Unmerited Grace

Here are some things that I have been thinking about today. They originated in God speaking through some sermons that I have listened to, some books that I have read, and conversations that I have had.

At the bottom of all of the Christian’s joy should be God, not ourselves. In other words, the most fundamental of all of our joy should be God, not ourselves. – John Piper. In the end, is my basis for happiness, joy, satisfaction, and contentment founded in God making much of me or in God making much of Himself?

Christianity is not a religion. The premise of religion is that we do certain things to be accepted and loved by God. Christianity is quite the opposite. We cannot please God, because His standard is perfection. Our only hope for acceptance and love is Jesus taking our place in God’s Just Judgment. Jesus is an appropriate sacrifice, because He lived a perfect life and fulfilled the Law of God that we could not. Jesus blood effectively removes all of our sin and in its place, Jesus places His righteousness, so that when God sees us, He only sees His perfect, glorious Son.

How can this be so? How can the righteousness of one take the place of the unrighteousness of many? How can people who have not lived up to a perfect standard receive the benefits of someone who did live a perfect life? We understand the opposite, though. Many ‘innocent’ (insofar as one can be innocent) people can suffer the punishment for one guilty person’s actions. A drunk driver killing a single mom and her kids. A suicide bomber flying a plane into a building. Did the innocent people deserve the punishment of death that the guilty person did? No. But did they receive it? Yes.

Likewise, do we pitiful sinners deserve the grace of God gifted to us in the form of getting to be with God for eternity in intimate relationship? No. But Jesus does, and His righteousness is imparted to those who believe on Him. The unrighteousness of Adam was given to his children, just as the righteousness of one (the Last, Great Adam – Jesus) is given to His children.

Religion states that I obey, therefore I am accepted. Christianity says that I am accepted, therefore I obey. Because of the joy set before us, we endure all things for the Glory of God. In the end, my performance (or lack thereof) will not be good enough for me to be with God for eternity. Only Jesus’ blood means anything in my life. Surely, God will sanctify me. Surely, I will be made more holy. Surely I will become more righteous. But let me not think that any of those will merit favor before a Holy God. Only Jesus’ blood is enough.

Wow. Unmerited Grace.