In an effort to avoid moralism as well as protect and preserve the gospel of grace alone in Christ alone, some leaders use a justification only” model of ministry which has a tendency to avoid the topics of obedience, holiness, law and morality from the pulpit. Any call to obedience, they fear, is legalistic so such passages are skimmed over so as to go directly to the gospel. But this is an over-reaction to the moralism many of these pastors may have came out of. I think the problem arises mostly out of a lack of understanding of the biblical doctrine of regeneration. Notice the apostles seem to have no issue speaking boldly about obedience. The apostle John declares: No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for Gods seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9 Why do believers NOT make a practice of sinning, according to the verse? Because they are born of God. Not because they are justified because justification gives no power to obey. That is Christs work. But by imparting his Holy Spirit in regeneration, Gods commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:1-4). So all glory goes to God even in our obedience. The imputing of Christs righteousness to us in justification ensures that there is nothing we can do to attain or maintain our just standing before God. But that should not hinder us from a bold call to obedience as well. Those who obey, do so, not not in order to be saved or maintain that standing, but BECAUSE they are saved... because we are born again. And when we fail to obey, thanks be to God, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, who forgives us our sins. Those who have the Holy Spirit will mourn over their sin. If we do not judge ourselves God will discipline us so that we will not be condemned along with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:31)
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 22:48:03 +0000
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