2Th 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power
"Obey not THE GOSPEL"....
What is the gospel? What is the "good news" and how do we "obey" it?
From what Jesus has taught me in His word, THE GOSPEL is the good news that He paid the price for my sin, and I am to trust in Him and His finished work. I am supposed to REST IN JESUS, but without His help in this, it is something I cannot do...and I confess that I cannot do it, and REST in the fact that Jesus can, and does, and already did everything to secure that for me, and that is GOOD NEWS (gospel) indeed!
EDITED TO ADD
Gregg at Gospel Driven Disciples has the word GOSPEL for his A to Z challenge word for today. He has some excellent info on that excellent word here
Much of the confusion comes from either preconceived theology, which we call isogesis, or a strict reliance on English translations. The Tense, Voice, and Mood of Greek verbs is crucial at times to determine what I am to do or not do or how it is done. You are right, we are to rest in Christ, but we cannot do this apart from the enabling of His Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteYour post is indeed good news!
Gregg Metcalf
Colossians 1:28-29
Gospel-driven Disciples
Hi Gregg,
ReplyDeleteThat preconceived theology is a tough one, isn't it? I am guilty as charged on that point too.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher, and He brings treasures from God's word (from the old as well as new) to our remembrance at the appropriate times, to instruct, to correct, to encourage, and to comfort, as He sees fit. It is a well of living water and He refreshes us daily. I do forget to look to Him, and I feel it in ways that remind me to look up for His blessings of His mercy and grace.
He never left me.... however, I tend to stray off by myself alot. He is the Good Shepherd. :-)
Resting in Him is the hardest thing to do.
ReplyDeleteSome quote I heard somewhere was that we all "default" to pelagianism left to our own devices.
We are basically good when given a chance...ha!
HE did it all and we mustn't thing we can add anything.
Hi Ma,
ReplyDeleteSo true! I've heard it said "If Jesus is your Co-pilot, you need to switch seats"
He is the One that is in control. When we wrest that control back away from Him, that is when we are in the most danger...and you are right, Ma, it is the hardest "easy" thing to do, lol.
When an Arminian says their works prove their salvation, and that those who rest in Jesus are slackers taking the "easy way out" by not working like they are working, I remember Jesus with Martha and Mary. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not working while she (Martha) was doing all the work.
Luk 10:40 But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
May we also choose "that good part" that won't be taken away from us...Jesus doesn't want our hearts to be troubled about many things.
We think we can add to His works, doing, doing, doing, but if it isn't His doing in and through us, it is all for nothing, endless strivings...
Jesus said "It is finished". :)
Gregg has such a good point to go along with your great post - isogesis. Which is what I listened to for YEARS!! It makes me SO thankful for my current pastor!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Susan - I was looking for your blog on my dashboard and realized I wasn't following! What was wrong with me?? Anyway, situation rectified.
Don't be mad. ;)
Hi Mrs. Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI've been battling a computer virus, sorry I didn't put your comment up until just a few minutes ago. Thanks for your comments, I do appreciate them.