Do Be, Be Do

“The main thing between you and God is not so much your sins; it’s your damnable good works.” ~ John Gerstner

Truly, I wish Christianity would be as intended when written in the Scriptures-

Simple. 

Nonetheless, the philosophies of man continue to assault simplicity and rearrange truth, to suit themselves and vainly attempt to minimize Christ (Colossians 2:8-10). They put make-up on it and therefore put on it a new face, degrading it. 

In the process, philosophy plus theology will lead us to base our identity on what we do, instead of the things we do being based itself on who we are, which is in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26). Be on guard. Not all of these assaults are from “non-believers.”

Know this. 

We do “things” because of who we are. Who we are is not what we do. 

I intend to use the word “things” in a facetious manner because apart from a sound and healthy identity, that is what they remain-

Things.

The Gospel requires belief. The Word says, it is “not of yourselves” but “it is [a] gift” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Merriam-Webster definition defines gift in this way, 

“Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.”

The Bible defines it in this way,

“And it was the third hour, and they crucified him” (Mark 15:25).

Talk about paid in full… Jesus was a ransom for all, and we can add nothing to the price He paid with His death and secured with His resurrection. Nothing else will suffice for our salvation (1 Timothy 2:9; Psalm 49:7). 

Many are familiar with the classic song, “Jesus Paid It All.” The words ring true,

“…Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe…” 

I could never deny that this is true, but functionally, how is the Church doing with embracing the fact that Jesus paid it all? What are our works but filthy rags if not bathed in the righteousness of our Redeemer (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:9-21). They are merely “things” until life is lived in the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s saving, regenerative, and renewing power (Titus 3:4-6).

Owing our lives to God, does not imply that it is feasible to repay the debt that we owe (Romans 12:1). Christ took care of the debt as a gift. Believing His Gospel relinquishes humanities phony grip on eternity. Allowing the lost to now abide in the Holy Spirit, and earnestly cry, “Abba, Father” in celebration of our new-found adoption (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).

Doing does not equate to being. 

A member of the Body of Christ is your being and your identification when you are saved.  This state of being is your reality and the accompanying “doing” is merely the by-product of the Holy Spirit’s righteous indwelling and discernment of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 3).

God bless!