On Being a Christian

The essence of Christian theology is grace,

and the essence of Christian ethics is gratitude.

-a professor of RC Sproul's

I've been chewing on this quote a little over the last few days. I'm nearing the end of Sproul's commentary on John and I still recommend it! His wise teaching on the book and depth of knowledge of the Scriptures & God's redemptive plan are spurring me on to love God more.

Two things the above quote makes me think about:

1. Christian theology is all about grace. In fact, there is no Christian theology without grace.

Our pastor in Cambridge, MA liked to mention that Jesus loves me, this I know is deep Christian theology; it's more than a cute song we sing to our kids. Yes, there are rules in the Bible about how we should live, but before you can get to those, you have to start at the cross where Jesus died and bore the penalty for all sin of all time - yours and mine - reconciling us to God.

Because there was no hope otherwise.

Adhering to Christian principles is nice, but it won't bridge the gap. Only the grace of God, poured out through His Son's life, death, and resurrection brings us back into right relationship with our creator.

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Sometimes I wonder why. Really God, a brat like me?! Grace flies in the face of normal, human thinking. But it's God's way of drawing us back to Himself. He went to the greatest lengths possible.

Once we grasp it, we can do nothing but be thankful - the second part of the quote.

2. The reason a Christian lives in obedience to God's commands is thankfulness for all he has received from His hand - that amazing grace that saved a wretch like me.

In the Word we find commandments, precepts, statues, etc. Knowing we have been called by God to be His people, we desire to obey these, loving God and our neighbor, because we are so. very. thankful!!!!

It's not always easy, but God gives us His Spirit, He reminds us our sins are forgiven, and He changes us as we walk with Him. We can live in peace with thankful hearts, because we enjoy the most secure relationship available to man.

Here's the wrap up:

I believe because God started a work in me that only He could begin; I did nothing to earn this place in God's family, as His adopted daughter.

That's grace.

I obey in His power for the same reason: I did nothing to earn this place in God's family, as His adopted daughter.

That's gratitude.

And the gratitude only grows as I walk with the Lord, as He ever so gently shows me just how desperate my situation is with out him. The more He opens my eyes to my sin, the more precious Jesus' death on the cross becomes.

Truly, the essence of Christian theology is grace,

and the essence of Christian ethics is gratitude.

Thanks for this quote, Dr. Sproul.