Whew, Scott ... I'm a blubbering baby after this one. SO good! After years of regret, shame, guilt -- especially after Dad's fall from ministry, I'm now able to look 'back' on it all after his home-going, get honest with Self and family, and do the tedious work of healing. It's a daily grind, and most days it 'feels' worth it. But some days, it's just hard. Love your insights and writings. Carry on my friend ... thank you!
It is a surprise to some, such as the blogger I engaged in a text-talk conversation a few days ago, when I mention the purpose of Christ’s visit to Earth was not to bring a new teaching on morality or (worse yet) a new morality. We do not need reminders that we are sinners. We are fully aware as we seek remedies that fit our pride.
Nope! The main purpose Jesus came was to die. That isn’t as simple as one may think. Jesus was, after all, an eternal Being. Gods, if they are worthy of the title, cannot die. Jesus had to become, first, a human baby, then a boy, and finally, a man. He had to allow unworthy people to abuse him and, ultimately, murder him because of human nature, leading to petty jealousy.
And each of us had a hand at holding the nails that Rome drove into his hands and feet. If we were not so caught up in ourselves, we could, perhaps, exist apart from sinfulness. If we could live for a few minutes without a sinful attitude or behaviour, we could maybe last a day, a week, or a lifetime. And Jesus would not have had to die. But we are all Pharisees, at best, hiding who we really are from people we don’t care about.
I would suggest there are two gospels. One, the Gospel of the Grace of God. Two, the Gospel of the Glory of Christ or the Glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also called Paul’s Gospel. Paul called it my Gospel.
The first describes the salvation of the spirit. It’s a spiritual salvation. Eternal. Never to be forfeited.
The latter Gospel, which does not refer to saved-unsaved issues refers instead to the salvation that is conditional on works and is therefore forfeitable. Overcomers vs those who are overcome. Overcomers are offered the opportunity to rule and reign with Christ from His throne as His consort queen, His fellow heirs during the 7th day. The Church will be caught up together to the Judgment Seat. Each one’s works will be judged. Those who are overcome in this life will suffer loss, as did Easu. He forfeited his inheritance. He, like all saved Christians, are forever saved but will remain outside the banquet hall when the Overcomers dine with Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The determinations at the judgment seat will separate faithful from unfaithful servants. Overcomers go on to reign as sovereigns with Christ. Those who are overcome will remain in the place of outer darkness as servants.
Paul’s gospel deals almost exclusively with this latter group. He rarely, apart from winning Gentiles to establish young churches, preached the Gospel of the Grace of Go to redeemed men. He focused on the Gospel of the glory. He needed to mature new believers toward winning a race. Toward seeking the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He desperately sought to prevent those under his care from becoming castaways. That is from being disqualified in the race. From failing to attain the crown of righteousness. He sought to charge every man to not let any other steal his crown. Two Gospels. One free and unencumbered by works. The other surrounded entirely by works. Clears up James and all the confusion surrounding works.
God’s MO is always to rescue, redeem, and restore. Thanks for fleshing out the Gospel in such a beautiful articulate fashion. Your gift of writing is a blessing to me and so many others.
Scott … I appreciate your reflections and teachings. I always look forward to what you have written. Your messages take me deeper into God’s truth and give me pause to re-think certain truths about my own life. Thank you for your faithfulness in bringing the Truth. I have made many notes and will reflect back on them. I particularly liked the reference to our difficulties chipping away at our dragon scales. I can see this in my own life ….. as the scales have fell away, I have become softer, more pliable, and much easier for others to relate to. I also do not need those scales for self-protection. I can rely on Jesus. Thank-you Scott. Keep up the good work. Blessings to you and yours!
Whew, Scott ... I'm a blubbering baby after this one. SO good! After years of regret, shame, guilt -- especially after Dad's fall from ministry, I'm now able to look 'back' on it all after his home-going, get honest with Self and family, and do the tedious work of healing. It's a daily grind, and most days it 'feels' worth it. But some days, it's just hard. Love your insights and writings. Carry on my friend ... thank you!
GOD bless you my brother I like the way you think my friend
It is a surprise to some, such as the blogger I engaged in a text-talk conversation a few days ago, when I mention the purpose of Christ’s visit to Earth was not to bring a new teaching on morality or (worse yet) a new morality. We do not need reminders that we are sinners. We are fully aware as we seek remedies that fit our pride.
Nope! The main purpose Jesus came was to die. That isn’t as simple as one may think. Jesus was, after all, an eternal Being. Gods, if they are worthy of the title, cannot die. Jesus had to become, first, a human baby, then a boy, and finally, a man. He had to allow unworthy people to abuse him and, ultimately, murder him because of human nature, leading to petty jealousy.
And each of us had a hand at holding the nails that Rome drove into his hands and feet. If we were not so caught up in ourselves, we could, perhaps, exist apart from sinfulness. If we could live for a few minutes without a sinful attitude or behaviour, we could maybe last a day, a week, or a lifetime. And Jesus would not have had to die. But we are all Pharisees, at best, hiding who we really are from people we don’t care about.
Until he dies for us, and EVERYTHING changes!
I would suggest there are two gospels. One, the Gospel of the Grace of God. Two, the Gospel of the Glory of Christ or the Glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also called Paul’s Gospel. Paul called it my Gospel.
The first describes the salvation of the spirit. It’s a spiritual salvation. Eternal. Never to be forfeited.
The latter Gospel, which does not refer to saved-unsaved issues refers instead to the salvation that is conditional on works and is therefore forfeitable. Overcomers vs those who are overcome. Overcomers are offered the opportunity to rule and reign with Christ from His throne as His consort queen, His fellow heirs during the 7th day. The Church will be caught up together to the Judgment Seat. Each one’s works will be judged. Those who are overcome in this life will suffer loss, as did Easu. He forfeited his inheritance. He, like all saved Christians, are forever saved but will remain outside the banquet hall when the Overcomers dine with Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The determinations at the judgment seat will separate faithful from unfaithful servants. Overcomers go on to reign as sovereigns with Christ. Those who are overcome will remain in the place of outer darkness as servants.
Paul’s gospel deals almost exclusively with this latter group. He rarely, apart from winning Gentiles to establish young churches, preached the Gospel of the Grace of Go to redeemed men. He focused on the Gospel of the glory. He needed to mature new believers toward winning a race. Toward seeking the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He desperately sought to prevent those under his care from becoming castaways. That is from being disqualified in the race. From failing to attain the crown of righteousness. He sought to charge every man to not let any other steal his crown. Two Gospels. One free and unencumbered by works. The other surrounded entirely by works. Clears up James and all the confusion surrounding works.
Keep it simple.
I love how you expound! Do I hear hints of NT Wright?
Been in Christ about 40 years. The True Gospel has not been told nearly enough.
Thank You for your influence!!
God’s MO is always to rescue, redeem, and restore. Thanks for fleshing out the Gospel in such a beautiful articulate fashion. Your gift of writing is a blessing to me and so many others.
Scott … I appreciate your reflections and teachings. I always look forward to what you have written. Your messages take me deeper into God’s truth and give me pause to re-think certain truths about my own life. Thank you for your faithfulness in bringing the Truth. I have made many notes and will reflect back on them. I particularly liked the reference to our difficulties chipping away at our dragon scales. I can see this in my own life ….. as the scales have fell away, I have become softer, more pliable, and much easier for others to relate to. I also do not need those scales for self-protection. I can rely on Jesus. Thank-you Scott. Keep up the good work. Blessings to you and yours!
Lu Ann
A wonderful reminder. May this be fresh in the hearts of all believers, and the fragrance of life leading to life for all those who would believe.
I love Sunday mornings with your blogs. They are so helpful in focusing me on things that matter. And your writing is outstanding!