The Freedom and Power of the Gospel
Pr. Taran Writes:
I recently chatted with someone who wanted to know what made Christianity, and our “flavor” of it, unique. It’s a good question. For me, the simplest way to explain it is that the story of Jesus (God’s coming to earth) reverses the direction of faith, religion, and my normal way of thinking/being. And that change to me is the best of good news.
You’ve probably heard Pr. Jim or I quote someone who said, “The difference between Christianity and other religions is that religion is usually about what humans do for their god. Christianity is the opposite. It’s about what God has done for humanity.” In a nutshell, that’s what I tried to share in this conversation. The questions that followed are helpful for teaching and also always identical for those for whom this is new news.
Surely, we have to do something?!? We have done something! When God came to earth to save humanity, we crucified Him. So, we really don’t have anything to boast about before God. Our standing with God isn’t secured by our effort. The judgement is out: We killed Jesus. But the story doesn’t end there. Thank God! The crucifixion is followed by the resurrection where Jesus returns to the very people who have abandoned, forsaken and denied him. He delivers peace and sets the relationship on a different foundation – forever.
What about following Jesus/discipleship, choosing faith, doing good? When Scripture tells the story of the disciples, it’s mostly a story of people who don’t understand, misinterpret Jesus at nearly every turn, try to do what is right, and stumble constantly. That may not be what we usually imagine, but perhaps the term “discipleship” has misled us. If we can be honest about their story and ours, there’s good news within. My salvation doesn’t hang on my choosing well or choosing faithfully. Instead of trusting my ability, verses like John 15:16 bring relief: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” Whew! Then the good fruit/works that do flow from us are not to earn heaven. It is for the neighbor. Freed from working to impress God, our good deeds become what they were meant to be: compassion, not currency; love, not leverage; response, not spiritual resumé.
Won’t that way of thinking lead to moral laxity if you don’t have heaven/hell as motivation? I’ve seen just the opposite! This gospel (God forgiving sins, claiming sinners, and saving by grace) seems to grab ahold of folks and inspire great generosity, compassion, care for creation, and love for the neighbor. It changes the focus from being right to being kind. It shapes people to give not as a should, but as a natural response to seeing need. It frees folks to see policy not as a platform, but as figuring out how to care for the neighbor. This grace of God can be a unifying power that brings people together despite all sorts of divisions!
I share from the conversation, because of its relevance as we enter into the season of Advent. A season of waiting for God to definitively reverse the direction and be born as a baby in Bethlehem. To come as Emmanuel, God with us and God for us. What a gift! What a grace! What hope! Peace be with you in this waiting season for Christ’s coming
Peace,
