Fix Yourself Theology
Some say that there is too much “how to fix yourself” theology coming from the pulpit.
You know, the kind of preaching that says, “We’re all sinners. You’re a sinner. In fact, you probably sinned this week. So take out your notepad and write down these three simple steps to stop sinning.”
Whatever happened to the grace of God? I thought my sins were already forgiven? What’s with all this stuff about changing?
Some churches talk so much about how to fix yourself that I worry about the impressions visitors might get.
What about youth groups? Are we teaching our students about the endless love of Christ as well as the call to live a life seperated unto Him?
F. Scott Fitzgerald said that, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” This is one of those times when we must be so careful to hold two apparently opposing ideas in our mind, or we risk leading our students off the cliff of self-perfecting perfectionism.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? …As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:14,26)
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I agree!
Both sides need to be expressed together.
What concerns me just as much as the “sin” preaching is the pulpits that are preaching that since our sins are already forgiven it doesn’t matter what we do.
“Sin all you want because they are forgiven and you will still get to heaven.”
In fact, just last week I read a Christian forum convo that was preaching that very idea. AND the worst part is it was a group of 30-somethings carrying the post in a TEEN forum.
That’s NOT what I read in the Bible.
Because of the grace that saved us we ought to live Christ-like lives. But know when we fall short we are forgiven through the cross. Lay those sins at the feet of Jesus. Receive his forgiveness and with His help turn from the sinful life-style to be a light in the world of darkness for Him.
Great thoughts!
It’s amazing to see that “sin all you want” mentality coming up all though out history. But the truth is amazing!
We are dead to sin and alive in Christ! We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness!! (Romans 6)
Yet this is not just something to learn once. It’s a constant struggle, something to repeatedly remind ourselves and remind our brothers and sisters around us. Have you sinned? Made a mistake? Let’s rejoice together in the fact we are forgiven! Let’s also work together to avoid that sin next time around. It’s a wonderful journey to live together. It’s not filled with condemnation and pressure to be perfect, but freedom to love.
When sharing the Gospel in third world countries, when talking about sanctification, I always stress that because God loves me so much and gave me so much in His son Jesus, I want to live for Him! It’s not about rules or requirements, but an honest, earnest desire to give anything and everything I can to honor the Lord. I still mess up plenty, but His forgiveness and love keeps drawing me deeper…
Thanks for sharing Paul!
this post is “bingo!”
the bible isn’t a self-help book.
thank you. that is all….
Ah, good old Law and Gospel :-)