“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in
ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more
loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. This is the only
kind of relationship that will really transform us. Love without truth is
sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our
flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it give us information but in such a
way that we cannot really heart it. God’s saving love in Christ, however, is
marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical,
unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see
the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to
cling to and rest in God’s mercy and grace.”
–The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
–The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
I stumbled across this definition of the gospel while
reading Tim Keller’s book on marriage.
No, I am not married, or even close to getting married, but
the book speaks on so many matters other than having a loving marriage.
I didn’t know how much this book would minister to me when I
began reading it. It was just on my list of books to read. I am so thankful for how God works in ways
like that, for I have been learning so much more about my natural self, as I
also learn though experiences.
Trust me when I say, I have a sinful heart.
Even I do not fully know the depths of my depravity.
Before I left for S.A., a missionary woman from my church and I were talking about spiritual growth and understanding of grace.
She spoke about how the more we come to know the holiness of God, the more we understand the depths of our sin, and the love of Jesus. As you grow in Christ it is not that you have more sin, that Christ gets more righteous, but it is our understanding of the gospel that becomes a clearer picture of salvation.
It is similar to a crescendo < to see true need for salvation, and more the irresistible beauty of God's grace towards us.
This is why we have the humble saints such as Paul who said
Before I left for S.A., a missionary woman from my church and I were talking about spiritual growth and understanding of grace.
She spoke about how the more we come to know the holiness of God, the more we understand the depths of our sin, and the love of Jesus. As you grow in Christ it is not that you have more sin, that Christ gets more righteous, but it is our understanding of the gospel that becomes a clearer picture of salvation.
It is similar to a crescendo < to see true need for salvation, and more the irresistible beauty of God's grace towards us.
This is why we have the humble saints such as Paul who said
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
- 1 Timothy 1:15-16
In Keller's book The Meaning of Marriage, he speaks on my generation’s culture on “love” and marriage. How everyone is looking for a person who will share all there interests, meet those needs, someone to feel in love with, and accept them in all their forms. (doesn't that sound awesome??)
But the truth is that chances of finding one perfect person who meets all these requirements are slim, and slimmer yet, that you will be that person for them. This is completely unrealistic to expect out of a human.
- 1 Timothy 1:15-16
In Keller's book The Meaning of Marriage, he speaks on my generation’s culture on “love” and marriage. How everyone is looking for a person who will share all there interests, meet those needs, someone to feel in love with, and accept them in all their forms. (doesn't that sound awesome??)
But the truth is that chances of finding one perfect person who meets all these requirements are slim, and slimmer yet, that you will be that person for them. This is completely unrealistic to expect out of a human.
All idealistic. And none of it is how the bible has showed us
what love and marriage should be. It shows us that marriage is an example of CHRIST'S love to us. Christ's love is what we look to mirror, but without first experiencing the definition of Love in Christ Jesus we will be let down, by every human, for like me is dreadfully flawed by sin.
::BUT::
::BUT::
The bible shows us what love is in Philippians 2
::Imitating Christ’s Humility::
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (the one with full understanding of our separation from God- for our sin- and the one who in we have full salvation from sin and the access to God in example)
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death —
even death on a cross!
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death —
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the Love: That Jesus Christ knew the damnation for our wicked hearts, yet LOVED us to bring us access into His presence! And He did this through self sacrifice.
NOW, go back up to the top of the page and read the quote again.
Think on the meaning of the depths of what it means to be accepted in this love. Remember the consequence for sin in Hell.
+++ After reading+++
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the Love: That Jesus Christ knew the damnation for our wicked hearts, yet LOVED us to bring us access into His presence! And He did this through self sacrifice.
NOW, go back up to the top of the page and read the quote again.
Think on the meaning of the depths of what it means to be accepted in this love. Remember the consequence for sin in Hell.
+++ After reading+++
Now,
if this is true... we have to be truthful with ourselves.
"God’s saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God’s mercy and grace.”
And if this is true... what does it mean for me?
What does this mean about my identity, my working, my attitude towards other, what I expect from others, and the needs of my heart?
I don't know who reads this, but if anyone has any questions, please send me a note, or contact me. But let this kind of love, humility, and the knowledge of this change you.
This is not just for me-a struggling new missionary- but for all, to be fully clothed and accepted through Jesus Christ's love on the cross, where He suffered, died, and rose to bring us into full understanding of salvation through grace. He has offered this in humility, so that through His grace you might be saved.
And understand the truth about you and I.
And understand the truth about you and I.
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