- Counter-intuitive
- Counter-cultural
- Counter-logical
- Counter-"religion"
Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of purity.
Let me explain.
You see, many people have the mistaken notion that the essence of Christianity is being a good person. You know, following the rules. Being pure and holy.
Now, I'm all for following the rules (as opposed to breaking them). I am a big fan of goodness (and not badness). I deeply believe that we should all strive for purity and holiness (rather than depravity and wickedness).
But ... How? Why?
Yes, that's the rub. How do we pursue purity? Why do we pursue purity?
The gospel of Jesus provides two wonderful, surprising, and liberating truths:
Truth #1:
The only way to be pure is to realize that you already are pure.
Truth #2:
The only way to stay pure is to realize that you don't have to.
Don't believe me? Read what the apostle Paul wrote to Titus (in Titus 3. 4-8)...
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. Theses things are excellent and profitable for all people.
Did you notice the "so that" in verse 8? It's vital! Paul is communicating an amazing truth - once we understand what has been done to us in Christ, we are then equipped to live for Christ!
Another way to state it - a solid stand upon the doctrine of justification by faith (that is, that we are not saved by our good works, but only by the mercy of God and the perfect obedience of Christ) will, of necessity, lead to obedience.
That is why, at its core, the gospel of Jesus is NOT helpful advice BUT good news. It is about what God did for us in Christ, and not about what we do for God.
How does this lead to purity and holiness? Simple! The good news of salvation by grace through faith fuels the joy that empowers obedience. That's right! Understanding what God has done for us in Christ gives rise to a deepening love for God and a growing desire for holy living.
These affections, in turn, break the power of sin and energize us to (obedience) for the glory of God ... Transformed affections, in other words, lead to transformed morals and a life in which we abound in obedience. (Matt Perman, What's Best Next)Understanding that, at this moment, you are perfectly and wholly accepted by God through Christ apart from (and despite) anything you have done should result in a radical desire for purity because of a renewed love for God and a joy in undeserved salvation.
Remember what Jesus said, "He who is forgiven little, loves little. But those who have been forgiven much, love much." (Luke 7. 47)
So ... how do you pursue purity?
First, understand that the way to be pure is to realize that you are already declared pure. You are washed clean in the sight of God. Though your sins were as scarlet, there are now white as snow. (Isaiah 1.18)
Second, understand that the way to stay pure is to realize you don't have to. You see, a true understanding of the gospel makes you excited for purity because you can pursue it freely, from the heart, rather than out of fear (of what might happen to you if you don't) or guilt (about what will happen to you when you don't).
The law drives us to the gospel, and the gospel frees us to obey the law. (The Gospel-Driven Life, World Harvest Mission)Here's the wonder of amazing grace: gospel-driven Christians are enthusiastic Christians who are energetic to pursue purity not to gain acceptance with God but because they already have acceptance with God.
Now, since you have it, live it. With joyful freedom.
