"You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity."
Matthew 5:48 The Message
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Restoring freedom to Christians by releasing them from performance-driven Christianity
In 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis declaring salvation by grace through faith. Today the church desperately needs a second reformation of sanctification by grace. Christians are chained to a treadmill of trying to please God by their behavior, of trying harder and sinning less. If they can just discipline themselves enough and be determined enough, they are deceived into thinking they can become righteous and holy and be close to God and He will be pleased. Grace tells us that our relationship and intimacy with our Father in heaven is no longer dependent upon our behavior...or lack there of. Grace tells us we no longer have to strive to become righteous, because He has given us a new nature that is righteous. Grace tells us that it is the only thing powerful enough to deal with our sin. Grace tells us that God is already head-over-heels in love with us and nothing we do can change that. Welcome to "Formed by Grace."
About Me
- Bill Tell
- I have served on the staff of The Navigators for 40 years. In 2000 I got off the treadmill of finding my worth by pleasing others and trying harder and discovered grace!
Dad - I've been pondering this one on and off all day, and I can figure out how this has anything to do with "be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect."
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I think living out of our God-created identity has a lot to do with being perfect as our heavenly father is perfect. Resisting sin, loving my husband and kids, serving and not waiting to be served, choosing to believe truth over lies, forgiving...what's not God-created or perfect about that?
ReplyDeleteThough I understand/believe both, I think The Message's version gives me a more approachable goal, not in the sense of "I can do this myself," but a better description of what HAS happened and what NEEDS TO happen or keep happening. "Be perfect" (in this context) is fine, but needs a good bit of explanation to make sure we really get it and don't confuse it with a common lie like "you'd better measure up." Especially for new believers, I'd guess.