“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary” – Jonathan Edwards
Sometimes, God’s inspiration comes to normal humans in a way which challenges men with the humble and granite truth that can only be divine. Yes the Bible is to be of utmost focus in our journey, but writers like C.S. Lewis and Anne Lamott speak in a way that often peals back the layers of humanity to show us the image of God in a way that aligns with Scripture. Jonathan Edwards was such a man. His prayer life alone would make us feel terribly inadequate, yet quotes like this remind us of where the power of the Gospel lays – in the hands of our God. Every generation seems to find a way to uniquely articulate the prose of the Gospel in a way that is relevant and needed for that time period. We have a message as believers that we can never exhaust the corners of explanation. How deep and wide is our Father’s love for us.
The Church only has one message. In the stupidity of man, we have tainted or tried to spruce up, yet it remains easy enough for all to understand. The difficulty always rests in its application. While it is easy to understand, it is difficult to believe. This idea that we contribute nothing to our salvation flies in the face of our American mindset. We must always be reminded then or risk to pick up the burden of sin that only Christ can lift.
You are free from your abilities and shortcomings. Today, may you be reminded that your soul has rest, that the cross is sufficient, and Gospel is personal. May this freedom unshackle you from the chains of self improvement and the facade of being “good enough”. Lord, break us free from the lukewarm mediocre life that misses out on both the depth and simplicity of the Gospel. Your way is easy. Your way is free.
Matt simon blog 