Justifying By Faith Alone

It's amazing how clear hindsight is.

And as I look back on this past year, I am brought to my knees in awe of what my God has done to someone like me.

It's been a hard year. Full of growth and joy, learning how not to depend upon myself.

Last year I was confronted with my huge problem of pride and at that point in time, it shattered me. All that I knew of myself was pulled out from under me and I started to re-build who I was as a new creation in Christ. Of course, it really was Him doing the building.

And I think that I've shared on here, my journey through January and realizing that I was building my faith on my own abilities and legalism.

This past semester, I've been taking Homiletics here, and both of my two sermons for the class came from the book of Galatians. Paul's message to those dwelling in Galatia was exactly the message I needed to understand.

"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Listen! I Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make your right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. I'll say it again: If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive the faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised What is important is faith expressing itself in love." {Galatians 5:1-6 - NLT}

And that's what I was doing: submitting myself for slavery. Trading in my wings for chains.

During my sermon, I used the illustration of Cinderella (and for you guys, just think bride of Christ, here, alright? Good)

Imagine being a slave. Working away in grimy conditions all the time. Being abused, pushed past your limits, uncared for. Think Cinderella here, people. Evil stepmother, evil stepsisters, only friends are the mice, not a fun place to be. Then, that glorious moment when the glass slipper is fitted onto your foot and your freedom is offered to you, and there is a chance to leave that place. Prince Charming and the palace await! Who in their right mind would say, “Um… Sorry Princey, but I think I’m going to keep on working in these conditions, being abused by my stepmother, sweeping out the fire pit, so that someday I’ll be able to be free, but I can’t come to the palace with you now, because I’ve got to work to earn it.” NO, today is the day of freedom! And your Prince Charming has come, and set you free! 

And it's this freedom that I have been learning. 

Although He calls me to self-discipline, He does not call me to legalism, and I had a wonderful discussion with a friend about this tonight. Legalism says that my doing this is what makes me worthy in God's eyes. Self-discipline says that I want to, and I know that either way, I am accepted.

I am justified (the guilt and punishment of sin exchanged for being seen as right in the eyes of God, all in one fell swoop) by faith alone. 

What amazing grace!