I HAVE on my desk several “frequently visited” books I use for reference in my studies, correspondence and writing my blogs. One I value is from New Growth Press titled How People Change, authored by Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp. In many ways this book parallels what we have been studying in these Spiritual Growth lessons found in The Complete Green Letters by Mile Stanford.
THERE is a catch phrase contained in How People Change found in the opening chapter, in fact the chapter is devoted entirely to it called “The Gospel Gap.” It describes the vast gap that often exists in our grasp of the gospel’s impact on our Christian walk. How our identity in Christ is subverted in our understanding, or how God’s present work in the gospel is not fully understood. “This gap (emphasis mine) undermines every relationship in our lives, every decision we make, and every attempt to minister to others. Yet we live blindly, as if the hole were not there.” Lane and Tripp explain how we are really good at seeing the gospel’s saving aspect, delivering us from sin’s condemnation, and the hope the gospel provides in our future deliverance into the Lord’s presence. But what about each day, the here and now, dealing with the presence of and power of indwelling sin? How does the Gospel deal with that, or does it?
THE answer is yes, it does, and it heartens me to read How People Change and see this vital theme repeated and presented, albeit from a somewhat different perspective. I very much recommend Lane and Tripp’s book as a helpful addition to our study in Spiritual Growth. For today however, the Gospel Gap is a fitting way to think forward into our look at Think Position, taking up where we left off at the heading, Position Unknown.
In the inexorable blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2
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Chapter 56 — Think Position! – Part 2
Position Unknown
Although the Christian has been positioned above, he is unaware of this fact when he comes to the Savior at the foot of the Cross. What he sees is that the penalty of his sins has been paid, and that he is thereby assured of his place in Glory. Therefore, most new converts commence to live and work for Him from the motive of gratitude for their salvation. The usual exhortation they are given is, “Now get busy and serve the Lord.” This they seek to do on the basis of the birth truths. From this inadequate ground the majority of young Christians go down in defeat.
Others, more thoroughly taught, move forward in the knowledge of their reconciliation to God, their acceptance in the Lord Jesus, as well as their completeness and eternal security in Him. Even with this firm foundation upon which to stand, they have yet to learn that more is needed. The resultant failure in trying to live by these basic truths is the Father’s preparation for the Christian to realize his need for deliverance.
The Holy Spirit then begins to reveal the truths that will deliver him from the reign of sin (Rom. 5:21). The Lord Jesus has promised that “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). This freedom does not come from general truth in the Word, important as that is, but from specific truths.
In the key Book of Romans there is nothing said about growth until the problem of righteousness is completely settled. To the middle of Chapter Five the subject is justification from sins based on the substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus, and it is that birth truth upon which many attempt to gain maturity in Him. After Romans 5:11, Scripture begins to speak of “justification of life,” and, “reigning in life” (vv. 17,18)—the life we need for the Lord Jesus to be manifested.
It is important to note that Romans 1:1–5:11 present God’s remedy for the penalty of sins, while Romans 6–8 present God’s remedy for the power of sin. The Blood secures forgiveness for my sins; the Cross secures deliverance for me, the sinner. These are facts that not only bring new birth and promise heaven, but provide His overcoming resurrection life for the here and now. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Position Appreciated ….to be continued
