LOOKING TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP JESUS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. 18 No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known].

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Before peace there is no peace

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The access to this peace comes by faith and provides justification by God because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the source and focus of the faith that justifies. Faith is the instrument used to take hold of the gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ purchased by his atonement for the sins of the redeemed on the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ saves sinners and Scripture reveals in many places how Jesus does this by changing sinners from the inside out. It reveals how the Holy Spirit changes hearts of stone into hearts of flesh and enables sinners to respond to the gospel with new attitudes and desires. Scripture explains how this new attitude results in sanctification that produces fruit and good works. However, the interesting point in this particular verse is the declaration that a person at the moment of justification secures peace with God.

Therefore, this implies that we were not at peace with God before our justification. In Romans 1:18, Paul explains that God’s wrath is in play before one has peace with God. God is extremely angry at the ungodliness and unrighteousness of sinners and their destiny is spiritual death unless they have this peace as Paul explains in Romans 6:23. It is popular in evangelism today to proclaim that God loves you unconditionally. Is this the right thing to tell a sinner who is under wrath and in need of “peace with God”? It is also popular today to “invite” sinners to accept the gospel call and some even say you should not cloud the issue by bringing up subjects like sin and repentance. However, Paul told the men of Athens in Acts 17:30-31, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Did Paul have it wrong and all the seeker sensitive methods of today have it right?

Brothers and sisters we rejoice in God’s love and mercy, but sinners that do not have peace with God and are under his wrath should hear the bad news of why they need peace with God. God is angry with them and they have a problem that can be solved by the good news of grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God uses Scripture and men to give the external call to lost sinners. We should endeavor to do it as accurately and completely as we can without sugar coating or ignoring God’s wrath at sin.

7 Comments:

Blogger Baptist Girl said...

John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The only true peace we will find is when we walk in His spirit. Then and only then can we find rest.

Cristina

January 24, 2007 10:24 PM

 
Blogger mark pierson said...

Repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in His name. He died to save His people from their sins, not just the penalty, but also the power and slavery to those sins. He died and the saints died with Him on that cross. As a result, the saints are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves of God. Romans 6:5-22.

Good post, Wayne.

January 25, 2007 7:43 AM

 
Blogger Craver Vii said...

The angels continually proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy," not "Love, love, love."

That's not saying that God's love is unremarkable, just that it does not supercede his holiness.

I sometimes use the wordless book to share the gospel. If you follow the instructions, it suggests that gold is for heaven. I substitute that for holiness, because I believe that's a great starting point for the gospel. Better anyway, than "penny candy" theology that falsely offers heaven and hides wrath.

January 25, 2007 4:40 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great post, Wayne.

It's quite sad that there seems to be so many 'preachers' who NEVER mention sin/repentance. Wouldn't want anyone to 'feel' bad about themselves now, would we?

To say that this concept does a disservice to people is a gross understatement.

What Craver said - above all God is holy.

January 25, 2007 5:58 PM

 
Blogger jazzycat said...

Thanks everyone for all of these good comments.

I heard this story about the ole country Baptist preacher that was asked why he preached on God's wrath and sin so much, and he replied that you have to convince them they are lost before they can be saved.

I think Paul does that in Romans very well by giving the bad news before giving the good news.

Wayne

January 25, 2007 9:24 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Exactly, Wayne

January 26, 2007 10:02 AM

 
Blogger Craver Vii said...

BTW, that's a really funny picture of the dog and kitten!

January 26, 2007 10:37 AM

 

Post a Comment

<< Home