A while back, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.
This week includes the topics of:
- The Holy Spirit does not convict believers of sin, but unbelievers.
- Knowing that not all Bible verses are what they appear and are often taken out of context.
- "Daily disciplines" or routines are not required to get closer to God. Jesus has become a new and living way for us.
- Dispensationalism.
- Holiness and sanctification are gifts that came through Jesus and not something unattainable that we progressively or gradually work at to become more righteous or acceptable to God.
- Overcoming the painful experience of self-righteous judgement by getting kicked out of church for what the hierarchy viewed as failing their so-called moral code (dancing).
A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:
Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). There is a good chance you have had similar experiences you'll find very relatable.
This week includes the topics of:
- Thinking a believer in Christ can forfeit their salvation.
- The Holy Spirit convicts us (believers) of sin.
-Religious accusations of idol worship motivated by guilt.
- God's love didn't really bring any change to you unless you were wholeheartedly committed to church ministry.
- Misunderstanding our identity inherited in Christ ... instead of working or doing something to attain what God has already gifted.
"The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin."
"Sin separates us from God."
"Sin will hinder our fellowship with God."
What if none of these things are accurate? Would it positively change how you see God in your daily life? What if the blood of Jesus was stronger than sin ... stronger than your fleshly works ... would it bring an indescribable peace that surpasses your understanding?
Sometimes it's difficult to get the right answers without asking the right questions. Here is one example: Why would God repeatedly convict you or remind you—as a believer in Christ—of something that He declared He would no longer remember inside of a new and better covenant? This would only result in the same sin consciousness that the Jewish people were delivered from within a sacrificial system that brought a constant reminder of sins.
Religious legalists will indirectly declare the work of the cross as insufficient and are forced into the dubious position of trusting in themselves. God's Spirit is there to convict/remind you of His righteousness and bears witness that sins were removed and taken away, once for all. His desire is to cleanse our conscience from dead works to experience an inheritance of eternal redemption ... through a new and living way.
There may be dozens of passages contained in New Covenant writings from the apostles about God’s permanent forgiveness that came through the cross of Christ, but frequently they are resisted by people who will stumble over a single “verse” which may appear to contradict the good news. 1 John 1:9 is just one example when it is not understood in the proper context with the rest of the gospel. When this scenario occurs, we should compare the verse in question and consider why it isn’t lining up with the other passages. After all, we’re growing in our understanding of God’s grace and the powerful message of the gospel.
Other examples include the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus was hammering the Mosaic law to Jewish people. Here He told them they would not be forgiven unless they first forgave others. How does that match up with the cross? It doesn’t. The “sermon” was not the gospel because there was no blood in it. That statement by Jesus was completely contrary to what the Apostle Paul stated on more than one occasion about our forgiveness after the cross (because two different covenants were being ministered between Jesus and Paul). Jesus was pointing out their inability to attain righteousness and forgiveness by what they do.
People will often say, “the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins.” In context, Jesus said the Spirit would convict the world of sin “because they do not believe in me.” Unbelievers need to understand the sin problem they were born into and why a Savior is needed. But Jesus said the Spirit would convict believers of righteousness. That’s who we are in Him… the righteousness of God, cleansed and perfected by His blood… no longer seeking His forgiveness over and over but living in it as we’re renewed day by day through the very life of God within us.
