“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
I’d like for you to think of the most non-Christian person you know. Maybe they’re involved in another religion, or perhaps they’re atheists. Now, think of the most consistently faithful Christian you know, someone who has spiritual integrity, has zeal, and is mature in their faith and service to Christ. What do these two people have in common, besides being human?
It’s an important question. But sadly it’s a question that goes largely unanswered in many churches.
“The modern-day gospel says, ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Therefore, follow these steps, and you can be saved.’ Meanwhile, the biblical gospel says, ‘You are an enemy of God, dead in your sin, & in your present state of rebellion, you are not even able to see that you need life, much less to cause yourself to come to life. Therefore, you are radically dependent on God to do something in your life that you could never do.” – David Platt
In other words, Christians and non Christians are alike in that neither can inherit eternal life without true faith in Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter how good we think we are, or how kind and generous we might be. Our own effort leaves us condemned for eternity. But God’s grace, through faith in Christ alone, is the only way.
Platt also says, “What if we take away the cool music and the cushioned chairs? What if the screens are gone and the stage is no longer decorated? What if the air conditioning is off and the comforts are removed? Would his Word still be enough for his people to come together? A materialistic world will not be won to Christ by a materialistic church.”
May we radically pursue Jesus today and proclaim His message of hope to others, not the modern-day Americanized gospel of “just do better.”
Former Blackout Artist 