As we look around our culture we see many advancements in technology, science and engineering. And these in themselves are all good as we enjoy efficient air conditioning, low emission combustion engines, or the latest software update on our computers and mobile devices. We seek to be up to date and trendy with gadgets, software and knowledge of what works and what is worth buying. We keep up to date with the latest fashions and styles in clothing to look our best with those around us.
Even the marketing we receive in all forms of media has to be up to date, novel and appealing. Not only do we see the latest style sports cars but we see them being driven by a young, good looking model. The evening news went obsolete years ago as a 24/7 news coverage from articulate and attractive men and women became mainstream. What a culture of change, developments and modifications that controls our thinking and perceptions. Have you kept up with all the new ideas and stuff? Is it even possible?
It is in this culture of breaking news and changing fashions, customs and beliefs that the Christian message of a Savior and Redeemer in a Jewish carpenter from two thousand years ago gets evaluated. How up to date is Jesus? How appealing is a man scorned by his own religious leaders and crucified for his teachings? What is trendy about sacrificial faith in this man? Do we feel the tension between the old and the new? Do we see the conflict between the cool and the Spiritual? Do we seek the truth of both salvation by grace as well as the call to discipleship to pick up our cross daily?
Possibly the greatest appeal of this great salvation in Jesus is that it is, "(B)y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast," Ephesians 2:8-9. We celebrate in this faith because the Bible clearly teaches that someone else, Jesus, has lived in complete righteousness before God and we can receive salvation only through him. It is in Christ alone that we can find salvation. In my humble opinion, that's cool, that's WAY COOL. If you want to be in with God, this is how it's done.
The Christian faith however can never keep up with the world simply because they are going in opposite directions. The world is seeking the 'kingdom of man' and the Christian church is seeking the "the kingdom of God." We must remember that the gospel, this good news of a substitutionary atonement from Christ to all those who put their faith in him, will never mix with the world, because it is completely from God. By definition this gift of righteousness by grace cannot accept our input, help, works or self righteousness. We must relinquish complete control to Christ.
Once we accept this faith however, there is much work to be done, "in Christ". The work of sanctification is becoming like Christ through the teachings of scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, and this comes after the gift of faith and salvation. And this is not cool, it is flat out difficult, it is uncool to deny ourselves and pick up our 'spiritual' cross to live for Christ. But it yields the greatest Spiritual fruit that anyone can imagine. To grow in Christ is the best change, or update, or modification, or fashion, style and trend we can experience.
We must be careful as our constantly changing culture influences us to be trendy, fashionable, comfortable and conformable with the kingdom of man. We must seek the truth of Christ and Scripture as it was originally described and as it is eternally preserved. The old school theology of the Bible does not change because God does not change, Christ does not change, nor does the Holy Spirit change. Nor does the Word of God change where we learn of all these great truths, and that also means the gospel of grace is eternally true.
Therefore we must not change the content of the gospel of "Christ alone" even as we seek to reach a constantly changing culture, and as we seek to make new applications to the truth of the gospel. We also need to accept the old school theology of sanctification in Christ to come to love the kingdom of God over anything this world can offer. And we will be Spiritually blessed if we do.
Even the marketing we receive in all forms of media has to be up to date, novel and appealing. Not only do we see the latest style sports cars but we see them being driven by a young, good looking model. The evening news went obsolete years ago as a 24/7 news coverage from articulate and attractive men and women became mainstream. What a culture of change, developments and modifications that controls our thinking and perceptions. Have you kept up with all the new ideas and stuff? Is it even possible?
It is in this culture of breaking news and changing fashions, customs and beliefs that the Christian message of a Savior and Redeemer in a Jewish carpenter from two thousand years ago gets evaluated. How up to date is Jesus? How appealing is a man scorned by his own religious leaders and crucified for his teachings? What is trendy about sacrificial faith in this man? Do we feel the tension between the old and the new? Do we see the conflict between the cool and the Spiritual? Do we seek the truth of both salvation by grace as well as the call to discipleship to pick up our cross daily?
Possibly the greatest appeal of this great salvation in Jesus is that it is, "(B)y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast," Ephesians 2:8-9. We celebrate in this faith because the Bible clearly teaches that someone else, Jesus, has lived in complete righteousness before God and we can receive salvation only through him. It is in Christ alone that we can find salvation. In my humble opinion, that's cool, that's WAY COOL. If you want to be in with God, this is how it's done.
The Christian faith however can never keep up with the world simply because they are going in opposite directions. The world is seeking the 'kingdom of man' and the Christian church is seeking the "the kingdom of God." We must remember that the gospel, this good news of a substitutionary atonement from Christ to all those who put their faith in him, will never mix with the world, because it is completely from God. By definition this gift of righteousness by grace cannot accept our input, help, works or self righteousness. We must relinquish complete control to Christ.
Once we accept this faith however, there is much work to be done, "in Christ". The work of sanctification is becoming like Christ through the teachings of scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, and this comes after the gift of faith and salvation. And this is not cool, it is flat out difficult, it is uncool to deny ourselves and pick up our 'spiritual' cross to live for Christ. But it yields the greatest Spiritual fruit that anyone can imagine. To grow in Christ is the best change, or update, or modification, or fashion, style and trend we can experience.
We must be careful as our constantly changing culture influences us to be trendy, fashionable, comfortable and conformable with the kingdom of man. We must seek the truth of Christ and Scripture as it was originally described and as it is eternally preserved. The old school theology of the Bible does not change because God does not change, Christ does not change, nor does the Holy Spirit change. Nor does the Word of God change where we learn of all these great truths, and that also means the gospel of grace is eternally true.
Therefore we must not change the content of the gospel of "Christ alone" even as we seek to reach a constantly changing culture, and as we seek to make new applications to the truth of the gospel. We also need to accept the old school theology of sanctification in Christ to come to love the kingdom of God over anything this world can offer. And we will be Spiritually blessed if we do.
No comments:
Post a Comment