For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 NIV
What is the gospel? Simply put, it is good news. Of course, the next question would be: good news about what or who? The answer is also very simple: the gospel is good news about Jesus. The old testament is grace covered; the new testament is grace revealed. The entire scripture is about Jesus, the one through whom all things were created, and the one who sustains all things even till today. Right in the Garden of Eden where man fell into sin, we see God lay out very clearly the essence of the gospel, the revelation of the seed of the woman, who would deal a final and fatal blow to the power of sin and the devil. It may have taken a few centuries for the seed to be made manifest, but there is no doubt that the entire Bible is about God, his Word the Son and his work in the hearts of men by His Spirit.
What does the gospel reveal? It is clear that effort, striving and labour have not much effect. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, he has tried to please God by works. The tower of Babel is a good example. Even till today, we seem to think we can deceive God by outward devotion that is empty of heart's sincerity. The devil has made it easy to keep up appearances. However, God would have me know today that he is not moved or impressed by the drama and scheming that happens on the outside; he is interested in the work that happens on the inside, in the hearts of men. That is why the righteousness of God is revealed as a function of faith, not works. That is why no matter how hard a man tries, he cannot by labour lay hold of that which only faith can supply.
It is faith from first to last, and of course, everything in between. If it is faith from first to last, I cannot insert works and labour anywhere in the middle. Yes, I have to work, but the work must be based on the firm conviction that I qualify not by what I do, but by who God is. He makes the work worth it, because the work is done with a heart that knows that it is grace that has made it possible for him/her to stand. I must note that the gospel is singular; there is only one gospel, and it is centered on Jesus. God does not author confusion, and he cannot confuse anyone. He has made it clear: walk with me by faith, first of all, and I will make your life worth it. That is the promise that was laid out in the Garden of Eden, and it is still the promise held out for all who will dare to walk with Him by faith today.
The righteous, who have come to trust in God, know that it has nothing to do with how hard they work. The righteous clearly know who helps them remain faithful and committed in service. If at any time I feel that I deserve whatever it is I have now, I need to think again. If at anytime I am tempted to think I am smart and have life all figured out, I need to retrace my steps back to God before it is too late. God wants to help me; I have to embrace his help. He will not force himself in me, but if I surrender to him, I have access to a lifetime of help down here and an eternity to look forward to. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment