2. Jesus is the Lord.
  3. Jesus is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and
  4. Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

Have you ever really understood the gospel and made this transaction with God? If not, why not now?

Prayer

Jesus, I realize that you are very great and deserve my worship and the surrender of my entire being to your rule. I believe that you died for me and rose again as the Lord of Lords. Thank you for forgiving my sins and making a way for me to be right with God. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Thank you for setting me free so I can live for you. I receive you into my life to live through me. Baptize me in your Spirit and help me to live the rest of my days for you. Amen.

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Is Christ Really Coming Again?

 

 

 

 

1971. That was the year that the Holy Spirit opened my spiritual eyes and let me see that Jesus is everything the Bible says. A gigantic in-gathering of people into God’s kingdom was taking place in our nation then. It was called by some the “Jesus Revolution,” during which thousands of so called “hippies” and others from that generation of “Baby Boomers,” as well as people from other age groups, became followers of Christ. Concurrent with that “awakening” was another “movement” called the Charismatic Renewal, in which thousands, if not millions, of people across a wide range of denominations and “non-denominations” received and experienced what many call the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit, complete with speaking in tongues, prophecy, and other manifestations of God’s Spirit. Many of those who came to Christ during that time became leaders in the church. What God did during that decade still impacts the church fifty years later.

One of the earmarks of that ingathering was a profound interest in Christ’s Second Coming. People were fascinated with trying to piece together a proper sequence of future end time events. Those who professed to know all about it worked out all kinds of charts showing their predicted scenarios. Many of us expected that Jesus would come very soon, just as did the early church.

Do you think there is there any connection between people coming to Christ in large numbers and an intense interest in the Second Coming? The answer is found in the Gospel itself.

The Gospel is the good news about a person named Jesus, who is the promised Messiah King of Israel. His grand mission is to reclaim and transform all creation under God’s rule. Jesus began his public ministry by proclaiming that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” The reason he could say that was because the King himself was then present on planet earth. Wherever Jesus went, the kingdom was at hand. He introduced his kingdom rule into the lives of those who followed and believed in him by releasing them from the power of the devil and sin and calling them to follow him without reservation or hesitation.

His new way of living requires the renunciation of all competing allegiances, surrendering to his lordship in every area of life. This is what it means to follow Christ.

While he was here on earth, he was the epicenter of the kingdom of God and the focus of the messianic expectations of those around him. These expectations crescendoed when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of the crowd: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Those present proclaimed that he was and is the long promised successor to David’s throne – the Messiah!

Believing that Jesus was a spiritual and political threat, the religious and civil powers put him to death, apparently dashing the hopes of his followers. But this was all part of God’s eternal plan to redeem us from our sins. The Messiah King first had to suffer and die in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Three days later our hope was resurrected when Jesus emerged from the tomb! For forty days he instructed his band of faithful followers in the things related to his kingdom. Then Jesus ascended to heaven to sit at his heavenly Father’s right hand upon the throne of God, waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool and for the appointed time for his return, this time as the victorious and glorious King of Kings, the Son of Man prophesied by Daniel, who will judge the living and the dead and put an end to every other rival kingdom. He will permanently install God’s long awaited rescue and rule over all creation!

The Second Coming will be the culmination of God’s grand plan to redeem and restore all things to himself through his Son.

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit was unleashed to baptize and empower Christ’s followers. The apostle Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached the first sermon in this new age of the Spirit-filled church. His conclusion is quoted below.

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Acts 2:36 (NLT)

Peter’s listeners responded, “What should we do?” Why would they feel the need to do anything? It was because they realized that they were answerable to God for rejecting and murdering his Son, who, amazingly, was still alive and sitting on God’s throne!

Jesus’ resurrection made him the de facto ruler of the universe to whom everyone must answer.

Behind Peter’s words is the understanding that Jesus will come again as the Lord of Lords to judge every human being and punish those who choose to reject his benevolent rule.

The gospel is an invitation to all who have previously rejected the Messianic King to finally get right with God by confessing that Jesus is indeed the LORD, who has risen from the dead and who will come again one day to punish those who reject his kingly authority.

In Acts Chapter Three, Peter again preached.

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.  Acts 3:19-21 (NLT)

The Gospel preaching of the early church was completely focused on the person named Jesus Christ, his lordship, and the Second Coming, which included the resurrection of the just and the evil, the last judgment, and the restoration of all things under God’s rule. It is no wonder that when this Gospel is preached, whether then or today, that those who hear and believe will become intensely interested in Jesus’ Second Coming!

The faith that saves is based on the Gospel revelation that Jesus is the Messiah King who is coming again to firmly establish God’s rule on planet earth.

Sadly, if all we do is present this glorious coming Lord as a “personal Savior” who rescues us from hell, it is no wonder when people are not greatly moved and changed when they believe in him. A “personal savior” requires little or nothing from his adherents, but the glorious Lord of lords expects complete surrender from those who follow him!

Have you yet seen him for who he really is? Have you surrendered to him? Until you do that, you have not really known him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and heart, just as he did for those who heard Peter’s sermon so long ago.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I ask you to reveal Jesus to me so that I may properly surrender my life to him. My desire is to know Christ to the greatest degree possible and serve him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

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The “Lite” Gospel May Send You to Hell

 

 

 

 

“Lite” beer and diet colas are designed to taste as much like the real thing as possible, but with fewer calories. We are always looking for ways to cheat the natural consequences of our behavior. Sadly, the substitute ingredients are often harmful to our health, and usually the “lite” version does not taste as well as the original. Almost always the more costly and “real” way of producing something will yield superior results, but people who have grown accustomed to the inferior product may actually prefer it over the original.

When it comes to the gospel, the same sort of thing is true.

Over the years, well meaning people have crafted the “gospel” in such a way as to make it quicker, easier, more “palatable,” and less costly to become a Christian in order to mass produce conversions.

Below I will compare and contrast the real gospel with what I perceive to be an inferior “lite” version.

 The True GospelGospel Lite
MessageJesus is the Lamb of God who died for our sins. He rose again as Lord of Lords and commissioned his church to go and make disciples. Afterward he ascended to heaven, from where, as the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and Lord of the Harvest, he poured out the Holy Spirit on the church, empowering her to fulfill the Great Commission. He will come in again in glory as the divine Son of Man to judge all peoples and rule over God’s kingdom forever.Jesus died to provide forgiveness for our sins.
ResponseRepent from our self-directed lifestyle, confess that Jesus is our Lord, receive the forgiveness he provides whereby we are made part of God’s eternal family, declare your allegiance to him through water baptism, receive the baptism in the Spirit, and join his Great Commission army.Repent and receive forgiveness for your sins, whereby your membership in God’s eternal family is assured.
Big DifferenceThe true gospel emphasizes surrender to Christ’s lordship and participation in the Great Commission.Gospel lite may lead to receiving the blessings of the gospel without a true surrender to Christ’s lordship.
MethodsThe Holy Spirit must work in the heart of the hearer to bring him or her to a place of revelation of Christ’s lordship and surrender to it. This cannot be rushed. The preacher looks for some evidence of a true conversion.Receiving the Lord is made straight forward and “easy.” If you want what the gospel has to offer, simply repeat the sinner’s prayer, as is often led by the person sharing the gospel. Afterward, you are told that you are saved, no matter what interaction the person has made with the Lord at the heart level.
ResultsA life of surrendered discipleship.A belief that one is saved and going to heaven.
DangerA person may realize the high cost of following Christ as a disciple and choose not to become one.A person may never truly “see” who Jesus is (Lord of Lords and King of Kings), but  may merely go for the sales pitch – Pray this prayer and you can go to heaven.
Distinguishing MarksA person coming to Christ under the true gospel will call Jesus Lord.A person who is a product of Gospel Lite may only recognize Jesus his or her personal Savior.

The Gospel Lite salvation process may be more like an assembly line than the fine work of a craftsman. If we want to maximize the number of people who get “saved” at a church service or evangelistic meeting, we should streamline the process, making it quick and simple. It might go something like this. After explaining that all men are sinners and need a savior because otherwise we are destined to hell, the preacher might invite all present who want to receive Jesus as their Savior, to raise a hand or come forward and pray the “sinner’s prayer” as led by the preacher. Such a process provides people with a simple one-step process to become a child of God and provides ministers with an easy way to count conversions. Afterward, the one who prayed is assured that he or she is now saved and going to heaven. But is this indeed the case?

Jesus said that it is necessary to “behold” him, to see who he really is, in order to believe in him and be saved. (John 6:40) This can only happen when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes. Faith is two-fold: it includes both trust and allegiance. When we behold the Lord, we surrender our lives to him and receive from him all he died to give us.

Jesus liked to ask people who they thought he was. He wanted to see what the Spirit of God had revealed to them. Like our Lord, we should be observing what the Spirit is revealing to people about the Lord. When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?,” he did not ask them to repeat his leading words: “You are the Messiah King who will die for my sins and rise again as Lord of Lords.” Instead he simply allowed them to speak. When Peter confessed his faith in Jesus’ being Messiah, our Lord knew that God had revealed this to him. We likewise should encourage people to seek the Lord until they find him, ever watching to see what God is doing in their lives. When they are ready, we can assist in the birthing of a new person into God’s kingdom, as a kind of spiritual midwife. Salvation is always a miracle of recreation and transformation orchestrated by the Master Craftsman, the Holy Spirit.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

If we package the Gospel in a “lite” version, leaving out the time needed for the Spirit to do his work, we may unwittingly abort the conversion process.

Sadly, if we prompt someone to confess that Jesus is Lord before they know it by faith in their hearts, we may actually “inoculate” them against the possibility of a true conversion, leaving them convinced they are already “saved” without their ever having been born again.

During the first Great Awakening in the colonies in the late 18th century, preachers encouraged their hearers to seek God and, if necessary, to “wrestle” with him, until they found him, knowing that those who truly belong to Jesus will eventually “hear his voice.” (John 10:27)

Just as there is no way to instantly produce a human being, there is no shortcut to birthing someone into the kingdom of God.

Why, then, do we leave out the seeking the Lord part of the process, preferring to shorten things down to simply repeating a prayer? Do we skip the step of requiring people to seek God for themselves because we do not believe Jesus is able to communicate adequately with the seeker? Have we failed to grasp that unless the Spirit of God draws a person, they cannot come to Christ? (John 6:44) Do we not realize that no one can know the Father unless Jesus wills it and reveals the Father to them? (Matthew 11:27) Are we unwilling to simply leave people in the hands of God, knowing that he loves them far more than we do? Do we believe that the new birth depends more on God than on us?

Conclusion

Having made my point, that we must allow for the Spirit to do an inner work in a person before leading them to believe they are saved, let me emphasize that sometimes, many times, people are genuinely and deeply saved by responding to the preacher’s call to “pray after me.” That is because the Spirit has already been at work in their lives and prepared them for the moment. But in the case of those who are merely responding to a man, we must not lead them into the deception of thinking they already are saved, because they may cease the process of seeking the Lord.

Compounding the problem, our consumer culture draws people toward a message that encourages them to receive all the benefits of the gospel at the lowest possible cost.

They do not realize that when we receive all that Jesus died to give us, he asks us to give ourselves to him and his mission. Confessing him as Lord is much different that asking him to be Savior. According to Paul, the confession of Christ’s lordship is what actually saves us. (Romans 10:9)

The gospel does include receiving forgiveness of sins and eternal life, but those glorious benefits are not the whole gospel. They are benefits of our believing the gospel. The gospel is not only about my personal forgiveness and regeneration, which are indeed important, but it is about the restoration of all things under Christ. As Peter put it in another place:

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.  Acts 3:19-21 (ESV)

The early Christians were hounded, persecuted, and put to death because they proclaimed that Jesus is Lord over all things, even Caesar. Christians were taught to be loyal subjects of the empire (pay taxes, obey magistrates, give respect), but they could not obey the government if they were commanded to acknowledge that the supposedly divine Caesar was Lord over all.

It is unlikely that Rome would have persecuted a group who merely claimed that Jesus is a personal Savior.

Jesus is much more. He deserves our complete allegiance and will ultimately rule over every nation and kingdom. Every knee one day shall bow to him. Proclaiming such a gospel will likely get us into trouble with those who hate Christ’s rule because it means that we can and will only give a qualified form of allegiance to every other person and institution. The evil and worldly powers that want to dominate and rule us do not like this.

So what do we do with all of this? I believe that it is crucial that we adjust how we present the gospel to conform to the message preached by Peter and the other early apostles.

We must not limit ourselves to the plan of salvation and merely ask for decisions for Christ. Instead, we must ask for and expect repentance, baptism in water, the infilling of the Spirit, and a commitment to the Great Commission. We must expect believers to immediately become disciples – followers of Christ and fishers of men, who apply Christ’s radical rules for living to their lives. We have short changed ourselves and God for far too long!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, forgive me for seeing you as less than you are. Forgive me for stripping the gospel of its power and minimizing it to a mere plan of salvation. Help me to fully devote myself to you and your kingdom. Help me to faithfully share your gospel every chance I get. Make me your follower and a fisher of men. Give us disciples who will go and make disciples. Amen.

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What you might have overlooked in the gospel…

 

 

 

 

One of the interesting things about culture is that we usually are unaware of its effect on our lives. A fish has no good way to evaluate the culture of water in which it lives because it is all it has ever known. Culture affects people in a similar way, and church culture is no different. We get used to our church’s or denomination’s or association’s way of seeing and doing things. We think it not only is the best way, but also, perhaps, the only way. Sometimes it is shocking for us to find out that others see and know things of which we may have been oblivious. I want to share some insights into the gospel that you may have overlooked.

For most of my readers, I imagine you grew up understanding, explaining, and sharing the gospel using a guilt-innocence model or paradigm. This is one Paul used in his letter to the Romans, which many consider to be the greatest theological work ever written. I believe we can sum up Paul’s message under the title “Justification by Faith.” Justification is the reversal of our guilt by Christ’s death and resurrection. God declares that those who put their faith and allegiance in Christ are “justifiied,” “not guilty,” and made right with God. In our culture, it is easy for us to grasp this way of seeing things. We have all watched lots of TV shows illustrating courtroom drama. We get it.

But there are other ways of understanding and presenting the gospel, and all of them are legitimate. Some of them have far more relevance to people coming from other cultures. Jesus presented himself as much more than our legal defense lawyer. I will list below some of the other beautiful facets of the gospel.

Understanding how Jesus fulfills each of these will equip us to share exactly what is needed with those we meet.

I will explain the first one is some detail, but will leave it up to you to search out the truth about the others.

  • Unclean – Clean. Some cultures, such as the Jewish one of his day and modern Islamists, view life more from the context of ritual cleanness than legal guilt. Jesus presented himself as the antidote to uncleanness. In the Old Covenant law, whatever was unclean had the power to make whatever it touched unclean. The scriptures gave elaborate rituals for handling such situations. For example, anyone who had an issue of blood or some other bodily fluid was considered unclean, and those around them had to avoid touching them. In cases where a disease caused a fluid discharge, such as leprosy, those afflicted with that terrible disease had to separate themselves from society. Jesus, however, was not affected at all by anything unclean. In fact, he completely reversed it. The woman with the discharge of blood touched his garment and was healed. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the leper, making him whole. The gospel can be presented effectively to anyone from a clean-unclean cultural paradigm with great effectiveness and force.
  • Condemned – Vindicated
  • Shamed and Disgraced – Honored
  • Abandoned and Alone – Loved and Belonging
  • Weak and Defeated – Strong and Victorious
  • Dead – Alive
  • Sick – Healed
  • Oppressed and Enslaved – Redeemed and Free
  • Barren – Fruitful
  • Widowed or Divorced – Married
  • Orphaned – Part of the Family
  • Cast Down – Comforted
  • Depressed – Full of Joy
  • Fearful – Full of faith, peace, and rest

One of the keys to being a good fisher of men is to ask the Holy Spirit to show us how to properly present Jesus so that our hearers can understand that the Lord can meet the deepest longings and needs of their hearts.

Think about these things, meditate on the Scripture, and be ready to pull out the gospel “lure” that will catch a fish for God’s eternal kingdom. Then help them become a follower of Christ who will disciple others. That is the mission.

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Why Some Christians Act as if They Do Not Believe

 

 

 

 

Opinions have little consequence, but convictions lead to action. Belief coupled with commitment greatly influences what we say and do.

If  the gospel of Jesus the Lord does not change how we live, either we have not understood it or we have deceived ourselves into thinking that mere mental agreement is all that is required.

From a spiritual point of view, if we are not changed, the gospel has done us no good. In fact, it may have actually harmed us because at the Last Judgment we will be held accountable for knowing the truth and rejecting it. I call this being “inoculated” against the gospel. We received just enough of the truth to be deceived into thinking we are just fine with God, when actually we have never bowed the knee to Jesus as Lord.

Consider the following words of Jesus:

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)

The condition of being lukewarm describes countless churchgoers. It means we have little or no ardor or zeal, no joyful desire to follow Jesus wherever he may lead, no wish to dedicate our lives for his glory, and no willingness to sacrifice and suffer for him as may be required.

Lukewarm people are loyal to themselves, not to Jesus.

Do Christians live much differently than those who do not confess Christ? I quote from The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why don’t Christians live what they preach? by Ronald J. Sider.

To say there is a crisis of disobedience in the evangelical world today is to dangerously understate the problem. Born-again Christians divorce at about the same rate as everyone else. Self-centered materialism is seducing evangelicals and rapidly destroying our earlier, slightly more generous giving. Only 6 percent of born-again Christians tithe. Born-again Christians justify and engage in sexual promiscuity (both premarital sex and adultery) at astonishing rates. Racism and perhaps physical abuse of wives seems to be worse in evangelical circles than elsewhere. This is scandalous behavior for people who claim to be born-again by the Holy Spirit and to enjoy the very presence of the Risen Lord in their lives.

In light of the foregoing statistics, it is not surprising that born-again Christians spend seven times more hours each week in front of their televisions than they spend in Bible reading, prayer, and worship.1 Only 9 percent of born-again adults and 2 percent of born-again teenagers have a biblical worldview.2

Perhaps it is not surprising either that non-Christians have a very negative view of evangelicals. In a recent poll, Barna asked non-Christians about their attitudes toward different groups of Christians. Only 44 percent have a positive view of Christian clergy. Just 32 percent have a positive view of born-again Christians. And a mere 22 percent have a positive view of evangelicals.3

Evangelicals rightly rejected theological liberalism because it denied the miraculous. In response, we insisted that miracle was central to biblical faith at numerous points including the supernatural moral transformation of broken sinners. Now our very lifestyle as evangelicals is a ringing practical denial of the miraculous in our lives. Satan must laugh in sneerful derision. God’s people can only weep.

Why is it that, for many people who say they believe the gospel, it makes very little, if any, real difference in how they live?

The Core Issue: Do We Know Who Jesus Is?

At one point during Jesus’ three-year itinerant ministry, he asked his disciples a very important question.

  • Who do you say I am?

People in Jesus’ day, and through the years, have various opinions about Jesus’ identity. His contemporaries regarded him as a prophet and a teacher. Some even thought that he was the long awaited Messiah, the coming king in the line of David. Others saw him as a trouble maker, a dangerous imposter, a blasphemer, or a threat to political stability and Israel’s favored status with Rome.

Jesus identity is the most important question that any of us must answer. How we answer that question will determine how we live.

If our answer regarding Jesus’ identity does not make a difference in our lives, we can know for sure that we do not yet know Jesus as the Bible presents him – the Risen Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

The proper and expected response made by those who wake up to who Jesus truly is will be to lay down all previous plans and dreams in order follow him wherever he may lead.

Becoming a follower of Christ is like signing a blank check and handing it to the Lord with the understanding that he can and will fill in the amount when and how he decides.

This no doubt sounds extreme to those who have grown accustomed to mere “churchianity” that requires no more of us than some level of church attendance, giving, and serving in some capacity at services.

When Jesus asked his disciple band, “Who do you say that I am?,” Peter responded in a way that has reverberated through the ages.

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:16-17 (ESV)

The word “Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “messiah,” which means anointed one. The implication was that he was and is the promised king in David’s line. The Jews eagerly waited for this Messiah King who, they thought, would liberate them from Roman tyranny and restore Israel’s political, social, and spiritual fortunes. The phrase “son of God” most likely was another way of saying he was the Messiah. Jesus acknowledged that Peter received this revelation from his heavenly Father. This was how Jesus gauged the activity of the Spirit in his disciples. Had they yet seen and understood who he really was and is? The same is true today. Have we yet seen as we should?

Peter was ready to follow his messianic king all the way to victory, even if he died along the way. Peter’s view of Jesus propelled him forward as a faithful follower. However, Peter’s understanding of Christ’s identity was still incomplete and insufficient to give him the strength to keep going during the difficult tests that lay ahead. When the populace welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem just prior to his crucifixion, they viewed him hopefully in the same light as Peter. The Bible records that they shouted:

…“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10  And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11  And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” Matthew 21:9-11 (ESV)

They believed Jesus was a prophet, the coming messianic king, but, like Peter, their understanding was not complete or sufficient, and, unfortunately, many who claim the name of Christian today also have an incomplete understanding of who Jesus is.

When Jesus did not deliver the expected “goods” 2000 years ago, the people quickly turned on him and assisted the Jewish rulers in putting him to death. People are eager to follow someone who will give them success, wealth, health, and power, but Jesus did the very opposite. He offered his disciples the opportunity to suffer for his name as they took the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

Today many so called Christians face similar crises of faith when Jesus does not turn out to be who they expected.

What Peter did not understand is that Jesus is not only the prophet and the expected messianic king, but he is also the Lamb of God and the prophesied Son of Man, the victorious Lord of Lords mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Peter did not realize that Jesus had to suffer as God’s Lamb in order to restore us back to a right relationship with his heavenly Father. This was confusing and offensive to Peter. Jesus’ arrest in the garden, shook Peter’s faith to the core. He was ready to fight for his messiah king, but not at all prepared to watch him die as God’s Lamb. Unknown to Peter, suffering had to precede glory. The cross had to come before the resurrection. The Lamb ministry prepared the way for Christ’s glorious role as the risen Son of Man.

The role of suffering is not understood by many churchgoers. They are willing to give allegiance to someone who will bless them, but not to a Lord who might requires us to suffer. (2 Timothy 2:12)

Who Is Jesus to You?

Conversely, many people who call themselves Christians today only see Jesus as the crucified Lamb of God who provides forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. We do not truly believe or act as if he is the undisputed Lord of all. We may attend church services on a regular basis and give to the ministry, but otherwise we are content to live as if Jesus has no actual claim upon the rest of our lives.

We act as if we believe that Jesus simply wants to get us to heaven, but has no great interest in how we live here and now.

Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. According to Paul, he arose in power in order to bring the nations to “the obedience of faith.” (Romans 1:4-5)

Faith has two components. One is agreeing with and receiving God’s truth about Jesus. The other is declaring allegiance to the King. If our belief in Christ does not result in our declaring unqualified allegiance to him, we have not really believed.

Confessing that Jesus is Lord is the door through which every child of God must pass in order to partake of the new birth and salvation. (Romans 10:9) It is instructive that Paul did not tell us to confess that Jesus is God’s Lamb and our Savior. He told us to confess his lordship. The early Christians were not put to death for proclaiming that Jesus was their personal Savior. No, they refused to back off from declaring that he was and is Lord, even over Caesar.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47  Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48  he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49  But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49 (ESV)

In Jesus’ day, plenty of people were ready to call him Lord, but far fewer were prepared to live as if they meant it. If Jesus is our Lord, he asks us to bring every area of our lives under his dominion. This is the nature of true repentance.

Those who simply want a free pass into heaven without surrendering their lives to Jesus’ lordship cannot truthfully call themselves disciples. Maybe they can claim the title of “believer,” but even that is suspect, if we translate faith as allegiance.

James, the Lord’s brother, who served as the pastor of the first church in Jerusalem, penned these words:

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19  You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder. 20  You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21  Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22  You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:18-22 (NIV)

If our belief in Jesus makes no practical difference in how we live, we do not have the real deal.

Do We Know Jesus as the Coming Son of Man?

Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that a heavenly kingdom was coming which will eclipse and destroy all other kingdoms.

“During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44 (NLT)

Later God gave Daniel another terrifying vision of one like a Son of Man.

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14  He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14 (NLT)

On the night before his crucifixion, when Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish court which had the authority to condemn him or let him go, he was asked if he were indeed the Messiah King. Those men were trying to use his words against him in order to get the death penalty. In that critical moment of truth, when everything was on the line, Jesus gave them much more than they asked. He self-identified as the glorious Son of Man prophesied in Daniel’s seventh chapter, knowing that it would cost him his life.

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” Matthew 26:62-66 (NLT)

By quoting Daniel’s prophecy and identifying as the glorious coming Son of Man, he claimed divinity and Lordship over all things! But first he had to die as God’s Lamb. Christ’s claim to Lordship and divinity was the last straw. Declaring him to be a blasphemer, the Sanhedrin condemned God’s only begotten Son to death. It was an act of ultimate betrayal and treachery against God.

It is Christ’s claim to absolute Lordship that is the stumbling block over which multitudes trip and fall under the crushing weight of God’s judgment. It is Christ’s claim to Lordship that tries men’s souls. It is his claim to utter sovereignty upon which his right to be the arbiter of eternal judgment hangs. It is because he is Lord that he is also judge, and because he is judge, he is the one who decides how people will be judged. According to the Bible, that judgment will be based on our works, not simply our words.

And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12  I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13  The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Revelation 20:11-13 (NLT)

Conclusion

The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that salvation is by faith-allegiance to Christ in light of his finished work on the cross and his resurrection. Paul summarized:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

I firmly believe in the doctrine of justification by faith. By placing our faith in Christ and his finished work, we partake of all the benefits of what he did and who he is. The Holy Spirit comes to live inside every believer to begin a lifelong transformation process of conforming us to think, speak, feel, and act as Jesus. Jesus made it very clear, however, that wolves come in sheep’s clothing. Only God can know the human heart. We must judge by what we observe. As Jesus said, we can know people by their “fruit,” in other words, by what they do. True faith bears good fruit (the fruit of the Spirit, the results of our ongoing character transformation); whereas, a bad tree produces bad fruit. (Jesus’ own words) It’s important for us who claim the name of Christ to be fruit inspectors, beginning with our own tree. Do our lives match our profession? Do we live as if we truly believe that Jesus is Lord of Lords, or have we settled for something far less? What would happen if the entire church would start living as if we believed that Jesus is the coming glorious Son of Man instead of a mere personal savior? Why don’t we find out?

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Hope for People Who Feel Dirty on the Inside

 

 

 

 

Many cultures have a clear understanding of the stark contrast between clean and unclean and between what is holy and what is defiled. In the West, we generally do not major on this, but this does not mean it is unimportant. Most Western theology of salvation (soteriology) is based on a Guilt-Justification paradigm, which is courtroom related and easy for litigation conscious people to understand. Guilt and condemnation plague many sin conscious people, driving them toward the gospel’s amazing offer of forgiveness, justification (being declared “not guilty”), and restoration to the family of God. However, in some cultures the guilt problem does not figure as largely as being “unclean.” In Western society, perhaps the closest we can come to understanding this is when people simply feel dirty inside because of some past sin committed by them or done to them, or perhaps some family affiliation. People who have experienced sexual abuse sometimes struggle with this. It is akin to shame, but a little different. Shame can be related to something specific we have done or failed to do, but feeling dirty on the inside is more pervasive and systemic, and less specific. The gospel can be presented in a way that solves this problem, too, and can set people free.

The Guilt-Justification Paradigm

Simply put, those who commit serious crimes are guilty, condemned, and deserve to be punished. The judge has a responsibility to pronounce judgment on the convicted criminal, who must pay the price for his transgression.

Using the guilt-justification paradigm to present the gospel, we are all criminals who have violated God’s Law, God is the judge, and death is the just sentence for our crimes of rebellion and treachery against God and his rule. (Romans 6:23)

Since all have sinned, mankind’s situation seems hopeless. Old Covenant sacrifices merely delayed the inevitable “lowering of the boom” by a just God. Paul wrote that the Law’s function was to convince us that we are hopeless sinners and to prepare us to receive the glorious good news of forgiveness and justification in the gospel. (Romans 3:22)

Contrary to what anyone would have expected, Jesus, God’s own Son, died in our place, taking upon himself our just condemnation and punishment from God. As a result, we who believe this message and declare allegiance to Christ, are forgiven and declared “not guilty.”

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1 (NASB)

The gospel offers the only way out of the hopeless situation of being justly condemned for crimes committed. This model for presenting the gospel has opened the eyes of countless people, enabling them to come to faith in Christ and escape certain judgment.

The Unclean – Clean Paradigm

But what about those from cultures in which guilt is not nearly so great an issue as being unclean? Here is an insightful quote from “The Gospel for Shame Cultures” by Bruce Thomas.

In observing one particular culture, I have noticed a curious thing. While my Muslim friends and neighbors do not worry much about “little sins” like lying and cheating, their daily lives and religious rituals seem to revolve around something which I would consider to be even less significant, namely their ceremonial purity. The intensity of this insecurity has caused me to consider that defilement might be a basic human problem as serious to some as sin is to others.

Suddenly a lot of things made sense. It had always puzzled me why Muslims make such a big thing out of not eating pork, not getting licked by dogs, and keeping the fast, when sins like lying, cheating, and stealing are treated so superficially. Few Christians seem to comprehend, for instance, the seriousness of eating pork. Dwell for a moment on the revulsion you feel when you think about a Stone Age tribe eating human flesh, and you will begin to understand something of the degree of disgust most Muslims have for the idea of eating pork. It is probably not a sin issue but an issue of ceremonial cleanness. Thus, because eating pork is the worst possible state of defilement, and more attention is given to ceremonial purity than moral purity, the pork eater (George Bush) is worse off than a murderer (Saddam Hussein). (Link)

If we are culturally aware, we understand that “our” way of seeing and doing things is not the only way. The Bible recognizes the significance of ritual or ceremonial uncleanness and also makes a big deal out of it, especially under the Old Covenant.

Jesus brought clarity and insight into our understanding of Old Covenant scriptures. He revealed that God is actually concerned with the condition of the heart, not outward ceremonial cleanness.

The Pharisees, who focused mainly on ceremony and the Law, criticized Jesus and his followers for not maintaining proper ritual cleanness. Here is what Jesus told them.

And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15  There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” Mark 7:14-15 (ESV) 

17  And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18  And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19  since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20  And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21  For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22  coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:17-23 (ESV)

The Old Covenant Law served the purpose of revealing God’s holiness and our sinful state in order to lead us to Christ.

God has always been concerned with the condition of man’s heart. Ceremonial cleanness pointed to actual cleanness which requires a cleansing of the heart. Only God can do this for a person.

Since the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you. Deuteronomy 23:14 (NASB)

Old Covenant uncleanness was a serious problem. Its effect was to isolate offenders from God’s covenant people and blessings. It usually happened when a ritually clean person touched something unclean. Certain conditions of the body rendered people unclean, too. Leprosy was a particularly serious and incurable disease that rendered a person unclean and resulted in permanent isolation. Imagine the loneliness of a leper, knowing that he or she was cut off from family, friends, and the covenant community. Their situation was hopeless apart from God’s miraculous intervention. Many people today also feel cut off and isolated because of a sense of inward dirtiness and shame.

Importantly, whenever clean people or objects contacted uncleanness, they became unclean. In the Old Covenant, uncleanness was more powerful than cleanness.

In addition, unclean or unholy humans, without some sort of ceremonial purification, had no right to be in God’s direct presence or to touch the holy things of the temple. In many ways, God was off limits to ordinary people. They had to relate to him from a distance through mediators called priests.

Jesus, Communicator of Cleanness

This is where Jesus changed everything. He was (and is) the ultimate Clean Person, God himself. He was not subject to the same ceremonial laws as ordinary humans because he was the fulfillment of everything they represented and toward whom they pointed.

Our Lord was immune to uncleanness. He could touch unclean people and make them clean again, while suffering no adverse effects himself.

Jesus’ ministry demonstrated his amazing power over everything unclean. In Mark’s gospel, the first act of power Jesus did was to drive out an unclean spirit. (Mark 1:25-26) Later in the same chapter, Jesus healed a dreaded unclean leper by touching him and commanding him, “Be clean.” Mark wrote that “immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” (Mark 1:42) In Chapter 5, a woman who was ritually unclean due to bleeding, dared to touch God’s temple (Jesus), hoping that she would be healed and cleansed as a result. In the Old Covenant, she likely would  have been struck dead for presuming to touch God’s Holy of Holies, especially as an unclean person; but, Jesus, the Author of the New Covenant, mercifully allowed her to touch him, which resulted in her being miraculously healed and cleansed.

The unclean touched the clean and was made clean while Jesus suffered no ill effects!

Later in the chapter, our Lord took a dead girl by the hand, which under the Law would have made him unclean, and he raised her from the dead. Once again, the clean triumphed over the unclean. Death was conquered by Life.

Ultimately, Jesus dealt with the real problem of mankind, internal sin induced uncleanness. He did this by dying on the cross, carrying in himself our uncleanness.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

And here we are again back at the Guilt-Justification paradigm. One flows right into the other.

New Covenant Cleanness

Under the Old Covenant, ceremonial cleanness only dealt with the external, never with the real issue – the human heart and our sin problem.

Jesus addressed the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders, who prided themselves on keeping the external features of the Law, while remaining oblivious to the things about which God cared most.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28  "So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matthew 23:27-28 (NASB)

We understand from the New Testament that cleansing and forgiveness are two sides of the same coin.

John the Apostle gave us the following insightful promise.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

This verse ties together justification and cleansing. Jesus’ blood sacrifice as the Lamb of God paid the just consequence for our sins, providing us with forgiveness and a right relationship with God. It also cleansed us from all moral uncleanness that made us a stench to God. This is a one time transaction with God that plays out day to day as we continue to live by faith in his faithfulness. However, since we still sin on a day-to-day basis, we need to be regularly cleansed through the confession of our sins.

Jesus compared this to having our feet washed, another example of cleansing.

Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus *said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” John 13:8-10 (NASB)

When we place our faith in Jesus and his finished work on the cross and his resurrection, we are made clean before God in the most basic and essential sense. We are recreated in God’s image and become his children for all eternity. However, as we go through life, we become dirty on the “outside” and need a less drastic cleansing that is provided when we confess our sins to God and one another.

Summary

Because Christ died for us “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:13) as a person made unclean by our sin, those who put their faith in him no longer need to be concerned about ritual cleanness.

The ceremonial and sacrificial aspects of the Law were completely fulfilled by Christ and rendered obsolete. The moral requirements of the Law, however, are eternal. The “law of the Spirit of life” works in all children of God to assist us to live out these requirements from the heart through the power of the Spirit.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4  so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (NASB)

When we share the gospel with people who relate best to a clean-unclean paradigm or who battle with feeling dirty on the inside, we should tell them how Jesus took our uncleanness upon himself so that we are no longer excluded, dirty, shameful, or cursed.

Jesus draws the unclean, the ashamed, and outsiders to himself, touches us, cleanses us, and makes us part of God’s forever family.

Prayer

Jesus, for so long now I have felt unclean, ashamed, and cut off from you, your presence, and all the blessings that could have been mine. Thank you for becoming unclean by taking my sins, shame, and guilt upon yourself so that I can be cleansed from everything that has blocked me from God. I confess my sin to you and thank you for forgiving and cleansing me in the inside. Help me to live for you from this day forward. Amen.

as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:33 (ESV)
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The Gospel’s Claim on Us

 

 

 

 

Jesus is the gospel message. He is the Messianic King who announced the advent of God’s kingdom on earth. He died as God’s Lamb to atone for our sins and became the glorious risen Son of God in power and Lord of lords when he was raised from the dead. (Romans 1:4) He presented himself to Israel as their Messiah, forcing people to make a decision about him. Now every time the gospel is shared, it requires the hearer to make a decision regarding Christ’s lordship.

The gospel makes a claim on everyone who hears it, forcing us to respond by surrendering to Jesus, ignoring the message, or fighting against it.

The Jewish leaders of his day made their decision. Most of them rejected him, his message, and his kingdom. Fulfilling Jesus’ prophetic parable about the wicked tenants, they put the Son of God to death. (Luke 20:9-18) When Peter made his first gospel presentation on Pentecost, his Jewish hearers were pierced to the heart when he accused them of complicity in the betrayal and regicide of the Messiah. They had played a part in the murder of God’s Chosen One, the Son of David, the coming Judge of the whole earth. On hearing Peter’s words and realizing their guilt, they were desperate to try to get things right. Did he have a solution? This was the response for which Peter and God were looking.

We were not in the crowd that yelled, “Crucify him,” but we have been among those who have rejected his claims to Lordship. We too are guilty of rebellion against God’s rule. Just as those who heard Peter’s first sermon begged for a way to get things right, the gospel should stir us to be forgiven and reconciled to the coming King and Judge. The glorious good news of the gospel demands a response greater than simply agreeing with its facts. If we are not motivated to do something to get right with God, it is doubtful that we have really understood.

Asking for forgiveness, turning away from a self-directed way of life, and declaring allegiance to God’s King was the response of Peter’s hearers. It should be ours, too.

If we reject the gospel’s claim on our lives, we will one day encounter the Judge of all the earth and give account for that decision. Indifference is just one more form of rebellion that begs for a response from God. How can we justify being uninterested in the most important person in the universe and rejecting his gracious offer to be reconciled? But, if we respond properly, knowing and enjoying God for all of eternity opens up to us.

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37  Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40  And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41  So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:36-41 (ESV)

Prayer

Jesus, up to now I have never truly understood who you are. Now I see that you are the focus of the entire Bible. You are the Lamb of God who gave your life for me. I receive all you died to provide for me. Thank you for forgiving my sins, giving me eternal life, giving me a right standing with God, making me God’s child, and setting me free on the inside so I can serve you. Please baptize me in the Holy Spirit and empower me to be your witness. I surrender my entire life to you, my glorious Lord. Use me as you see fit. I ask especially that you will give me opportunities to share the gospel with others and to mentor those who come to you in repentance and faith. Amen.

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Water Baptism: Our Pledge of Allegiance to the King

 

 

 

 

One of the core parts of the Gospel is that Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to King David that one of his descendants would occupy Israel’s throne forever.

“When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13  “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (NASB)

When Jesus rose from the dead, he was confirmed as the promised Davidic King, the Jewish Messiah, the glorious Lord of Lords, who now sits at God’s right hand, possessing all authority in heaven and earth and ruling over his kingdom until his enemies are completely subdued. One day he will come again as the glorious Son of Man in Daniel 7:13-14 to judge the living and the dead and share his glory and authority with those who declare their allegiance to him.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)

The only proper response to make to such a Person is to give him our allegiance, trust, love, and loyal service.

An Old Testament Example of Pledging Allegiance

When David, the called and anointed but yet to be crowned king of Israel, was hiding in the wilderness to escape King Saul’s jealous and murderous pursuit, men began to recognize David’s leadership and calling and realized that he was the future king of Israel. They heard about Samuel’s prophecy over him and how that prophet had poured oil over his head to anoint him as Israel’s coming king. They knew that David had killed the giant and led Israel’s armies to victory over her enemies. The Holy Spirit inspired many to join his rag tag band of believers in the wilderness.

One such man was a leader named Amasai, who approached David at his hideout. When David challenged his intentions, whether he came as friend or foe, the Bible says that Amasai was “clothed” with the Holy Spirit, which means that Amasai become a spokesman for God at that moment. What came out of his mouth was a huge encouragement to David on two accounts. Here is what he said, which has been recorded for our benefit.

Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them officers of his troops. 1 Chronicles 12:18 (ESV)

On the one hand, Amasai spoke words of affirmation and encouragement to David. He prophesied that God would give David and his supporters success (shalom) in every way – peace, prosperity, health, wholeness, and victory. When he said, “your God helps you,” he described perfectly one of the most important ministries of God’s Spirit, whom Jesus called the “Helper” in John 14:16. He is the one who is called alongside and now lives inside true believers to enable us to enjoy God’s presence and fulfill God’s purposes for our lives. David was in a very stressful and discouraging situation, and these words must have refreshed his soul. In addition, Amasai’s words were a  declaration of allegiance to King David and a model for us with respect to King Jesus, David’s promised descendant. It was a threefold declaration of faith: an acknowledgement of David’s identity as king, a profession of loyalty, and a dedication to service. This is what it means to “believe” in our Lord.

Being a Christian is much more than agreeing with a doctrinal statement of faith: it is trust in and loyalty to the risen King.

The Gospel Call to Allegiance

A good Gospel presentation should include the declaration that after his resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven and now sits at God’s right hand as the reigning Lord of all, who will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Peter preached these words to Cornelius in the first Gospel presentation to Gentiles with the promise that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43) It should be clear that the belief to which Peter refers is that Jesus is Lord of all. Paul confirms this in his famous rendering of the essence of what it means to become a follower of Christ.

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

We confess what we believe; so, if we confess that Jesus is Lord, it is because that is what we believe. Confession of Christ’s lordship presupposes that we properly respond as his subjects, which is to give allegiance, honor, trust, love, and obedient service to him. Those who do this are forgiven of their sins of disobedience and disloyalty to God and his Messiah King. It’s really pretty simple, but often misunderstood. We are not asked merely to confess that Jesus is our merciful Savior who died for our sins as God’s Lamb, but who does not require anything from us. Rather, we are told to confess that he is Lord, which presupposes our love, loyalty, and obedience.

Any Gospel presentation that does not major on Christ’s identity as the risen Lord is deficient. Our response to this amazing news must include our surrender and obedience to the Lord, or we are little more than Christian consumers who are looking for a “get out of jail free” card.

When we confess that Jesus is Lord, we acknowledge his true identity, declare our allegiance, and devote ourselves to a lifetime of service, just as Amasai did toward King David so long ago.

Water baptism is our public formal declaration of allegiance to King Jesus.

It is one thing to privately ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, but something else altogether to seal it by being baptized in water. Have you stood up for Jesus in public yet?

Prayer

You may wish to pray the following as a prelude to taking the step of publicly declaring allegiance to King Jesus.

Jesus, I recognize you are indeed Lord of all, just as the Bible says. When you rose from the dead and ascended to God’s right hand, you became my Lord. I bow my knee to you and pledge my loyalty to you. I give you my life to use as you see fit. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life! Help me to tell others about this great Good News! Help me to go and make disciples. Holy Spirit, fill me and empower me to live the Christ life and to be a fisher of men. Amen.

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Hoping for Judgment

 

 

 

 

The author of Psalm 94 expresses in what may have been a worship song one of the great hopes of the righteous – God’ judgment of the wicked.

O LORD, the God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth! 2  Arise, O judge of the earth. Give the proud what they deserve. Psalm 94:1-2 (NLT)

But we know that all people are sinners.

There is no one who is truly righteous; so, how can God’s people rejoice in his judging the wicked? Will that not also include us? Certainly each of us deserve judgment.

This is where the mercy of God provided an amazing intervention. God sent his only Son to take the penalty for our sin upon himself. When Jesus hung on the cross, God’s justice exacted from him the judgment due us. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, those who put their trust in him can count on encountering God’s mercy at the Last Judgment. In the case of those who believe the Gospel, God is both judge and justifier.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24  Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25  For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26  for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 (NLT)

The gospel juxtaposes mercy against judgment. Mercy is extended to those who admit their treachery against God’s rule and ask for mercy and forgiveness.

Judgment looms for those who shake their fists at God, daring him to do something about it.

In fact, the coming judgment is part of our hope and will take place when Jesus returns as the divine Son of Man.

“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31  For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31 (NLT)

There is something innate in every human being that longs for justice. That is why we love books and movies about justice being dished out to criminals and oppressors. God put that desire in us. No one in his right mind rejoices in oppression and injustice.

Some imagine that God is all mercy, but that would deny his justice. It is impossible for a just God to give evil and wickedness a pass.

When people and governments oppress others and deny them justice, God promises that he will one day step in to make things right. Heaven is a place of rest, glory, and joy for those who accept God’s provision of righteousness, and no wickedness will be found there.

Sweet loving grandmothers will not be forced to share space with totalitarian butchers and sex traffickers.

In fact, it will be just the opposite, as the psalmist wrote.

Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? 21  They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22  But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. 23  He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out. Psalm 94:20-23 (ESV)

When people enact laws in an attempt to validate their evil behavior, God is not fooled and will not be mocked. One of the signs that a society that has left behind God’s wisdom in favor of their own evil folly is when good is called evil and evil, good. Abortion, the government sanctioned slaughter behind closed doors of innocent, defenseless unborn children, will never be okay with God, no matter what any Congress or “Supreme Court” may say. There is only one Supreme Court, and it will be presided over by the Lord Jesus at the Last Judgment. And this is only one example. Around the world, people groups and governments have historically and are presently persecuting and oppressing the weak and those who truly love and serve God. Justice is routinely denied, suffering is inflicted, and lives are taken. God sees and will surely bring justice. This is our hope in a wicked world. Come, Lord Jesus!

For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18b (NASB)

In the meantime, Jesus instructed us believers to pray for our enemies in the hope that they will recognize their need to repent and be reconciled to God before it is too late for them.

We who love God’s mercy and also long for justice are held in a dynamic tension between these two aspects of God’s character that was resolved in the cross of Jesus our Lord.

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