Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs by Richard Matthew

Author:Richard, Matthew [Richard, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
Published: 2017-06-05T16:00:00+00:00

There is a certain kind of relief for people when their sinful nature is not confronted by the full force of the Law and when they are allowed to participate with the Gospel (meaning, they have a part in accomplishing their salvation, even if it is only a small part). The reason why? The full force of the Law condemns—exposing sin, stopping self-justifications, and rendering a person dead in sins. Furthermore, an unconditional Gospel does not allow people any claim to salvation—it ascribes everything to the real Jesus and excludes their works, acts of determined consecration, as a merit for salvation. The full force of the Law and an unconditional Gospel destroy the sinful nature, they crucify the old Adam and raise the person anew into Jesus. The sinful old Adam cannot stand this, for the old Adam demands to be in control and desires to rule.

“Ruby, who am I giving false assurance to?” I asked, a bit confused. “Isn’t that the purpose of preaching, to grant assurance in Jesus?”

Ruby bristled and said, “If you preach too much grace, you’re going to make a bunch of lazy Christians who won’t try their best for God. They won’t walk according to the example of Jesus but will think that they are okay and then do whatever they want!”

WHY BOTH LAW AND GOSPEL ARE NEEDED

Both Law and Gospel are needed: the Law of Mt. Sinai in its full sternness and the Gospel of Mt. Calvary in its full sweetness. The reason why: the Law reveals sin; the Gospel absolves sin. Tragically though, Law without Gospel opens the door to legalism; Gospel without Law opens the door to lawlessness.

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