The "blood of the cross" is the fact upon which the whole Christian faith is based. A Life was given to atone for countless lives lost to the curse of sin. One Life, human, tender, fragile, but endowed with the infinite value of Christ's deity. One Life given, a historical fact which has profound effects for the standing of sinful mankind before the court of the holy God: "You, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled ... to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight."
The heart of the gospel is the glorious announcement that we now stand reconciled to God through the work of God's own Son. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about this marvelous bit of news. Every man, woman, and child on this Earth is invited to hear of it, to believe it as true, and to run with it in a joyous life of knowing God and living here as His children—despite the wiles of Satan, the tug of the flesh, and the opposition of the world.
But any condition placed on this gospel, any contribution required of us, any deed assessed to qualify the person to receive it, proves an obstacle. It was such additions to the gospel that Paul was trying to counter and discredit. We receive this great standing with God and live in it by faith, and faith alone: "If indeed you continue in the faith ... and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard."
There is a time to address error, to contend for the faith, to expose false teachings that undermine the simple message of Christ. That time? Whenever the error appears by somehow adding to, subtracting from, or otherwise muddying the message set forth in God's Word. For in this way it subtly, insinuatingly, and diabolically seeks to attach itself to the pure gospel of salvation.
May we study and grow in the gracious message of Christ, so that we do live in peace—God's peace—and that alone.
From the Lutheran Spokesman |
